The blackthorn is notable for two things. First, abundant white flowers appear in February, the earliest blossoming in England. Second, the sloe berries it produces from late autumn. Initially bitter and hard, after the first frost the berries soften and sweeten. They make a delicious, sweet fruity liqueur called sloe gin.
The flowers pop out on bare branches before any leaves appear. They supply a valuable source of nectar and pollen for insects, bees and butterflies when there's very little about. It's important for early species such as the brimstone butterfly and buff-tailed bumblebee. The sloe berries are a significant food source in late summer and autumn. Birds like blackbirds, fieldfares, and redwings feed on the sloes.
Its dense thorny branches offer nesting sites and protection from predators. Many small birds use the shrub as a place to hide from larger predators. Blackthorn provides shelter for hedgehogs a spot to hibernate during winter.
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and parts of North Africa, blackthorn wood is tough. It has historically been used in crafting items such as walking sticks and tool handles. It is commonly found in hedgerows, woodlands, and along rural roadsides. Blackthorn thrives in places where other shrubs or trees might struggle, particularly in areas with poor soil.
The best time to view blackthorns is March, when their delicate white flowers are at their most abundant. Nearest St Ives, walk over the bridge and at the end of the new bridges causeway turn right down Filberts Walk. Also worth noting at the end of Filberts Walk, on the left, is a huge willow tree. Over 300 years old, it's amazingly gnarled, but still alive. Or walk along the Thicket path from St Ives. At the start there's an appearance of wedding confetti. There's also lots of blackthorn in the Thicket itself.
Interested in making some sloe gin? Time it right and you'll have a Christmas treat. There's a good recipe at Allotment Heaven. For more nature topics and walks, click Cambridgeshire Nature Watch.
