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Smithills Estate appeal, Bolton

The largest English site we've ever acquired is now being restored to its full glory thanks to your donations.

Trees woods and wildlife

European larch

A spring-time show-off, European larch is a conifer full of surprises. Introduced over 400 years ago, it’s a favourite with squirrels, birds and moths alike.

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Terms and conditions

Igniting Innovation: youth conservation challenge. Full terms and conditions. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Bluebell

Enchanting and iconic, bluebells are a favourite with the fairies and a sure sign spring is in full swing. The violet glow of a bluebell wood is an incredible wildflower spectacle. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Willow, grey

A soft, silvery lover of damp woodland, the grey willow is a bit scruffy but full of charm. Caterpillars flock to feed on its leaves and its fuzzy catkins are an early pollen source for pollinators.

Trees woods and wildlife

Poplar hawk-moth

Big, bold and full of character. An encounter with a hawk-moth is always special, and this species is the one most likely to make your acquaintance.

Trees woods and wildlife

Adder

Shy but full of surprises, the adder is the UK’s only venomous snake. It spends its days in woodland, soaking up the sun and swallowing its prey whole.

Press centre

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.

Video

A new wood full of potential for business and nature

In 2021, Chelsea Wills and Phil Johncock planted a spectacular six-acre nature reserve above Lee Bay, North Devon with MOREwoods. Just three years later, they're holding woodland yoga sessions and have plans to coppice trees for their artisan woodworking business.

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Trees woods and wildlife

Wayfaring tree

A welcome sign you’re homeward bound, the wayfaring tree is so named because it grows close to paths. Look for them in hedges and woodland edges, with full bloom in the spring and heavy with berries in the autumn.

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Ausewell Wood appeal, Dartmoor

With its dramatic rocky outcrops, raw and rugged beauty, and precious, endangered wildlife, Ausewell Wood is the lost world that needs your help.

Blog

Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Loch Arkaig

The latest Woodland Walks podcast explores the wilderness of Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, set among lochs and mountains and full of rare wildlife and flora.

Adam Shaw  •  22 Jul 2019

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Rainforest appeal

Help support our vital conservation work to protect our vanishingly rare woodland habitats before we lose them forever.

Blog

Signs of summer in nature

Discover the signs of the changing seasons – look for trees in full leaf, summer flowers blooming, butterflies, bats, grasshoppers and more.

Danielle Wesley  •  01 Jun 2019

Protecting trees and woods

Minutes of the APPG meeting 14 July 2025

Read the official minutes for a full list of attendees and more details of what was discussed on the day.

Blog

When do blue tits nest?

A sure sign of the start of spring is the sight of blue tits zipping back and forth to nest boxes, beaks full of moss. Find out when, where and how long blue tits nest, when their chicks fledge, and how important it is that they time things just right.

Amy Lewis  •  12 Feb 2019

Blog

How to make an easy elderflower cordial without citric acid

This elderflower cordial recipe is very easy to make. It's the perfect way to capture the sweet, summery scent of the familiar hedgerow tree that is in full bloom now.

Helen Keating  •  07 Jun 2021

Case study

Bringing neglected woodland into sustainable management

The custodians of an ancient wood discuss their efforts to restore valuable natural habitat and convert neglected woodland into a thriving habitat for wildlife.

PDF  (737 KB)

Blog

6 fast growing trees for your garden

Looking for screening, privacy or just want to green up your garden quickly? Check out our recommendations for a fast growing native tree to suit your space.

Charlie Mellor  •  20 Sep 2024

Visiting woods

Nature's Calendar

Help monitor the effects of climate change on wildlife near you. Your records contribute to a growing body of evidence on global warming.

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Volunteer with us

Every year, thousands of people give their precious time to help us protect and care for woods and trees.

Blog

How and when to plant fruit trees

Find out how to choose the best fruit tree for you and your garden, when and where to plant them and the benefits they bring for wildlife.

Helen Keating  •  05 Nov 2020

Blog

Why do leaves change colour and fall off in autumn?

Autumn is the most spectacular season thanks to our deciduous trees. But why is autumn colour better some years than others? Find out why.

Helen Keating  •  02 Oct 2020

Plant trees

MOREhedges makes a difference for Wiltshire farmer

Ben Butler is passionate about doing his bit for the environment while running a successful farm. See how our MOREhedges scheme has helped on both fronts.

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. 

About us

Our founder – Kenneth Watkins OBE

We are the UK's largest woodland conservation charity, but were established from humble beginnings in 1972. Find out all about the man behind it all.