Barnes Common has 70+ species of recorded native and non-native trees. Between March and July 2020, we created a weekly series to offer more information about about the history, uses and folklore of some of our trees, available here.

Did you know that the English oak supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK. Here on the Common, nearly half our 4,000 trees of size are naturally seeded oaks. We estimate our oldest oaks at 150-200 years old, and would have grown up in open spaces, coinciding broadly the time grazing ceased. However, most on the common are young: less than 75 years old. Read on for more oak facts here.

Our black poplars growing along the River Thames at Barnes belong to a unique and important population that includes genetically diverse veteran female trees. With only around 7000 wild individuals left, it is our most endangered native tree. Richmond Borough is one of the most important sites in UK for Black Poplar genetic diversity. Read on for more about our black poplar project.

Read about our beech and apple trees, our hazel coppicing and more on our ‘Common’ Trees page here.