Goat Willow - Our Sentinel Tree

Tales of the Overstory

The information from Trees for Life are one source we have used to find out more about our
'Mother Tree'. 
Local knowledge was another important resource.  We are told by Victor that this  tree was one of several on the site when the village sewer was laid many decades ago.  One of the Community Councillors at that time was David Ritchie and he insisted that this tree was retained and we are very grateful for this, so many years later, this tree is an icon of our orchard.

We are currently trying to estimate the age of this tree.

Traditional Uses of Goat Willow

Goat willow timber is soft and yellow in colour. Unlike most willows, its brittle twigs are not suitable for weaving.  

• Sallow wood was often used to make ‘wattle’ – a woven lattice of wooden strips which formed the framework of the walls of houses.

• relieve pain associated with a headache or toothache,  the painkiller aspirin is derived from salicin, a compound found in the bark of all Salix species.  In medieval times, the bark was chewed to release the salicin.

The bark was also boiled in water and the liquor drunk to 

• relieve diarrhoea, help reduce joint inflammation in arthritis and as a gargle for sore throats. 

Externally, the liquor was used to 

• stop bleeding, clean wounds and to treat general aches and pains.

Other Trees on the Orchard site

Gaelic Tree Alphabet

Although Gaelic is not widely spoken in the village, there are cultural links through the music, stories and language. The Ogham , Celtic or Gaelic Tree alphabet has 18 characters and is  a fitting way to introduce the language through our trees.  We commissioned local craftsman Doug  at Woodland Signs to create the stencils for our benches.