The prevailing wind in the UK blows from the SW. To counter the prevailing wind, trees tend to grow larger butress roots facing the SW thereby anchoring them against the NE direction that the prevailing wind is trying to push them in. This is a general rule of thumb. If you take your compass and test this on a dozen or so fairly exposed trees you'll find that it really is true. Bloomin marvelous nature isn't it ? :-D