The Field maple is UK's only native maple, it is found growing as a small wayside tree in woods, scrub and hedgerows. It is naturally distributed throughout the south-west although is naturally absent from Cornwall, but for perhaps natural distribution on the Devon border near Torpoint. Where it has been planted in Cornwall, or in any county it reproduces freely, and there doesn't seem to be any reason for it’s natural absence in Cornwall.
It works well as a hedgerow tree and can tolerate being flailed back hard. Field maple is attractive to aphids and their predators, including many species of ladybird, hoverfly and bird. Lots of species of moth, such as the mocha, feed on its leaves. The flowers provide nectar and pollen sources for bees and birds, and small mammals eat the fruits.
Long before the recent introduction of Sycamore maple the white smooth wood of our native Field maple was prized for fine turned bowls and carved work. It burns well when dry and puts-out a lot of heat.
At Trebrown Nurseries we maintain our own registered seed stands on Trebrown Farm, which remain the only seed stand registered in Cornwall. Field maple is not a FRM controlled species, but is certified under the voluntary FRM scheme.
