Protecting trees and woods
Support a target to increase tree cover and recover nature
We need well-connected woodlands, rich in native trees that fight climate change and help nature to recover. Act now.
Campaign with us
Our woods and trees can't speak for themselves. Together we can stand up for the environment and safeguard the UK's woodland heritage for our future.
1,225
ancient woods threatened by development right now
2.4%
that's how little of the UK is covered by ancient woodland
1,172
woods saved with your help since 1999
Read our latest news
Campaigns that need your support
Protecting trees and woods
We need tree equality in the UK
Join us in calling on Government to do more to give all of us the access to trees and nature we need.
Protecting trees and woods
Agroforestry in Wales
Let's change the way we manage our Welsh landscape to the benefit of all in Wales, and for future generations.
Protecting trees and woods
Help us save Coed Wern from destruction
Ancient woodland is under threat from a holiday park proposal in Glasinfryn, near Bangor.
HS2 rail link
HS2 is a grave threat to the UK’s ancient woods, with many at risk of loss or damage. We can’t let this happen.
Read the latestMore on the HS2 rail link
Latest campaign successes
Protecting trees and woods
Saved: ancient woods in South Wales
Irreplaceable ancient woods near Cardiff are safe from a new link road between the A48 and the M4 motorway.
Protecting trees and woods
Saved: Smithy Wood
After years of campaigning, the application for a motorway service station within Smithy Wood's ancient setting has finally been withdrawn.
Protecting trees and woods
Saved: Nidd Gorge
Thanks to thousands of you speaking up, North Yorkshire County Council has ditched plans to build a road through the ancient woodland of Bilton Beck & Rudding Bottoms at Nidd Gorge.
Protecting trees and woods
Saved: ancient woods at Tirpentwys
Almost two hectares of ancient woodland have been saved from a quarry access road near Pontypool in Torfaen.
Take action where you live
Campaign in your community
Local communities taking action is the most effective way to protect woods and trees. Need help? Check out our useful resources.
Get started today
Protecting trees and woods
The Street Trees project
Street trees provide a host of benefits for people, wildlife and our urban environment. But they're under threat.
Protecting trees and woods
Report a threat
Have you found a possible threat from development to an ancient wood or tree? Let us know - we could help.
Why we campaign
Trees and woods bring vast benefits to people, wildlife and the environment. Without them, life would be very different.
Ancient woodland is home to more wildlife than any other UK habitat.
But 85% of it is unprotected by government legislation.
Campaigning works
We base all of our campaigns on evidence. And we’ve proved campaigning works: we’ve saved 1,225 woods since 1972.
From signing a petition or emailing your MP to joining a demonstration walk, your voice makes us stronger.
Be the voice for woods and trees. Together, we can stand up for our precious woods and protect their future.
Catch up on ongoing campaigns
Protecting trees and woods
Government’s nature recovery plans in England fall short
Government plans to halt nature’s decline in England by 2030 don't go far enough. We need more meaningful action to save our wildlife and environment.
Protecting trees and woods
Election candidates need clear plans for woods and trees
Thank you for urging 2022 election candidates to recognise the value of woods and trees where you live.
Protecting trees and woods
New planning rules must protect Scotland’s ancient woods and trees
Scotland's existing planning policy leaves valuable ancient woods and trees vulnerable to inappropriate developments.
Protecting trees and woods
Creating a robust plan to keep our trees healthy
Government’s upcoming Plant Biosecurity Strategy must put in place a bold plan to tackle the pests and diseases that threaten our native tree populations.
Protecting trees and woods
The Environment Act 2021
The story of how thousands of people shaped a new law that will determine how the natural world is governed for years to come.
Protecting trees and woods
Prevent huge loss of woodland in Grantham barracks development plans
A 73 hectare woodland planted for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee could be decimated if housing plans go ahead in their current form. Take action now.
Protecting trees and woods
Urge Government to embrace trees in all developments
Planning system guidance must put new and existing trees at the heart of new building developments right from the start.
Protecting trees and woods
Thank you for demanding a bold England Tree Strategy
The England Trees Action Plan determines how Government will protect, plant and restore woods and trees for years to come.
Protecting trees and woods
Our work with The Climate Coalition
We're part of The Climate Coalition, a group of organisations dedicated to limiting the impact of climate change on the people, places and life we love.
Protecting trees and woods
Demand government action on climate change
The role of trees in fighting climate change is now well understood. The challenge is to find the space that trees need to expand and thrive across our nation.
Protecting trees and woods
Ancient woods and trees threatened by Lower Thames Crossing
Important woods, trees and wildlife are at risk from Highways England proposals to build a new tunnel linking Essex and Kent under the River Thames.
Protecting trees and woods
Councils need trees and woods to fight climate change
More than half of our local authorities have declared a climate emergency. Responding to the crisis is a huge task - but we’re here to help.
Protecting trees and woods
Oxford to Cambridge Growth Arc
We're concerned for the significant amounts of ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees that lie inside the Arc.
Protecting trees and woods
All-Party Parliamentary Group for Woods and Trees
The APPG meets several times a year to discuss steps to protect, restore and expand woods and trees in a time of climate and nature crises.
Protecting trees and woods
Veteran trees still under threat from A27 bypass project
Swathes of ancient woodland are now safe from the A27 Arundel bypass project, but the chosen route still affects veteran trees.
Protecting trees and woods
Protect urban street trees
The Government must give councils what they need to protect street trees.
Trees woods and wildlife
Tree of the Year 2021
Our national contest celebrates the trees across the UK with the most special stories. Discover which tree won our 2021 competition.