Policy and influence

Press Release

Wildlife declining in UK woods despite more tree cover, major new report reveals 

The State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2025 report has revealed that the quantity and variety of woodland wildlife is plummeting, despite a marginal rise in tree cover.

The Woodland Trust  •  10 Jun 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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