This old oak tree has been growing here for hundreds of years.
It stands here in all weathers getting bigger and bigger.
Every autumn, the leaves drop off and oak trees become bare.
This doesn't look like an oak tree any more.
It looks cold in the winter, but it's only resting.
In the spring, oak trees come alive again.
New leaves grow and trees start to look green and healthy once more.
Do you know what an oak tree comes from?
An acorn like this one.
But not all of the acorns grow into oak trees.
They get eaten instead.
Squirrels like to eat the acorns.
Sometimes they bury their acorns to save them for later.
Lots of animals like living in the oak tree, especially insects and birds.
Ravens have built a nest in this oak tree.
Its strong boughs, high up and sheltered, are the perfect place to make a home.
Climbing up the bough… are caterpillars.
They like to eat the leaves on oak trees.
The caterpillars eat and eat.
They grow fatter and fatter and one day they'll turn into beautiful butterflies.
The butterflies stay close to oak trees.
They flutter about at the tops of the trees showing their wings.
At the foot of the tree, other creatures run around.
They like to eat old bits of dead wood and leaves.
There are lots of them hunting for food.
This oak tree has a visitor.
It's a little owl.
You might think owls are night birds but not all of them are.
The little owl is a daytime bird.
Here he is resting in between flights to look for food.
The old tree is a good place to stop and decide where to fly next.
Oak trees have lots of visitors.
They are big and strong and very beautiful.
Video summary
Watch the oak tree change through the seasons.
Acorns falling from the oak tree are often eaten by squirrels, or buried to eat over the winter.
This short film comes from the BBC series, Our Planet.
Teacher Notes
- Pupils could list all the animals that live in or rely upon the oak tree.
- Identify what the animals need the tree for, such as shelter and food.
- Discuss the effects that deforestation has on the wildlife that rely on trees to survive.
- Design a poster to save and protect the trees in the school grounds.
This short film is relevant for teaching Science at KS1 in England and Wales, Foundation and KS1 in Northern Ireland and Early and 1st level in Scotland.
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