Our blog
Choose a category
-
Blog
11 animals that live in the UK's rainforest
Discover the weird and wonderful animals living in our very own rainforests.
Annabel Kemp • 19 Jun 2025
-
Blog
True or false? Rainforest facts quiz
Do you know how Britain's rainforest measures up against its tropical cousins? How about the plants, animals and climate? Test your knowledge and learn about these amazing places with our rainforest facts quiz.
Charlie Mellor • 18 Jun 2025
-
Blog
Broadleaf summer issue: here comes the sun
Summer is here and the woodlands are breezy, bright and bursting with colour. In this issue of Broadleaf, we tend veteran trees in the Midlands, hunt for pine martens in Scotland and unfurl the extraordinary tale of the familiar foxglove.
Elisabeth Crump • 10 Jun 2025
-
Blog
12 rare wild flowers in the UK's woods
Woodlands are home to some of the UK's rarest wild flowers. From parasitic plants to alluring orchids, discover 12 rare woodland flowers and what makes them so uncommon.
Charlotte Varela • 13 May 2025
-
Blog
Rare UK animals quiz: how well do you know our endangered wildlife?
We all love wildlife, but did you know we live in one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth? Take our quiz to see if you recognise rare and endangered species, plus find out what we’re doing to change things and how you can help make a difference.
Charlie Mellor • 07 May 2025
-
Blog
Feeding wild birds: what, how, when and why
Find out when and what to feed garden birds and welcome wildlife to your garden, yard or windowsill whatever the season.
Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter • 29 Apr 2025
-
Blog
8 enchanting rainforests to explore in the UK
UK rainforests are even rarer than their tropical counterparts, and just as beautiful. Brimming with wildlife, entwined with local history and overflowing with magic, here are eight of the best to explore.
Charlotte Varela • 12 Mar 2025
-
Blog
Broadleaf spring issue: a fresh new dawn
Spring has sprung and the world is waking up. In this issue of Broadleaf, we celebrate the new season, explore natural regeneration, and hear from Pam Ayres and Liz Bonnin.
Elisabeth Crump • 11 Mar 2025
-
Blog
Poisonous mushrooms: 8 most dangerous UK mushrooms
Your guide to 8 of the most poisonous mushrooms in the UK, including the terrifyingly named deathcap, destroying angel and funeral bell. Find out where they grow, how to identify them and why you should steer clear!
Hanako Shimada • 19 Feb 2025
-
Blog
Chiffchaff or willow warbler? How to tell the difference
Chiffchaffs and willow warblers migrate to our shores every spring. Can you tell them apart? Discover the differences in appearance, call and habitat.
Alex Marshall • 03 Feb 2025
-
Blog
6 migrant birds to spot in the UK this winter
Not all birds head south for the winter. Some head straight for our shores to escape even colder conditions back home. Here are some of the winter birds you'll only find in the UK in winter.
Charlotte Varela • 21 Jan 2025
-
Blog
Winter wildlife watching: what, where and when to spot
The winter weather might be frightful, but nature is always delightful. Here are our top tips on what wildlife to look out for, where and when on your winter walks.
Rory Morrow • 13 Jan 2025
-
Blog
Which trees have catkins? And how to tell them apart
Find out what catkins look like, which trees have them, why they grow, and where and when to spot them.
Alex Marshall • 07 Jan 2025
-
Blog
Where does mistletoe grow?
Mistletoe is a familiar Christmas staple, associated with folklore and midwinter tradition. But where does it grow and how can you find it in the wild?
Hanako Shimada • 23 Dec 2024
-
Blog
What’s the difference between a wood and a forest?
If you aren't sure how to tell the wood from the trees, let us explain the difference between a wood and a forest and why they're both so important.
Charlotte Varela • 18 Dec 2024
-
Blog
Starling murmurations: what they are and where to see
They're one of the wonders of the natural world, and they're often right on our doorstep. Find a flock of sky-dancing starlings to watch for yourself this autumn.
Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter • 16 Dec 2024
-
Blog
Alternative charity gifts for Christmas
Our shop offers a huge variety of gifts with something for everyone for Christmas. Here are our top ideas for alternative charity gifts for the festive season.
Charlie Mellor • 13 Dec 2024
-
Blog
Christmas nature quiz
Test your knowledge of the plants and animals connected with our festive traditions.
Charlie Mellor • 11 Dec 2024
-
Blog
Top 10 nature gifts for kids
Nurture a love of nature from an early age with our specially selected range of gifts. From tots to teens, messy to mindful, indoors or out, our green gift guide has something for all the kids on your list.
Charlie Mellor • 02 Dec 2024
-
Blog
Foraging in November and December: edible wild plants
Don't be put off by short days and cold, damp weather as winter arrives. There are still wild foraging treats to brighten your days. Here are some favourites.
Rory Morrow • 26 Nov 2024
-
Blog
Witches' brooms: what they look like and why they form
Witches' brooms look like a dense tangled bird nest. But what are they and what causes them?
Annabel Kemp • 12 Nov 2024
-
Blog
5 homemade advent calendars: how to make DIY advent calendars
With a range of shapes and sizes to choose from, these homemade advent calendars are the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
Annabel Kemp • 07 Nov 2024
-
Blog
UK spider identification: 10 common species
Don't wait until spider season to appreciate these misunderstood creatures. Take a look at our guide to some of the most common spiders in the UK and learn how to identify them.
Charlotte Varela • 30 Oct 2024
-
Blog
10 eco-friendly gifts for under £10
On a budget this Christmas? We’ve handpicked 10 affordable eco-friendly gifts that show you care for your loved ones and the environment too.
Charlie Mellor • 23 Oct 2024
-
Blog
Top 10 green gifts for gardeners
Looking for eco-friendly inspiration for your favourite gardening guru or want to encourage a beginner? From windowsill pots to established veg plots, our green gift guide has got you covered.
Charlie Mellor • 11 Oct 2024
-
Blog
7 reasons to gift a tree
Want to give something unique and meaningful to your loved ones while keeping costs low? Trees are the perfect gift, whether you pick out a perfect sapling to plant, or dedicate a tree in a woodland close to their heart.
Annabel Kemp • 01 Oct 2024
-
Blog
Foraging in September: edible wild plants and berries to look out for
Ten edible wild plants and mushrooms to forage for in September, with tips on what to look for and how to gather and eat them.
Rory Morrow • 25 Sep 2024
-
Blog
6 fast growing trees for your garden
Looking for screening, privacy or just want to green up your garden quickly? Check out our recommendations for a fast growing native tree to suit your space.
Charlie Mellor • 20 Sep 2024
-
Blog
Endangered trees: a guide to 7 rare trees in the UK
A guide to seven threatened tree species with photos and information on where they live, what they look like, conservation efforts and how you can help.
Chris Britt-Searle • 10 Sep 2024
-
Blog
Wildlife quiz: friend or foe?
Not all wildlife is welcomed into our woods, homes and gardens with open arms. Some species are seen as pests, but is it just a case of a bad reputation? Test your knowledge in our quiz!
Charlotte Varela • 09 Sep 2024
-
Blog
Where to see red squirrels: 7 woods for wildlife watching
Wondering where to see red squirrels in the UK? Here are seven of the best woods to spot these rare mammals - as well as lots of other wildlife!
Chris Britt-Searle • 05 Aug 2024
-
Blog
Venomous animals in the UK
From secretive snakes to furry shrews, find out more about the UK’s venomous species that pack a potent punch.
Annabel Kemp • 31 Jul 2024
-
Blog
Woodland wildlife Olympics quiz
Test your nature knowledge as we pit fur against feather in an imaginary woodland Olympics. Some of the results might surprise you!
Charlie Mellor • 10 Jul 2024
-
Blog
Elephant hawk-moth: caterpillar, lifecycle and is it poisonous?
Elephant hawk-moths are big, bright and very, very beautiful. But what do elephant hawk-moth caterpillars look like, where does their name come from, and are they poisonous?
Charlotte Varela • 08 Jul 2024
-
Blog
Why are plants important? 7 reasons why we need them
Plants are essential for people, wildlife and the environment. Explore how they provide for pollinators, boost mental health, fight climate change and more.
Chris Britt-Searle • 28 Jun 2024
-
Blog
Why does sap rise in spring?
Pruning deciduous trees should be avoided during spring because the sap is rising – but what does this actually mean?
Charlotte Varela • 20 May 2024
-
Blog
11 must-know facts about woods and forests in the UK
Woods and forests are mysterious, beautiful and fascinating places. Here are 11 amazing must-know facts about our woods and forests in the UK.
Chris Britt-Searle • 02 May 2024
-
Blog
Environmentally-friendly gardening: 10 top tips
Work with nature to make your garden eco-friendly and cut your environmental impact. Check out our 10 easy tips that are good for wildlife and your wallet too!
Charlie Mellor • 16 Apr 2024
-
Blog
30 baby names inspired by trees and woods
Looking for a tree-themed baby name to inspire a love for nature? Discover our favourite tree names for girls and boys, plus gender-neutral options.
Danielle Wesley • 09 Apr 2024
-
Blog
7 woods with surprising stories
From poetry and paintings to books, films and TV, check out these seven woods with surprising connections to the UK’s rich history and culture.
Chris Britt-Searle • 05 Apr 2024