It lives in wet, tree-lined places (3)

I believe the answer is:

eel

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'it lives' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'wet tree-lined places' is the wordplay.
'EEL' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am not sure how this is indicated.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eel that I've seen before include "Creature like conger or moray" , "Moray or electric, for instance" , "Slippery type" , "Slender fish" , "A sea snake" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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