Phragmites australis - Norfolk reed

Phragmites australis - Norfolk reed

Location: Silverdale - North/West of Leeds. Phragmites australis is an invasive grass species that can grow up to heights of 3 meters. They prefer to grow in full sunlight conditions with poorly drained soils.

The conditions for this massive colony of P. australis are perfect for it to grow in, there is little or no shade cast from the surrounding trees (alnus glutinous and salix spp.) and its in this wet boggy terrain that it much loves to be in.

The reed has been allowed to colonise in this area of Silverdale for phytoremediation, it is the direct use of plants to stabilise or decrease the contamination in surrounding environments.

Acer platanoides - Norway Maple

Acer platanoides - Norway Maple

Location - Longford Park/Manchester. A large deciduous tree that grow over 12 meters tall and have a spread of 8 meters. It's capable of growing in many different types of soils and in either part shade or full sun, this specimen was found in part shade and in moist loam/sand type soil amongst Fagus spp. and Quercus spp.

The leaves often grow in pairs and have 5 lobes with various pointed edges.

The buds are brown, large and robust.

The bark is smooth and grey.

This specimen has grown almost straight and upright but other examples are found with a more spread out crown.