THE Dorset Wildlife Trust has named a type of fast growing tree as its 'Species of the Month'.

The rowan tree, which is a part of the rose family, is the species the trust wants people to keep an eye out for this November. Anyone who sees one is asked to report it for the Dorset Environmental Records Centre, which helps to examine the county's wildlife.

The tree features five to eight pairs of 'saw-edge' leaflets as well as white flowers in the spring and red berries in the autumn.

The leaves get eaten by caterpillars and moths, while the flowers are enticing for pollinators. Birds including blackbirds and thrushes will often eat the berries.

The trust is asking anyone who sees it to report their sighting for recording, which can be done by filling out an online form at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Any avid gardeners are also encouraged to plant trees such as the rowan to help support Dorset's pollinator population and provide shelter and food for other wildlife.

A spokesman for the Dorset Wildlife Trust said: "Our Species of the Month species surveys are an important way you can help us. Records are sent to DERC (Dorset Environmental Records Centre) who collate this information to build up a picture of the of the state of Dorset's wildlife."