The right tree in the right place, decided by the wind, the squirrels and the jays. Willows, also adorned with catkins right now, are almost always a feature of wild-sown scrub. On female willow trees, catkins produce more nectar, good energy for bees as well as butterflies and hoverflies. Whatever the type of landscape, scrub habitats are just as significant as more celebrated hedgerows, offering a similar suite of benefits. Each patch, replete with a self-seeded community of native trees and shrubs, is natures’ way of rewilding.

Source: Irish Examiner March 11, 2026 06:06 UTC