Greening Wymondham

This impressive Sycamore stands beside Wymondham Abbey’s tall west tower. As a largely unmanaged tree, we are fortunate to observe its full natural form.

Sycamore is native to southern, central and eastern Europe. The deep rooting systems and broad waxy ‘palmate’ leaves (similar to maple) help the tree to retain water, facilitating a degree of drought resilience while also providing shade. Mature trees produce small green-yellow flowers hanging in conical clusters called ‘racemes’ and develop winged fruits called ‘samaras’; we might know the seeds as ‘helicopters’. Sycamores can grow to 35m tall and may live for up to 400 years.

Believed introduced to Britain in Tudor times (though some say Roman) Sycamore became naturalised by the 1800s, colonising many woodlands and competing with native species. Nevertheless, the trees provide a valuable wildlife habitat for a wide variety of insects, birds and even small mammals such as bats (known to roost at Wymondham Abbey).

The Sycamore has mythological links and traditions spanning many cultures. Celts believed the trees to be home to fairies and spirits and would plant them close to houses for protection. The wood is considered excellent for carving and is used traditionally by the Welsh to make ‘love spoons’.

The Sycamore’s resilience, beneficial wildlife habitat, quality timber and shade-giving properties indicate its increasing importance as our climate changes.