The alder needs to have damp soil to grow, and for this reason it is usually found beside ponds, streams or rivers. It follows from this that there are not many examples in central London. Bethanl Green Road is slightly out of the centre of London, but not far east of Liverpool Street Station. Along side a visit to Brick Lane's famous Sunday market, it is worth a look.

              There are a few common alders to be found in the Royal parks, where there are ponds.

              Where it can be found, it is best identified by the rounded tip of its leaf, which is fairly unusual in trees.

The Bethnal Green Road alder.
click on picture to see larger view.