Quercus robur, English or Pedunculate Oak

Common Name: English or Pedunculate Oak

Quercus robur, or the English or Pedunculate oak, is probably the most well-known and best-loved of the tree species native to Britain. This king of the forest can live for more than a millennium according to some sources, and grow up to 40 m high. Mature specimens are usually home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Since the Druids, and probably long before, the oak has played an important role in British culture. Couples were still wed under ancient oaks as late as Oliver Cromwell's time and the Yule log, kept from one year to another to warm the Christmas celebrations, was traditionally cut from oak.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.