The alder is a fast growing deciduous tree. It is often found in boggy wet places. Its bark has a dark brown colour. In spring catkins form on the branches. These develop into egg-shaped cones or fruit.

Oak trees grow in almost every part of the world. Ireland was once nearly covered in oak trees. The Irish word for oak is "dair". This word appears many times in Irish place names such as Cill Dara (Kildare). There are oak trees in our school grounds. Oak trees grow very slowly. It is a hard wood and it is used for furniture.