About

Common alder is a common tree of riversides, fens and wet woodland. The exposed roots of riverside trees provide fish with shelter from predators or high flows, and the leaves provide food for invertebrates, such as the larvae of caddis flies, stoneflies and water beetles. These, in turn, are preyed upon by fish, including Salmon and Brown Trout. The wood of Common alder does not rot under water, so was traditionally used for shoring-up canals and riverbanks. It was also used to make charcoal and clogs!