Publications

Research report

Unlocking the potential for trees and crofts in Scotland: Payment options for integrating trees into farming systems

Our suite of oven-ready payment options for tree planting on farms, endorsed by the National Farmers Union Scotland and the Scottish Crofting Federation, should make the Scottish Government's job of reforming our agricultural support system easier and fairer for farmers and the environment.

PDF (5.18 MB)

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025

Four years after the groundbreaking State of the UK's Woods and Trees report, the Woodland Trust is once again assessing the health of the UK's woods and trees – revealing the latest evidence and analysis to support the urgent action needed to protect and restore woodlands. 

PDF (12.74 MB)

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 – a summary for Wales 

A policy summary report for Wales based on the evidence from the State of UK's Woods and Trees 2025 report.

PDF (4.15 MB)

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 – a summary for Northern Ireland

A policy summary report for Northern Ireland based on the evidence from the State of UK's Woods and Trees 2025 report.

PDF (6.28 MB)

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 – a summary for Scotland

A policy summary report for Scotland based on the evidence from the State of UK's Woods and Trees 2025 report.

PDF (7.04 MB)

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 – a summary for England 

A policy summary report for England based on the evidence from the State of UK's Woods and Trees 2025 report.

PDF (7.02 MB)

Research report

Cyflwr Coedwigoedd a Choed y DU 2025 – crynodeb ar gyfer Cymru

Adroddiad cryno ar bolisi ar gyfer Cymru yn seiliedig ar y dystiolaeth o adroddiad Cyflwr Coed a Choedwigoedd y DU 2025.

PDF (3.99 MB)

Practical guidance

Recognising and categorising ancient and other veteran trees

Ancient and veteran trees provide irreplaceable benefits to people and wildlife, but they can be difficult to recognise and categorise. Read our guide to confidently and reliably identify these living legends.

PDF (3.35 MB)

Position statement

Urban trees and forests – the Woodland Trust's position

Urban trees provide vital benefits to people and nature, but not everyone has equal access to this critical green infrastructure. Read our views on protecting, restoring and creating urban forests.

PDF (2.01 MB)

Policy paper

Funding nature recovery in England

Creating a healthy, resilient natural environment will require billions of pounds of investment. We outline what needs to happen to fund nature recovery in England.

PDF (1.64 MB)

Journal

Report and accounts 2023–2024

Produced annually, our report and accounts summarises our achievements, fundraising activity and expenditure between 1 June 2023 and 31 May 2024. It also outlines our governance, reports back on our environmental impact, and lays out our ambitions for the coming months.

PDF (14.21 MB)

Policy paper

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Scotland

This report shows the central role that native woods and trees must play in restoring nature in Scotland, and how the government and local authorities can help.

PDF (3.03 MB)

Journal

Report and accounts 2022–2023

Produced annually, our report and accounts summarises our achievements, fundraising activity and expenditure between 1 June 2022 and 31 May 2023. It also outlines our governance, reports back on our environmental impact, and lays out our ambitions for the coming months.

PDF (4.77 MB)

Policy paper

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Northern Ireland

This report outlines the critical role that native natural and semi-natural woods and trees must play in restoring nature, and how the government and local authorities can ensure nature’s recovery is embedded in local plans.

PDF (2.58 MB)

Policy paper

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Wales

This report shows the central role that native natural and semi-natural woods and trees must play in restoring nature in Wales, and how the government and local authorities can help. The report is also available in Welsh.

PDF (18.56 MB)

Policy paper

Coed a choedwigoedd: wrth galon adferiad byd natur yng Nghymru

Mae’r adroddiad hwn yn dangos y rôl ganolog y mae’n rhaid i goedwigoedd a choed naturiol a lled-naturiol brodorol ei chwarae wrth adfer natur yng Nghymru, a sut y gall y llywodraeth ac awdurdodau lleol helpu.

PDF (18.60 MB)

Position statement

Trees and peat in the nature and climate crises - the Woodland Trust's view

We're taking steps to ensure we protect and prevent the degradation of valuable peatlands for the climate and nature recovery.

PDF (2.04 MB)

Policy paper

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in England

This report shows the central role that native natural and semi-natural woods and trees must play in restoring nature, and how the government and local authorities can embed nature's recovery in local plans.

PDF (4.96 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – nature-positive economy

Read the summer 2023 issue of Wood Wise, which explores the new narrative of a nature-positive economy.

PDF (8.89 MB)

Practical guidance

Site Assessment Handbook

This handbook will help you gather information on your site to help you create your own woodland. It guides you through four assessment stages and offers advice on growing the right trees in the right place.

PDF (4.65 MB)

Journal

Report and Accounts 2021-2022

Produced annually, our report and accounts summarises our achievements, fundraising activity, and expenditure between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022. It also outlines our governance, reports back on our environmental impact, and lays out our ambitions for the coming months.

PDF (4.76 MB)

Practical guidance

Trees for the Crofting Community

Our Croft Woodlands advisory team helps crofters, smallholders, and common grazings to create and manage woodlands that will flourish. Get more information on the project, funding and read case studies showing how trees can benefit your croft.

PDF (1.81 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – nature recovery at scale

Read the autumn 2022 issue of Wood Wise, which explores how we can drive nature recovery on a landscape scale.

PDF (5.81 MB)

Policy paper

Farming for the future: agroforestry benefits for nature and climate

This report assesses the benefits of agroforestry on a large scale on farmland in England. It considers how agroforestry systems are already being deployed, and sets out recommendations on how to increase the number of trees in our agricultural environment and make changes in land use a reality.

PDF (5.19 MB)

Position statement

Forest certification – the Woodland Trust's position

The Woodland Trust practises sustainable forestry and is committed to supporting initiatives which assist others in accessing forest certification.

PDF (395 KB)

Practical guidance

Ancient and veteran trees: An Assessment Guide

This guide describes our approach to conserving veteran trees, wherever they are. Covering a series of steps that you can follow as an adviser, advocate, landowner, or manager.

PDF (4.82 MB)

Practical guidance

Integrating trees on farms and crofts in Scotland

It's time to manage land in a way that addresses ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agroforestry and woodland expansion projects in Scotland are key for integrating tree cover and agricultural land to complement farming systems, including crofting. 

PDF (1.38 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – trees for water

Read the spring 2022 issue of Wood Wise, which explores the relationship between trees and water.

PDF (4.90 MB)

Practical guidance

Tree charter toolkit

The Charter for Trees, Woods and People (the Tree Charter) sets out the principles for a society in which people and trees can stand stronger together. How can we all meaningfully give something back in return for fresh air, food, resources, shelter, careers and inspiration? We hope this toolkit offers you a starting point.

PDF (2.43 MB)

Practical guidance

Tree species handbook

Our guide to choosing the best tree species when creating new woodland, with profiles of 50 tree and shrub species and 18 woodland communities.

PDF (13.70 MB)

Practical guidance

Woodland creation guide

The Woodland Trust’s approach to woodland creation for people and wildlife.

PDF (42.34 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise - creating tomorrow's woods

Read the autumn 2021 issue of Wood Wise, all about how to create healthy woods for the future.

PDF (2.83 MB)

Policy paper

Reducing rhododendron in Scotland's rainforest

Without action, invasive rhododendron will increasingly dominate Scotland's rainforest. We're asking for a Rainforest Action Fund to tackle the issue.

PDF (7.41 MB)

Practical guidance

Practical guidance on restoring your ancient woodland

An introductory summary of training modules by the Woodland Trust for restoring ancient woodland.

PDF (582 KB)

Practical guidance

Ancient and veteran trees: Caring for special trees on farms

This guide helps identify ancient and veteran trees on farming land, and highlights their importance. It provides information on how to protect trees and secure their future.

PDF (2.28 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration - recovery of the wider ecosystem

Practical guidance on restoring the wider woodland ecosystem, transforming plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) through gradual and more rapid approaches, managing young stands, and operational considerations and constraints.

PDF (4.76 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise - evidence for action

This issue of Wood Wise delves deeper into some of the issues highlighted in our landmark State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2021 report.

PDF (6.94 MB)

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2021

This State of the UK’s Woods and Trees report is the first to present important facts and trends focusing predominantly on our native woods and trees.

PDF (27.62 MB)

Discussion paper

Manifesto for the Welsh Parliament elections

Our manifesto outlines how trees can play a vital role in addressing the nature and climate crisis. They can help us rebuild an economy that's resilient to climate change, good for our wellbeing and nature-rich - one that's fit for present, and future generations.

PDF (4.78 MB)

Discussion paper

Maniffesto ar gyfer Etholiadau Senedd Cymru 2021

Yn ein manifesto rydyn ni’n dangos sut gall coed ein helpu yr adeg yma i fynd i’r afael a’r argyfwng natur a hinsawdd ac adeiladu economi sy’n gydnerth o ran yr hinsawdd a chymdeithas lle mae natur yn gyforiog, un sy’n addas i genedlaethau’r presennol a’r dyfodol.

PDF (4.77 MB)

Discussion paper

Manifesto for the 2021 Scottish Parliament election

Woods and trees offer solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing our society. Good stewardship of the nation’s native woodlands will reap huge rewards. But the needs of our woods and trees must be in the minds of the next Government.

PDF (3.55 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration - maximising ecological integrity

Practical guidance on accumulating more old growth characteristics, better space and dynamism, water and air quality, reintroductions and the integrity of wider landscapes.

PDF (8.97 MB)

Position statement

Tree provenance in a changing climate

The Woodland Trust’s approach to resilience in the face of climate change focuses on utilising seed sourced from appropriate local provenances which the evidence shows will be best adapted to local conditions into the future.

PDF (353 KB)

Journal

Wood Wise - woods in waiting

Read the autumn 2020 issue of Wood Wise, our tree and woodland conservation magazine, which discusses the importance of natural regeneration for expanding tree and woodland cover in the UK.

PDF (5.28 MB)

Research briefing

Trees on hen ranges are a haven for wildlife

This briefing highlights how various wildlife species benefit from trees on hen ranges using findings from surveys across nine sites in Cumbria from 2016-2019.

PDF (702 KB)

Journal

Wood Wise - trees for good

Read the spring 2020 issue of Wood Wise, all about how trees can simultaneously tackle the climate and nature emergencies.

PDF (3.05 MB)

Policy paper

The Woodland Trust's approach to managing its estate

The Woodland Trust owns more than 1,000 woods across the UK. This is how we manage them for people and wildlife in the face of climate change and other threats.

PDF (1.21 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration management principles 

An introductory guide to ancient woodland restoration management, the value of this special habitat, and why we should protect and restore it.

PDF (3.21 MB)

Position statement

Deer management - the Woodland Trust's position

The Woodland Trust monitors and manages deer numbers on its estate where over-grazing poses a significant threat to vulnerable habitats and conservation outcomes.

PDF (70 KB)

Policy paper

Emergency Tree Plan for the UK

How to increase tree cover and address the nature and climate emergency. We set out key recommendations for the UK's national and local governments.

PDF (9.63 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – life in deadwood

The autumn 2019 issue of Wood Wise dispels any myths about deadwood and raises awareness of its importance to people and wildlife.

PDF (4.01 MB)

Research briefing

Tree leaves as supplementary feed for ruminant livestock

We look at the value of different species of tree leaves as mineral supplements for livestock. Willow in particular is identified as a potentially valuable source of cobalt and zinc.

PDF (161 KB)

Technical note

How we manage ash dieback on Woodland Trust sites

Ash was once one of the most widespread tree species in Europe. Now it's threatened by ash dieback. Here we explain how we manage ash dieback on our estate.

PDF (133 KB)

Research report

Woodland indicators by parliamentary constituency

A research report comparing parliamentary constituencies on percentage woodland cover, accessible woodland figures and threats to woodland from development.

PDF (2.69 MB)

Position statement

Climate change – the Woodland Trust's position

The Woodland Trust protects and restores woodland, increasing the resilience of natural ecosystems in the face of challenges posed by climate change.

PDF (243 KB)

Position statement

Ash dieback – the Woodland Trust's position

Ash dieback, caused by the non-native invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, presents a major threat to the UK’s treescape on a scale not seen since the Dutch elm disease epidemic of the 1970s.

PDF (333 KB)

Practical guidance

Planners' manual for ancient woodland and veteran trees

Practical guidance for planners on embedding ancient woodland and veteran trees in decision making, recognising their value, and avoiding damage from development.

PDF (3.34 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – iconic oak

The summer 2019 issue of Wood Wise tells the story of oak – of its role in British culture, as a haven for wildlife, and the threats it faces.

PDF (4.47 MB)

Research report

The state of Scotland’s rainforest

A research report by the Atlantic Woodland Alliance reviewing the latest evidence on the condition of and threats to Scotland’s temperate rainforest woodlands.

PDF (3.86 MB)

Practical guidance

Assessing ammonia impacts on ancient woodland

A technical advice note on assessing the impact of new developments on nearby ancient woodland in terms of ammonia air pollution and nitrogen deposition.

PDF (2.08 MB)

Research report

Agroforestry for pest control and pollination

A PhD research project, supported by the Woodland Trust, is investigating how insects and other wildlife in agroforestry affect pest control and pollination.

PDF (1.79 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – future forests

The spring 2019 issue of Wood Wise focuses on what needs to be done to manage the UK’s woods to nurture healthy, resilient wooded landscapes of the future.

PDF (5.78 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration survey and assessment

Practical guidance on surveying and assessment when restoring ancient woodland, including why we need to assess remnant features, threats, prioritising action and monitoring.

PDF (3.24 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration – halting further decline

Practical guidance on halting further decline when beginning ancient woodland restoration, including first aid techniques for the most critically threatened areas.

PDF (4.70 MB)

Practical guidance

Residential developments and trees guide for planners and developers

A guide for developers and planners on the importance of trees and green spaces in housing developments and how to integrate them into the design process.

PDF (1.89 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – reintroducing lost species

The autumn 2018 issue of Wood Wise looks at the species reintroductions for conservation, focusing on a number of projects happening across the UK.

PDF (2.57 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – EU-exit impacts

The summer 2018 issue of Wood Wise looks at key areas of UK environmental legislation and protection that will be affected by leaving the EU.

PDF (6.56 MB)

Practical guidance

The role of trees in sheep farming

Planting trees for shelter can boost production and improve animal health and welfare. This guide provides practical guidance on integrating trees on sheep farms.

PDF (15.85 MB)

Research report

The current state of ancient woodland restoration

A report drawing together evidence on the progress and challenges associated with restoring damaged ancient woodlands across the UK.

PDF (1.76 MB)

Case study

Natural flood management using washland restoration

A Sussex Flow Initiative case study demonstrating natural flood management through washland restoration on an organic farm in the River Ouse catchment.

PDF (773 KB)

Case study

Natural flood management using leaky dams

A Sussex Flow Initiative case study demonstrating natural flood management by using leaky dams in woodland to intercept, slow and divert flood waters.

PDF (880 KB)

Case study

Natural flood management by planting trees

A Sussex Flow Initiative case study demonstrating natural flood management by planting hedgerows and woodland to intercept rainfall and improve soil infiltration.

PDF (570 KB)

Practical guidance

Rôl coed mewn ffermio defaid - integreiddio coed i hybu cynhyrchiant a gwella iechyd anifeiliaid

Fe all plannu coed ar gyfer cysgod hybu cynhyrchiant a gwella iechyd a lles anifeiliaid. Mae'r llyfryn hwn yn darparu arweiniad ymarferol ar integreiddio coed ar ffermydd defaid.

PDF (3.52 MB)

Research report

The benefits to people of trees outside woods

A research report on the ecosystem services, natural capital and other benefits trees outside woods provide, whether cultural, environmental or economic.

PDF (1.48 MB)

Policy paper

Agroforestry in England: benefits and barriers

Examining the benefits and opportunities trees on farms can offer, including increased productivity, environmental protection and agricultural resilience.

PDF (1.47 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – forest flora

The spring 2018 issue of Wood Wise focuses on woodland ground flora – the wildflowers and plants that need protection and sensitive management.

PDF (2.82 MB)

Policy paper

Rheoli tir yn gynaliadwy – rhoi coed a choetir yng nghanol polisi rheoli tir newydd

Mae’r papur polisi hwn yn esbonio safiad Coed Cadw ar bwysigrwydd datblygu polisi rheoli tir cynaliadwy ar ôl Brexit.

PDF (8.89 MB)

Policy paper

Planting 50 million trees for a new Northern Forest

Our plan to plant 50 million trees across the North of England, transforming the landscape to make it more resilient, beautiful and prosperous.

PDF (3.95 MB)

Policy paper

Our conservation principles and approach

A policy paper outlining the Woodland Trust’s six key principles for conservation in our own woods, when we work with others, and across all our activities.

PDF (2.67 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – nature inspires education

The autumn 2017 issue of Wood Wise focuses on how connecting with nature can educate and inspire the environmental guardians and conservationists of the future.

PDF (1.87 MB)

Case study

Timber products from ancient woodland restoration

A case study demonstrating how one woodland owner is making restoration pay its way – by using extracted timber for flooring in a factory renovation project.

PDF (732 KB)

Case study

O lawr y goedwig i lawr y tŷ - cynhyrchu defnyddiau coed trwy adfer coetir hynafol

Mae Ray a Jeannie Turner wedi bod yn berchen ar Goed y Galchog a hynny ers 11 mlynedd. Heb gymorth grantiau, mae rhaid i dirfeddianwyr edrych am ffyrdd mwy creadigol i sicrhau fod adfer coetir yn talu amdano’i hun.

PDF (732 KB)

Research report

The role of trees outside woods - their ecological and landscape benefits

A report on the many ecological and landscape benefits offered by copses, hedgerows, lone trees and orchards in the UK, and why their protection is so important.

PDF (1.36 MB)

Practical guidance

Benefits of woods and trees for local authorities

This document provides guidance and advice for local government to better achieve its environmental ambitions.

PDF (549 KB)

Journal

Wood Wise – beguiling beetles

The summer 2017 issue of Wood Wise celebrates the UK’s tree-associated beetles, looking at their ecological requirements and their relationship with tree diseases.

PDF (4.85 MB)

Position statement

Tree health: biosecurity and plant imports

The Woodland Trust believes it is far more practical and cost-effective to prevent tree pest and diseases from entering the UK than to deal with an outbreak.

PDF (5.06 MB)

Case study

Tree planting for severe flooding on a lowland farm

A study investigating the impact and cost of severe annual flooding on a lowland farm and the role of tree planting as a management technique.

PDF (718 KB)

Position statement

Rewilding – the Woodland Trust's position

The Woodland Trust advocates the use of natural processes and species reintroduction to promote the conservation and expansion of wildlife.

PDF (1.49 MB)

Case study

Mob grazing and creating new hedgerows for livestock shelter

A case study demonstrating the productivity and welfare improvements achieved by mob (rotational) grazing and smaller paddocks with hedges for shelter.

PDF (2.94 MB)

Case study

Planting trees to improve economic returns

A case study demonstrating the benefits of agroforestry on an arable farm, including crop diversification, enhanced biodiversity and reduced wind erosion.

PDF (142 KB)