Worthy Non-Natives?

[Bearwood]

You're going to kick yourself for this one, but neither demographic you mention fits. I'll message you the meaning so not to offend.

[Dexter's Shed]

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[The Barrowers]

Hello

Have just noted some Portugal Laurel Is this worthy?
Supposed to be good for turning and spoon carving? If its worthy a bit late now as it is down whilst scalloping a ride for wildlife, been given to a wood turner (only so many spoons and light pulls we need)

B and T

[splodger]

Sweet chestnut grows quick, looks nice, might produce nuts? -Still waiting after disastrous year last year, splits well for poles or shingles, coppices well, but has no wildlife benefits other than the badgers like the nuts and squirrels like the bark. It also shades everything out if you let them get big. Personally I prefer Hazel, its better for wildlife; important for several moths and a better adapted native. I've also got it in profusion already, which is a bonus. My Sweet Chestnuts look well nibbled and past their best, I anticipate they'll turn into shingles for my 'hut'.

i have to disagree about sweet chestnut not having benefits to wildlife. our little copse is probably 95% chestnut - and is absolutely teeming with a vast array of wildlife - if it had no "benefits" the wildlife would not be there

[oldclaypaws]

Its habitat, so you will have stuff that lives there, but not stuff (other than squirrel and deer) that naturally depends on it as food. Its an import, not a plant that has evolved here as part of the ecosystem, so there are no SC munching specialist species in the UK as far as I know, although I'll be pleased to be proved wrong as I also have some.- I was quoting from my pretty knowledgeable consultant, who seemed well informed.

[splodger]

well i think the dormice and wood mice would up sticks and leave if there were no chestnuts - infact the chestnuts are eaten by a large number of creatures - including wild birds - not just squirrels at all

[oldclaypaws]

I withdraw my 'SC is not particulalrly beneficial to wildlife' comment, having found this informative article;

http://butterfly-conservation.org/files/habitat-sweet-chestnut-factsheet.pdf

I think I'd re-comment, it might not be as good as say Oak, Hazel or Willow, but does have some wildlife benefits from providing habitat, nuts and food for some moths. It is an 'honorary native' having been in the British landscape since Roman times. These discussions encourage research and learning, which is one of the benefits of a forum, sharing information.

I guess you could say the same about the Rabbit, which was also introduced by the Romans. (Not the Normans as is commonly thought). Its now an accepted part of the National makeup, as are those other imports; Tomato Ketchup, Chips, Christianity, The Bungalow, Heinz Beans and the English (a German people)