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Blog
Giant hogweed: the facts
How common is giant hogweed in the UK and is it really that dangerous? We've distilled the facts to give you the low-down on giant hogweed.
Helen Keating • 29 Jun 2022
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Blog
Ancient trees need better protection before it's too late
The UK’s oldest trees are living legends. But without protected status, precious centuries-old ancient trees are disappearing from our landscapes. You can help.
Naomi Tilley • 27 Jun 2022
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Broadleaf summer issue: celebrating top trunks!
Our latest members’ mag includes Britain's top ancient trees, cunning stoats, mountainous Mourne Park, mighty blue beetles and a chat with Deborah Meaden.
Elisabeth Crump • 20 Jun 2022
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Ancient tree quiz: test your knowledge
How much do you know about old and ancient trees in the UK? How long do they live and where can you find them? Take the quiz.
Helen Keating • 14 Jun 2022
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What woodland wildlife is doing in June
From blossom and birdsong to butterflies and baby animals, woods are full of life, colour, sounds and smells this month. Here's what’s happening in the world of woodland wildlife.
Charlie Mellor • 02 Jun 2022
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, Leics
Join us at Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, Leics to discover a thriving 10 year old wood, chat royal trees and celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
Adam Shaw • 01 Jun 2022
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Four examples of how UK wildlife camouflages
Find out how animals in the UK use camouflage to hide in plain sight. In this blog, we explore four types of camouflage and why it is important for animals.
Julia Lock • 23 May 2022
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Avoncliff, Wiltshire
Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of Avoncliff Wood, including one of the UK's biggest biodegradable tree guard trials and the living laboratory revealing the real impact of ash dieback.
Adam Shaw • 17 May 2022
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Trees and me: George Clarke
Architect, designer and TV presenter George Clarke tells us of the childhood home that influenced his passion for housing and ecology and declares his love of working with timber - and treehouses!
Elisabeth Crump • 11 May 2022
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What do moths eat? Feeding, life cycle and other facts
Explore how some of the 2,500 species of UK moth develop and what they eat.
Julia Lock • 09 May 2022
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Swifts, swallows and martins: easy ID guide
When swifts, swallows and martins appear you know spring has arrived too! Find how to tell them apart and when to see them with our top identification tips.
Fritha West • 05 May 2022
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What woodland wildlife is doing in May
From birds arriving from foreign shores to cubs and kits exploring their surroundings, here’s what’s happening in the world of woodland wildlife this month.
Charlie Mellor • 01 May 2022
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Bird song identification: UK warblers
Every spring, trees and shrubs across the land burst into a riot of song from a famously musical group of birds - the warblers. Here we get to grips with their songs and how to tell them apart by sound alone.
Amy Lewis • 11 Apr 2022
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Foraging at Easter: make an Easter wreath and other home decorations
Brighten up your home and bring spring indoors with these easy ideas for Easter decorations using wild foraged plants.
Helen Keating • 07 Apr 2022
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9 outdoor Easter activities for families
Get outdoors in the Easter holidays and enjoy our fun nature activities for kids - try nest building, go on a scavenger hunt and nibble on an Easter-themed picnic!
Danielle Wesley • 04 Apr 2022
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Blog
Our top five woods to hear nightingales
The famous song of the nightingale is one of the wonders of the natural world, but to have a chance of hearing it you'll need to know where to listen. Here we share top tips for tracking down a serenade, plus some of our woods to try for a lucky encounter.
Amy Lewis • 01 Apr 2022
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Marden Park, Surrey
Join us for a tour of Marden Park to learn how woodland, veteran trees and rare chalk grassland help wildlife thrive, plus the site’s role in the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme.
Adam Shaw • 31 Mar 2022
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Blog
House mouse or field mouse? A quick guide to types of mice, voles and shrews in the UK
Are you curious about what mouse or vole you saw in your garden or out on a walk? Or did your cat bring one in and you wondered what it was? Here's a quick guide to the more common mice, voles and shrews of the UK.
Helen Keating • 28 Mar 2022
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Blog
What is the difference between a newt and a lizard?
Found a small, brown, cold-blooded animal and not sure what it might be? You're not alone! Our guide looks at the telltale signs for separating your newts from your lizards.
Amy Lewis • 25 Mar 2022
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Blog
Broadleaf spring issue: unearthing our roots
Our latest members’ mag examines the Trust's Devon origins of 50 years ago, pays homage to beloved bluebells, hails Big Climate Fightback heroes and more.
Elisabeth Crump • 23 Mar 2022
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8 steps to achieving long-term mindfulness with woods and trees
Explore some woodland activities that you can take part in to gain positive health benefits.
Julia Lock • 22 Mar 2022
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Blog
When do bluebells flower?
Mark your calendars! Find out when bluebells flower, plus more bluebell facts including where to see them, what they smell like and how they're protected.
Lorienne Whittle • 21 Mar 2022
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7 blossom crafts and activities for kids
Discover fun blossom crafts and activities to enjoy with your children this spring.
Danielle Wesley • 11 Mar 2022
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Trees and me: Debra Stephenson
Actress, impressionist and self-confessed tree-hugger Debra Stephenson tells us about her lifelong love of nature, from childhood tea parties with snails to escaping her latest villainous TV role by finding calm among the trees.
Elisabeth Crump • 07 Mar 2022
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw and Elaine Paige
We join actress, singer and radio presenter Elaine Paige to plant trees at Hainault Forest and chat about the environment, theatre and her hopes for the future.
Adam Shaw • 25 Feb 2022
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Empty bird nests: 7 to identify in the garden
Who nested here? Learn which clues point to the previous occupants of old bird nests with our photographic guide.
Amy Lewis • 16 Feb 2022
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Blog
When to cut grass after winter
Are you unsure when to start cutting your lawn again after winter? Learn which factors affect your lawn, when to cut it and how this varies across the UK.
Lorienne Whittle • 01 Feb 2022
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Blog
Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Hainault Forest, Romford
Close to London, this urban oasis has a long and important history. As well as providing wood to capital's bread ovens and venison for the king’s table, it’s where the British conservation movement began.
Adam Shaw • 27 Jan 2022
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Winter visitors to the UK: birds you'll only spot this season
Think of migration and you might picture birds heading south for the winter. But did you know the UK also attracts several species during our colder months?
Amy Lewis • 19 Jan 2022
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Animal tracks: snow print identification
A fresh coat of snow reveals the footprints of the secretive animals that call our woodland home. Learn how to identify some of the tracks you're likely to see in your local wood.
Charlie Mellor • 17 Jan 2022
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Broadleaf winter issue: waterside special
Wade into winter with our latest members’ magazine, a waterside special featuring the Queen's Green Canopy, our new Riverscapes partnership and much more.
Elisabeth Crump • 10 Jan 2022
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Where and when to see snowdrops
Snowdrops are a symbol of hope and a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way. Find out when to see them and the best places to look for them.
Judith Garforth • 04 Jan 2022
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What can rings and black lines in tree trunks tell us?
We take a fascinating look at tree anatomy and explore the appearance of tree rings and other black lines.
Julia Lock • 29 Dec 2021
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10 eco-friendly New Year's resolutions
Whether you’re making a small commitment or a big change, here are 10 ways to do your bit for nature in 2022 with an eco-friendly New Year's resolution.
Charlie Mellor • 23 Dec 2021
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw and Jon Drori
Bestselling author Jon Drori shares fascinating facts and stories from his books, including tree communication networks and Stone Age chewing gum.
Adam Shaw • 22 Dec 2021
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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.
Sally Bavin • 16 Dec 2021
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10 best woodland walks for Boxing Day
After a hectic Christmas, Boxing Day is a great time to escape outdoors – and where better than the UK’s glorious woods? Start planning yours now with 10 of our favourite woodland Boxing Day walks for inspiration.
Charlie Mellor • 15 Dec 2021
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Outdoor Christmas activities for families
Get out into nature this Christmas and enjoy some festive activities with your family on a woodland walk.
Danielle Wesley • 13 Dec 2021
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7 signs of winter in nature
Winter is a magical time, with crisp mornings and chilly starlit evenings. Discover when winter really starts and some of the best signs to look and listen out for.
Charlie Mellor • 26 Nov 2021
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COP26: key messages from the international climate summit
Find out what happened at the COP26 conference in Glasgow, and how the UK government will play a vital role in international climate talks over the next 12 months.
Zara Holden • 18 Nov 2021
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Trees and me: Floella Benjamin
Floella Benjamin tells us childhood tales from Trinidad, what it was like moving to London in the sixties and why being an ambassador for the Queen's Green Canopy is so important to her.
Elisabeth Crump • 17 Nov 2021
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What can I do about climate change?
Climate change can feel overwhelming. But there's plenty you can do to have an impact. We've put together seven top tips for fighting back.
Helen Keating • 12 Nov 2021
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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 • 11 Nov 2021
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Top 10 woods to enjoy autumn colour
Take a look at our top 10 woods to visit for autumn colour, with sites in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Hannah Vickers • 10 Nov 2021
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British trees and shrubs to plant in your garden: 14 native tree ideas
British trees pack a big punch in your garden. Make space for one or two you’ll have year-round interest and be supporting wildlife too. Here's our top 14 native trees to plant in your garden.
Helen Keating • 08 Nov 2021
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Best woods near 10 UK cities
Here's our pick of great woods in and around the UK's busiest cities for sanctuary seekers, wildlife watchers, fitness fans and history hounds alike.
Charlie Mellor • 04 Nov 2021
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Bracket fungi identification: 10 common UK species for beginners
Bracket fungi, also known as shelf or polypore fungi, grow on both dead and living trees. Here we list some of the UK's more common and easily distinguished types to get to grips with.
Amy Lewis • 21 Oct 2021
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Climate change: facts and actions for kids
Our simple guide will help kids understand climate change, what’s causing it and how it’s affecting the planet. Plus, we'll share some top tips to help kids take action.
Danielle Wesley • 15 Oct 2021
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw and Mya-Rose 'Birdgirl' Craig
We chat to Mya-Rose Craig, aka Birdgirl, about her passion for the natural world and encouraging young people and under-represented communities to connect with it.
Adam Shaw • 07 Oct 2021
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British woodpeckers: identification guide and calls
Learn to tell the difference between Britain's three resident woodpecker species with our quick guide to their appearance, sounds and behaviour.
Amy Lewis • 30 Sep 2021