The answer is the Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula or Frangula alnus)

This thornless bush or small tree, grows to about 5 metres high and is found mostly on damp soil near bogs or marshes and in open, deciduous woodland. In Barnetts Wood you can find it growing near Aspen Pool. Traditionally the wood made a very light flammable charcoal and because of its steady burning properties, was especially exploited in the manufacture of gunpowder fuses for explosives, and the powder for fowling pieces.

Acres were planted in Kent and Sussex in the 18th and 19th centuries for gunpowder manufacture, with the Forestry Commission planting hundreds of acres during the 1939-45 war to provide the best carbon for the fuse in a high velocity shell. You will find a large plantation in nearby Brokes Wood, just the other side of Powdermill Lane. There were at least two gunpowder mills nearby - Old Forge and Brokes - both working in the 18th century. When Old Forge blew up in 1774 the mill had to be rebuilt, this was a common occurrence and one of the hazards of the "pestle and mortar" manufacturing process. The mills finally closed due to competition from the Leigh powder mills near Tonbridge.

The matured bark of the Alder Buckthorn is used for the treatment of constipation as it is a mild to medium strong laxative (not as strong as Senna but more potent than Rhubarb root!) and a strong decoction is reported to be effective in dealing with lice infestation of the scalp.

The tree has many other uses; the leaves and bark yield a yellow dye, adding salt of iron produces black, and unripe berries give a good green, whilst ripe ones give various shades of blue and grey. The naked young wood is dark brown, not white and the long straight twigs sharpen well and have been used to make butcher's skewers.

The tree is the main food plant for the yellow brimstone butterfly and the black berries provide a valuable source of food for wintering birds including fieldfares.

One final fact is that in Cheshire I am told its common name is "Stinking Roger"…
I have no idea why!

Martin Tranter 15 April 2003