The Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis or Torminalis glaberrima), with an average lifespan of 100-200 years and a height of up to 15 metres, is one of the best indicator species of ancient woodlands in southern England, particularly on heavy clay soils. In North London today its presence marks out Kenwood, Coldfall Wood, Queens Wood, and around 20 other remnant woodlands in North London, as being woodlands since at least 1600. Sadly, no Service Trees remained in the CREOS area. As a significant attempt to increase the natural biodiversity and rewilding, CREOS, with able assistance from volunteers, planted nine Wild Service Trees (as pictured) in the spring of 2025.
Sorbus torminalis is immediately recognised from its uniquely-shaped, palmate leaves turning crimson in the autumn and its springtime cherry-like white blossoms which are important for pollinating insects. See here>> for more information. The leaves are eaten by caterpillars of the service tree leaf miner (Phyllonorycter mespilella) and the hawthorn tuft moth (Bucculatrix bechsteinella). Its spotted rowan-like berries, said to taste like dates, are voraciously devoured by birds, and it rarely sets seed.
An alternative name for the Wild Service Tree is Chequers, from its chequerboard like bark. However, the origin of the term Chequers remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. It may refer to its brown spotted fruit which can be made into an alcoholic drink or used to flavour beers and whisky. This may have influenced the naming of ‘Chequers Inns’, although it is unclear which came first – the name of the fruit or the inns. It is also noteworthy, in terms of etymology, that ‘Service-Tree’ derives from cervisia, the Latin name for beer!
