This fragment of wood was found beneath elderly blackthorn bushes which had been layered many years previously. You will see from the example above how the wood reacts to trauma, be it natural or manmade. The plant grows around the trauma, causing bulbous growths which then become vulnerable. They are highly prized in some woods such as oak, and known as ‘burrs’ with beautiful wavy markings within.
This site is very flat, very exposed and the only hedging hardy enough to survive is blackthorn or hawthorn. Not only are weather and site conditions difficult but the shrubs must also contend with predation by deer.
Blackthorn produces the most beautiful white blossom in spring – the earliest hedgerow to blossom – and delicious sloes in the autumn.