In this article (part of Inside Ecology’s App Roundup series), we focus on tree identification…
Tree ID – British Trees By Woodland Trust
An interactive British tree identification app from the Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. In just a few steps, you can identify native and common non-native trees in the UK, whatever the season.
Use bark, twigs, buds, leaves, flowers and fruits or the app’s A-Z guide full of images to identify the most common British trees.
Discover more about each species with fascinating facts, folklore, history and uses – from medicine to musical instruments.
- Recognise species in spring, summer, autumn or winter, even when there aren’t any leaves on the trees.
- No internet connection needed.
- Detailed images and illustrations for accurate identification.
- Facility to add identified trees to your favourites.
- Use the map to record trees you’ve found.
Compatible with Android, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Tree Id – British Trees By Sunbird Images
All native and naturalised trees of the British Isles are covered.
Tree Id does not need an internet connection, all the information is downloaded when the app is purchased.
The guide has been created by professional published ecologists.
There is comprehensive anatomical and ecological information, with images of the leaf, flower, fruit etc of all trees included. The internet will only be used if you use the sightings map in the app – a facility to record your sightings is included in the app.
Compatible with Android, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Trees of Britain By NatureBritain
All native and naturalised species are covered, plus varieties and cultivars commonly seen in public parks and gardens.
Trees are listed alphabetically and by Family. Each tree is presented with a description, botanical data, key identification points, cross-references to similar species, and a set of clickable thumbnails showing various aspects of the species.
There is a photographic key to Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter features to help you to identify trees in the field, and you can test and improve your knowledge with the interactive quiz.
NatureBritain pledges a proportion of app revenues to supporting woodland conservation, education and research projects in the UK.
Compatible with Android.
Trees of Britain By CleverMatrix Ltd
The Trees of Britain app contains identification guides on common trees found in the UK.
The app has the following features:
- 72 tree guides, with more added with each update.
- 562 detailed images of the trees listed, showing tree, leaf, bark and seed.
- A to Z list of trees.
- Family screen where by the trees are split down into families.
- Favourites screen where you can store your favourite trees.
- Detailed information on each tree listed.
- Many pictures for each tree listed, helping with the identification process.
- Move to the next picture with a simple swipe of the finger.
- Search screen.
- Tree identify section, which helps you identify trees using there characteristics, such as leaf shape and arrangement.
- Detailed leaf shape screen, helping to identify trees.
- Fast and simple to use.
Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Winter Tree Id – British Isles By Mullen & Pohland GbR
The developers state that Winter Tree Id is an easy to use but comprehensive field guide to trees found growing in open countryside and natural woodland of the British Isles. The guide has been created by professional published ecologists.
All native British tree species are covered. Naturalised species are covered too.
Winter Tree Id is a great tool to help you identify trees during the winter months when the tree may have no leaves, flowers or fruits to go on. For the tree enthusiast, there is comprehensive anatomical and ecological information, with images of every species.
You can record your sightings using the mapping screen and share your sightings with all other users too.
A quiz is included – aimed at improving your id skills.
The app does not need an internet connection, all content is downloaded when the app is purchased.
Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
What has your experience been of using these apps in the field? Do you use any other apps not listed above? Let us know in the comments box.
