Ants and oak trees

Peanuts3

We have a trail of big black ants between two oak trees at opposite ends of the garden.  Last year they wore a path where they were going back and forth. 

Does anyone know why they like the oak so much, they are going up the trees and we can't see what is going on up there as too high up. Will they be damaging the trees at all ?

Any ideas?

Peanuts3

Hello, I posted this last year and have just noticed it again this year.  The oak tree seems to look like it has snail trails all over the trunk but I'm wondering if it might be the ants.  I've also noticed damage to the oak leaves.  Would this be the ants. 

Does anyone else have this kind of problem ? 

nutcutlet

Ants will be after aphids which will be there somewhere. They do have very definite routes. I think it's only a problem if you see it as one. 

Slugs and snails are always about. 

All part of life