Summary

Overview
There are around 40 species in the Betula family. The 2 most common in the UK are the Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and the Downy Birch (Betula pubescens). They are both abundant and widespread throughout all the UK. These 2 trees look very similar and it's easy to assume Downy Birch is Silver Birch in the field. The leaves of the Silver Birch are slightly more triangular and pointy. Additionally, Silver Birch bark is whiter and more fissured but it is often hard to ID these in isolation (They often grown together, which helps). In spring it is easier to identify them as the new shoots of the silver birch are smooth while the shoots of the downy birch are hairy, as the name suggests.
Betula simply means birch and pendula (Silver Birch) means hanging down. This is from the leaves and look of the tree. The "pubescens" from the Latin name of the Down Birch means pubescent i.e. covered in hairs. (Which is where puberty and the associated word 'pubescent' that we use in English comes from; not the other way around.)
Aside from the 2 species above Dwarf Birch grows in northern Scotland and any other species in the UK are either rare or grown ornamentally.
Birch produces a hard, tough timber but does not grow as large as other trees so its uses in timber are limited to smaller items. It is often turned and was used in the past as tool handles, broom head and furniture. It is still used in furniture today along with it being used for fence posts and pallets.
The sap has been used traditionally to make 'maple sugar' (that isn't a typo) which is the sugars refined out of the sap. The sap is still used today to make wine in Scotland.

Bushcraft
Birch is an important tree in bushcraft. It is abundant and easily identifiable. The bark can be used to start fires, and to aid in establishing a fire. The bark can also be used in sheets to make containers, or as a surface to work on. The wood can be burnt unseasoned. Additionally, there are several other useful species associated with birch and/or only grow on/with birch. (See below.)

General Info

Gallery and Identification

Features common to majority of species:
Size - Species variation - 1m to 25m (Dwarf Birch (Betula nana) to Silver Birch (Betula pendula)/Downy Birch (Betula pubescens))
Bark - Varies in colour from pink/brown to white. Often smooth and comes away in sheets. (More fissured at the base of Silver Birch)
Leaves - Generally have an overall triangular shape. Toothed. Turn yellow in autumn.
Reproductive Parts - All species produce catkins varying in colour from green to yellow.
Distribution - Silver and Downy are found all over the UK. Dwarf Birch found in highlands of Scotland. All other species are rare or planted ornimentally.
Surroundings - Open woodlands and heaths.

Resources

Building materials - Canoes, contains, etc

Skills

Firelighting

Food

Sap

Related

This is by no means an exhaustive list. These are here to show potential uses in related trees or other flora you may encounter around this tree.