Barking up wrong tree is all too common

THE other day, a friend of mine pointed to some hazel catkins and asked “what are those?” I’m surprised at how few tree species most people can identify.

Some get no further than holly. It may have to do with national schools. Many have nature tables and posters on the wall, but it depends on a teacher who has a personal interest — I don’t think tree identification is covered in our teacher-training colleges.

The subject must have been neglected when many people I know went to school. Otherwise, I wouldn’t get asked what hazel catkins are. Even people who can recognise oak, ash and sycamore become bewildered when confronted with a plantation of conifers. So, here’s a quick guide to recognising the commoner forestry conifers.