Fagus sylvatica

Fagus sylvatica is a species of deciduous broadleaf flowering plants (in the Fagaceae or Beech family), native to Britain and much of Europe. In British countryside, Fagus sylvatica is a monumental tree of great ecological importance. It can grow 30–40 metres tall and live for 300 years, forming a broad, dense crown with smooth, pale grey bark that remains relatively unbroken even in old age. It is often planted in parks as an impressive ornamental tree. Fagus sylvatica thrives in temperature climates on well-drained soils, such as chalk and limestone, naturally forming extensive forests. The remaining primaeval beech forests of Europe together compose a UNESO World Heritage site. Beech woods can be found nearby in the Chilterns and at Burnham. They are distinctive for having relatively little undergrowth, because of the deep shade cast by the canopy.

The tree has distinctive long, thin, pointed buds in winter, which open into glossy, oval green leaves. They resemble the leaves of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) in their shape and arrangement of veins, but have slightly wavy edges, whereas those of hornbeam have a toothed edge. In spring the tree produces small flowers that develop into triangular beechnuts, which are edible by humans as well as wildlife. The leaves produce a beautiful yellow and golden brown display in autumn. When beech is cut short as hedging, it retains its leaves in winter; there are plenty of beech hedges in Whiteknights Park. Its wood is dense, strong, shock-resistant but bendable, and and used for furniture, flooring, tools and kitchen utensils.

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