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Press Release

One year to go: a final Programme for Government

With a year to go until the next Scottish Parliament election, Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has announced that he plans to bring forward his Programme for Government.

Simon Ritchie  •  01 May 2025

Press Release

Woodland Trust statement on Whitewebbs Oak felling

We are shocked and devastated by the recent felling of the ancient Whitewebbs Oak in an Enfield park in London. We want to see justice for this nationally significant oak tree. 

Adam Cormack  •  16 Apr 2025

Press Release

Woodland Trust expresses shock at London ancient oak tree felling

Police are looking into the mysterious felling of one of London’s largest and most significant ancient trees at Whitewebbs Park in Enfield.

Owen Phillips  •  15 Apr 2025

Press Release

Spot spring’s vital signs and help the Woodland Trust record the impact of climate change on nature

The Woodland Trust is urging people to get outside and spot vital signs of spring to help monitor potentially “disastrous” effects of climate change on nature, before its campaign ends on Easter Monday.

Owen Phillips  •  26 Mar 2025

Press Release

Drone sows 75,000 native tree seeds to triple rainforest cover in Cornwall and Devon

An ambitious drone tree-seeding trial in the South West could revolutionise the expansion of rainforests.

Andy Bond  •  14 Mar 2025

Press Release

Research shows only 12% of local authorities have an action plan for nature recovery

The Woodland Trust is urging local authorities to declare a nature emergency and take steps to restore severely depleted wildlife and green spaces in their communities.

Andy Bond  •  04 Mar 2025

Press Release

New research proves woodland wildlife does wonders for wellbeing

Groundbreaking new research backed by the Woodland Trust proves that woods teeming with wildlife do wonders for your wellbeing.

Owen Phillips  •  11 Feb 2025

Press Release

The Woodland Trust’s Mourne Park is awarded £2.5 million windfall from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Mourne Park is set to reopen following damage from Storms Darragh and Éowyn, with a significant financial windfall from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Glynis Watt  •  06 Feb 2025

Press Release

Have your say on tree protection in Northern Ireland

The Woodland Trust has invited the Northern Irish public to participate in a consultation on a Tree Protection Bill.

Glynis Watt  •  31 Jan 2025

Press Release

Land Use Framework – can we make it work for nature?

Progress has finally been made on a Land Use Framework for England, with Defra publishing a version for consultation.

Andy Allen  •  31 Jan 2025

Press Release

Secret seed sources sought for Scotland’s wee trees

Woodland conservationists are seeking to flush out secret seed sources for some of the country’s rarest and smallest mountain tree species.

George Anderson  •  28 Jan 2025

Press Release

Woodland Trust welcomes bypass withdrawal

The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has applauded the scrapping of current plans for a controversial road scheme which could destroy dozens of ancient and veteran trees in Norfolk.

Owen Phillips  •  23 Jan 2025

Press Release

Team assembles to upskill the west coast to save Scotland’s rainforest

A team of nature conservationists have come together to develop a skill-boosting programme equipping local people to earn a living saving Scotland’s rainforest.

George Anderson  •  09 Jan 2025

Press Release

What happened at climate COP29 in Azerbaijan?

The recent climate COP in Azerbaijan spent two weeks discussing rules for carbon markets, emissions trading and climate finance. But what were the outcomes?

Andy Egan  •  20 Dec 2024

Press Release

11 weird and wonderful wildlife of our rainforests

From a stinky fish-smelling lichen to one which looks like a dragon’s skin, to the world’s largest slug with the strangest mating ritual – the weird and wonderful wildlife of our rainforests.

Andy Bond  •  06 Dec 2024

Press Release

Highland landowners team up to revive ecosystem area larger than Edinburgh

Four diverse landowners have formed a unique pact to “reawaken the landscape” across an area of Lochaber bigger than Edinburgh.

George Anderson  •  05 Dec 2024

Press Release

Green rewards with the Green Tree Schools Award

The Woodland’s Trust’s free and innovative environmental scheme for schools makes learning “fantastic”, bringing focus, freedom, and fun to the classroom.

Owen Phillips  •  29 Nov 2024

Press Release

Crunch time for trees as petition calling for new protection laws is handed in

A petition calling for stronger laws to protect iconic trees has been handed to the government, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has confirmed.

Owen Phillips  •  27 Nov 2024

Press Release

Budget Day 2024: what Holyrood should do for woods and trees

If Scotland is to meet its climate goals and restore nature to a thriving condition, we need more native trees and woods, and we need them in good condition.

Simon Ritchie  •  22 Nov 2024

Press Release

Campaign launched to support next generation of lone trees

Woodland Trust Scotland has launched a campaign to raise the next generation of lone trees and micro woods on farms and crofts.

George Anderson  •  20 Nov 2024

Press Release

Data shows low fruit yield after wet spring

The latest update from Nature’s Calendar, the Woodland Trust’s citizen science project, suggests knock-on effects of heavy rainfall earlier in the year.

Rosa Johnston-Flint  •  11 Nov 2024

Press Release

Skipinnish Oak crowned UK Tree of the Year 2024

A centuries-old oak nestled in the heart of Lochaber, Scotland, has been dubbed ‘Tree of the Year’ in the Woodland Trust’s prestigious competition.

Rosa Johnston-Flint  •  05 Nov 2024

Press Release

Woodland Trust says support home-grown tree nurseries to reduce disease risk

The Woodland Trust is urging the Government to continue support for UK tree nurseries to counter the threat posed by spiralling tree imports.

Andy Bond  •  10 Oct 2024

Press Release

Bugs on planes: volunteers hunt for new insect threat to iconic trees

Hardy volunteers are scouring trees across the UK in search of a hitchhiking bug that has made its way to our shores.

Andy Bond  •  04 Oct 2024

Press Release

Woodland Trust nears tree protection milestone as Living Legends petition gathers pace

A petition calling for stronger laws to protect important trees like the Sycamore Gap is tantalisingly close to its 100,000 target, says the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.

Owen Phillips  •  02 Oct 2024

Press Release

Explore autumn’s beauty in native woodlands near you

Autumn has officially arrived, and the Woodland Trust has highlighted a list of woods to visit across Northern Ireland where you can see the stunning change in season.

Glynis Watt  •  30 Sep 2024

Press Release

Peatland struggles to recover six years on from devastating wildfires

A new survey on a fire-ravaged site has shed light on the struggle for natural environments to recover from catastrophic events.

Andy Bond  •  20 Sep 2024

Press Release

Biggest ever tree planting year for fast-expanding Northern Forest

More than 1.9 million trees – enough to fill over 1,200 football pitches – were planted across the Northern Forest in the last year.

Andy Bond  •  10 Sep 2024

Press Release

Argyll Peninsula Prepped to Save Scotland's Ancient Rainforest 

Regenerating Craignish Rainforest Habitats and Native Woods Co-operative join forces to revive ancient woodland on Argyll’s Craignish peninsula.

George Anderson  •  05 Sep 2024

Press Release

Agroforestry for Scottish farming’s future

The Scottish Government is crafting its new agricultural support scheme, representing the biggest change in the support and regulation of land use and management in Scotland for 40 years.

Sarah Madden  •  27 Aug 2024

Press Release

High Alert installation takes public art into the woods

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is hosting a public art exhibition by Rob Hilken at three of its sites in August and September.

Glynis Watt  •  08 Aug 2024

Press Release

New community woodland taking shape near Billington

Work is well underway on a new community woodland planned for Billington in Lancashire.

Andy Bond  •  02 Aug 2024

Press Release

"LincWoods" project to plant 200,000 trees across Lincolnshire in next two years

Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust have united for a major planting initiative to boost tree cover across the region.

Andy Bond  •  31 Jul 2024

Press Release

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland plants 250,000 trees at Woodburn Reservoir

The Woodland Trust has been working in partnership with Northern Ireland Water on a regreening programme since 2020. During that time, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity has planted around 476,000 native trees on Northern Ireland Water’s land.

Glynis Watt  •  29 Jul 2024

Press Release

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland welcomes Tree Protection Bill

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland has welcomed a Private Members Bill submitted at Stormont to protect trees.

Glynis Watt  •  25 Jul 2024

Press Release

Gold for young designer’s garden at Tatton

A young designer has won gold at RHS Tatton for creating a unique garden to highlight the dramatic loss of treasured trees outside woods.

Andy Bond  •  18 Jul 2024

Press Release

Young nature enthusiasts let creativity shine at Maldwyn 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod

Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, has announced the winners of its ‘Getting Creative With Nature’ Key Stage 2 competition, held in collaboration with the Urdd.

Lydia Tomkinson  •  09 Jul 2024

Press Release

Gwledd o greadigrwydd ymysg naturiaethwyr ifanc brwd yn Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024 ym Maldwyn  

Mae Coed Cadw, sef The Woodland Trust yng Nghymru, wedi cyhoeddi enillwyr eu cystadleuaeth Cyfnod Allweddol 2, ‘Bod yn Greadigol ym Myd Natur’, a gynhaliwyd ar y cyd â’r Urdd.

Lydia Tomkinson  •  09 Jul 2024

Press Release

Loch Arkaig osprey chicks bound for Spain as Dad’s catch plummets

Two young ospreys from a nest in Lochaber have been taken into a translocation programme after their father’s plummeting fish catch began to raise concern.

George Anderson  •  02 Jul 2024

Press Release

Joint statement: new Government must show commitment to trees

If the many benefits of trees to society in both rural and urban areas are to be realised, urgent action will be required from the new government.

Andy Bond  •  02 Jul 2024

Press Release

Woodland Trust highlights ‘ticking threat’ of uncontrollable wildfires

An increasing threat of wildfires amid rising temperatures and Met Office warnings could have a "devastating" impact, according to the UK's largest woodland conservation charity.

Owen Phillips  •  27 Jun 2024

Press Release

New study reveals the UK’s rarest rainforest beetles are multi-day adventurers

A new study delving into the lives of one of the UK’s rarest beetles shows them to be athletes and adventurers – travelling the scaled–up equivalent of several kilometres a night in search of food and mates.

Andy Bond  •  18 Jun 2024

Press Release

Call for political parties to increase tree cover in England to 16.5%

Ahead of the General Election, conservation and commercial sectors are calling on political parties to increase England's tree cover to 16.5%.

Andy Bond  •  06 Jun 2024

Press Release

A £382 billion asset – why UK trees need better protection and urgent investment

The ONS has calculated an economic value for the UK’s trees and woods – £382 billion.

Andy Bond  •  06 Jun 2024

Press Release

A9 central reservation is in a better state than surrounding hills

A central reservation of one of Scotland's busiest roads, the A9, is in a more natural state than the surrounding hills, says report from the Woodland Trust.

George Anderson  •  28 May 2024

Press Release

Rhododendron is destroying our native wildlife

Popular for its pretty flowers, Rhododendron ponticum is an invasive non-native species and is damaging native woods and wildlife.

Andy Bond  •  23 May 2024

Press Release

Vandalism at Young People’s Forest will not derail nature project, says Woodland Trust

Structures damaged by recent vandalism at the Young People's Forest at Mead will cost thousands of pounds to repair.

Andy Bond  •  15 May 2024

Press Release

Deer in Scotland: a way forward?

Deer numbers in Scotland have doubled since 1990, posing a growing barrier to woodland creation and restoration.

Simon Ritchie  •  26 Apr 2024

Press Release

Lauren Child helps children smile with free trees

Much-loved children’s author Lauren Child has urged schools and community groups across the UK to take advantage of the Woodland Trust’s free trees scheme.

Owen Phillips  •  28 Mar 2024

Press Release

Early signs of spring becoming the new norm, says the Woodland Trust

Earlier signs of spring – such as the first leafing of trees or the first sightings of butterflies – could be here to stay, says the Woodland Trust.

Andy Bond  •  22 Mar 2024

Press Release

Gallai dull teg a hyblyg fodloni gofynion gorchudd coed ar gyfer ffermydd Cymru

Gall cyllid teg a dull hyblyg wneud y gofyniad gorchudd coed lleiaf o 10% yn gyraeddadwy ar gyfer y rhan fwyaf o ffermydd, medd Coed Cadw yng Nghymru.

Lydia Tomkinson  •  12 Mar 2024

Press Release

How can we fund new woodland against a backdrop of cuts?

A 41% cut to anything is a big deal. But when it amounts to £32,000,000, it’s a massive deal. That’s the scale of the cut that the 2024-25 Scottish Budget imposes on woodland grants.

Simon Ritchie  •  01 Mar 2024

Press Release

GPs urge policymakers to invest in green space to reduce NHS pressure

Policymakers must prioritise the environment to improve the health of the nation and ease pressure on the NHS, say doctors.

Andy Bond  •  29 Feb 2024

Press Release

Fair and flexible approach could meet tree cover requirement for Welsh farms

Fair funding and a flexible approach can make the 10% minimum tree cover requirement achievable for most farms, says the Woodland Trust in Wales.

Lydia Tomkinson  •  22 Feb 2024

Press Release

Children's author Michael Morpurgo backs project bringing city children into nature and farming

The Woodland Trust is working with Farms for City Children, a charity founded by Michael and Clare Morpurgo to connect city children with nature and farming.

Andy Bond  •  09 Feb 2024

Press Release

Commercial and conservation sectors condemn Forest Grant Scheme cuts

Enormous cuts to the woodland grant budget will torpedo Scotland’s chances of meeting climate and nature targets.

George Anderson  •  15 Jan 2024

Press Release

Our statement on new Government ELM announcement on funding for farmers

Our response to Steve Barclay's Oxford Conference announcement regarding Environmental Land Management payments for farmers.

Andy Bond  •  04 Jan 2024

Press Release

Woodland Trust announces Tony Hall – Lord Hall of Birkenhead as new chair

The Woodland Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Hall – Lord Hall of Birkenhead as the charity’s new chair. He will take up the role in June 2024.

Ruby Nutting  •  19 Dec 2023

Press Release

Woodland Trust sets out priorities for Woodland Creation Summit

Woodland Trust Scotland has set out its priorities ahead of a Scottish Government summit this month.

Simon Ritchie  •  06 Dec 2023

Press Release

Woodland Trust seeks major new corporate partner to empower young people through ‘Funding for the Future’

The Woodland Trust, recognised as the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, is boldly seeking out the perfect business to work in partnership with to support an ambitious new programme of work.

Julie Ellerby  •  06 Dec 2023

Press Release

Tree equity map shows less affluent areas have less tree cover

People in less affluent areas have lower levels of tree cover and a higher risk of health problems from poor air quality, new online tree equity map reveals.

Andy Bond  •  05 Dec 2023

Press Release

Politicians plant six millionth tree of the Northern Forest

A host of dignitaries joined together to plant the six millionth tree of the Northern Forest, marking five years since the start of the ambitious project to link up Liverpool and Hull with trees.

Andy Bond  •  01 Dec 2023

Press Release

Scotland’s wildest wild apples gathered for ‘gene bank’ orchard in the Trossachs

A genetic refuge for Scotland’s wildest crab apple trees has been established at Woodland Trust Scotland’s Glen Finglas Estate in the Trossachs.

George Anderson  •  30 Nov 2023

Press Release

Groundbreaking scientific research project at Snaizeholme will tackle the impacts of extreme weather

One of the biggest pieces of scientific research ever undertaken in the English uplands will tackle the impacts of extreme weather.

Andy Bond  •  17 Nov 2023

Press Release

First trees planted as charity tees up to turn abandoned golf course into wildlife haven

School children are set to plant the first of 30,000 trees at Frodsham, Cheshire in an ambitious project to turn fairways into forest and greens into glades.

Andy Bond  •  08 Nov 2023

Press Release

300,000 households given new access to nature, new study of Northern Forest shows

More than 300,000 households have been given access to nature they previously didn’t have, a new Northern Forest study shows.

Andy Bond  •  04 Oct 2023

Press Release

Logging horse and 'Water Horse' team up to revive ancient Highland forest

The newest form of timber transport has teamed up with the oldest, in a bid to restore a spectacular remnant of Caledonian pinewood and Scotland’s rainforest.

George Anderson  •  02 Oct 2023

Press Release

Dalkeith named heritage tree hotspot as experts record 500 “living legends”

Dalkeith Country Park in Midlothian has been revealed as a heritage tree hotspot after experts recorded 500 ancient, veteran and notable oaks over the last year.

George Anderson  •  22 Sep 2023

Press Release

Over 900 Insect Species Identified at “Commando” Wood in the Scottish Highlands

Ecologist Ian Strachan discovers 946 invertebrate species in Scotland's Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, highlighting its rich biodiversity and historical significance.

George Anderson  •  22 Aug 2023

Press Release

Faughan Valley Woodlands officially opens unveiling a haven for nature and people

Small fragmented woodlands along and across the River Faughan have been connected to benefit people, nature and climate in Northern Ireland.

Lynsey Nixon  •  01 Aug 2023

Press Release

Woodland Trust report: £1 billion to save England’s 'forgotten woods and wildlife'

The Woodland Trust has produced and costed a £1 billion five-year plan to rescue nature in England’s threatened ancient woods.

Natalie Stephenson  •  27 Jun 2023

Press Release

Windrush elders plant commemorative woodland grove

A new woodland grove has been planted in Neath to commemorate 75 years since HMT Empire Windrush docked in England on 22 June 1948.

Sophie Thomas  •  22 Jun 2023

Press Release

Clock is ticking for Britain’s incredibly rare rainforests

The Woodland Trust is highlighting the plight of its special rainforests to coincide with World Rainforest Day. Despite fears over the future of the Britain’s rainforests, much is being done on the ground to protect these special habitats. 

Andy Bond  •  22 Jun 2023

Press Release

Tree planting progress ‘near glacial' as Government releases new figures

Government tree planting figures published today show that targets to create new woodland in England have been missed again.

Natalie Stephenson  •  15 Jun 2023

Press Release

Climate action: water your street trees

Rising temperatures and dry spells are leading to an increasing loss of new street trees, but the nation can do its bit, urge tree groups.

Natalie Stephenson  •  13 Jun 2023

Press Release

Over 40% of new road schemes across England impact irreplaceable ancient woods 

With 43% of major new road schemes across England causing huge damage to both ancient woodland and veteran trees, planned changes to the Government’s transport policy don’t go nearly far enough.

Andy Bond  •  05 Jun 2023

Press Release

Million pound grant to 'roll out rainforest' around Scottish mountain

Woodland Trust Scotland is to receive £1m+ through the Forestry Grant Scheme to expand rare Scottish rainforest around the slopes of a Highland mountain.

George Anderson  •  25 May 2023

Press Release

Woodland Trust acquires new land connected to Mourne Park

The Trust has been able to extend Mourne Park, a special site for restoration and conservation in Northern Ireland, with 32 hectares of neighbouring land.

Glynis Watt  •  24 May 2023

Press Release

Success for Wales-wide tree planting project as 300,000 trees find homes

Thousands of households have planted trees through the My Tree, Our Forest project, helping to kickstart a National Forest for Wales.

Sophie Thomas  •  22 May 2023

Press Release

Visit the Woodland Trust's bluebell woods in full bloom

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland wants to welcome visitors to sites throughout the region to enjoy the spectacular springtime sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland.

Glynis Watt  •  11 May 2023

Press Release

Hundreds of trees planted by Kate Humble with support from Welsh Woodland Trust

Kate Humble has planted hundreds of trees on her property with support from Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales.

Sophie Thomas  •  21 Apr 2023

Press Release

Giant boost for nature in Yorkshire Dales as charity plans huge native woodland

One of the boldest projects in the English uplands is about to start with the first trees to go in the ground at Snaizeholme in the Yorkshire Dales.

Andy Bond  •  17 Apr 2023

Press Release

Young people's climate anxiety is soaring due to lack of access to green space

One in three young people in Britain are scared (33%), sad (34%) or pessimistic (34%) about climate change, with 28% feeling “overwhelmed”, according to a YouGov poll.

Owen Phillips  •  21 Mar 2023

Press Release

Highland lodge announced as Scottish Rainforest Centre

95-year old Couldoran House will be reborn as the Scottish Rainforest Centre and operate as a hub in efforts to conserve the rare and threatened habitat.

George Anderson  •  16 Feb 2023

Press Release

One little word makes a huge difference for Scotland’s dwindling ancient woods

Campaigners are celebrating a major victory as new policy bars developments damaging ancient woods and trees.

George Anderson  •  15 Feb 2023

Press Release

A huge win for irreplaceable ancient woodland

Oldhouse Warren ancient woodland has had a stay of execution after Center Parcs abandoned its plans to develop a new village within this irreplaceable habitat.

Natalie Stephenson  •  10 Feb 2023

Press Release

GB plant biosecurity strategy is a missed opportunity

The Government today published its Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain. Read our reaction.

Alisha Anstee  •  09 Jan 2023

Press Release

Survival of rare shrill carder bumblebee given hope in Kent

The survival of one of the UK’s rarest bumblebees – the shrill carder bee – has been boosted as conservation techniques see Woodland Trust site given special “champion status” for the species.

Andy Bond  •  13 Dec 2022

Press Release

Former golf course becomes wooded haven for wildlife

A former golf course in north Cheshire is to be transformed by the Woodland Trust into a haven for nature and a wild place for communities to visit for years to come.

Andy Bond  •  05 Dec 2022

Press Release

Farmers share tales of 'living legends' and nature on their land

From an ancient oak which survived a hit from a Lancaster Bomber in World War Two to a 150-year-old pear tree – classically taken portraits tell a story of how farmers are helping to protect ancient and veteran trees.

Andy Bond  •  24 Nov 2022

Press Release

Farming with trees is key to net zero, new research shows

A new Woodland Trust report shows how increasing agroforestry – farming with trees - in England is essential to meet nature and climate targets

Andy Bond  •  01 Nov 2022

Press Release

Woodland Trust opens Mourne Park

A rare ancient woodland wildlife haven has opened in Northern Ireland for the first time in over 500 years, with three new trails to help visitors explore.

Glynis Watt  •  01 Aug 2022

Press Release

Woodland Trust announces partnership with Assynt Foundation

The Assynt Foundation and Woodland Trust Scotland have entered a 30-year partnership to revitalise Glencanisp and Drumrunie Estates in the North-west highlands.

George Anderson  •  23 Dec 2021

Press Release

Woodland Trust Scotland Buys Highland Estate

Woodland Trust Scotland has completed the purchase of the 4,500-acre Couldoran Estate in Wester Ross, a site it plans to transform for the benefit of people and wildlife.

George Anderson  •  09 Dec 2021

Press Release

Coed Cadw welcomes Senedd support for 'Amazing Trees'

Coed Cadw welcomes Senedd support for 'Amazing Trees' and calls for public & community support to plant thousands more

Llinos Humphreys  •  16 Jul 2021

Press Release

New population of rare heath fritillary found in Kent

The heath fritillary, one of the UK’s rarest butterflies, has been discovered for the first time at the Woodland Trust’s Victory Wood in Kent.

Andy Bond  •  01 Jul 2021

Press Release

Official planting figures show urgent need for more action

Read our response to the latest National Statistics on woodland released on 17 June 2021.

Steve Marsh  •  17 Jun 2021

Press Release

Woodland Trust buys ancient woodland in Kingdom of Mourne

The Trust has taken ownership of 156 hectares of Northern Ireland's Mourne Park estate with ambitions to restore ancient woodland and open it to the public.

Glynis Watt  •  24 May 2021

Press Release

Coedwigoedd a choed Cymru 'dan fygythiad difrifol' yn ol adroddiad newydd 

Mae adroddiad newydd gan y Woodland Trust yn darparu tystiolaeth o ganlyniadau peri-fygythiol niferus i goedwigoedd a choed ledled y DU.

Llinos Humphreys  •  15 Apr 2021

Press Release

New report reveals serious threat to Welsh woods and trees

A Woodland Trust report provides evidence of multiple threats that pose catastrophic consequences for woods and trees across the UK.

Llinos Humphreys  •  15 Apr 2021