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Trees woods and wildlife

Phytophthora lateralis

A fatal fungus-like species that attacks Lawson cypress, Phytophthora lateralis stops trees from transporting vital nutrients.

Trees woods and wildlife

Sirococcus tsugae

A fungal disease that attacks cedars and hemlock, Sirococcus tsugae can cause disfigurement and eventually death to shoots and branches.

Blog

8 steps to achieving long-term mindfulness with woods and trees

Explore some woodland activities that you can take part in to gain positive health benefits.

Julia Lock  •  22 Mar 2022

Trees woods and wildlife

Phytophthora austrocedri

Phytophthora austrocedri is a pathogen that infects and kills native juniper trees. Junipers are one of our rarest native trees and an attack from this fungi-like species is a devastating blow to some of the UK’s populations.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brown long-eared bat

Known as the 'whispering' bat for its almost silent echolocation noises, this little bat's huge ears make it an expert woodland insect hunter.

Trees woods and wildlife

Chestnut, sweet

Introduced by the Romans and a roasted winter treat. These long-lived giants, with their prickly-husks and deeply grooved bark, give us our classic Christmas nut.

Trees woods and wildlife

Long-tailed tit

Flying balls of fluff. These tiny woodland dwellers have a strong claim to be considered the UK’s cutest bird.

Trees woods and wildlife

Long-eared owl

Wise and regal, with an imposing stare and elusive nature. Our most nocturnal owl, with a penchant for recycling other bird’s old nests. It lives in dense woodland and is a skilful hunter.

About us

Wood Wise magazine

Delve deeper into the news and science behind our tree and woodland conservation work with Wood Wise magazine.

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)

About us

Our president

Clive Anderson has been our president for more than 10 years, having taken a long interest in the problems facing the natural world and trees in particular.

Plant trees

Managing your new woodland

Woodland management requires long term planning. Learn about the observations and actions needed over a wood’s lifetime.

Blog

How long do spiders live? And other spider facts

Discover more about spiders like how long they live, how many eyes they have, how big UK species can grow and more.

Rachel Hoskins  •  09 Sep 2019

Support us

Get inspired by William Shakespeare

Discover the trees and plants in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Journal

Wood Wise – birds in focus

The autumn 2014 issue of Wood Wise focuses on woodland birds, the threats they face and how habitat creation can boost declining populations.

PDF  (5.67 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Wild service tree

A true springtime stunner, it’s not so long ago that you could find wild-service fruit at a market. These days it’s rare and hard to find but it’s still a favourite with wildlife like the wood pigeon, whose gut softens its seeds for propagation.

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 – fabulous fungi

The autumn 2015 issue of Wood Wise explores the fascinating world of fungi, their essential role in woodland and their complex relationship with trees.

PDF  (1.58 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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Phytophthora ramorum

Phytophthora ramorum is a fungal-like organism that causes the death of a wide range of trees and shrubs. The greatest impact so far has been on larch plantations, leading to thousands of hectares of felling around the UK.

Journal

Wood Wise – ancient trees

The spring 2014 issue of Wood Wise looks at the ecology of ancient and veteran trees, the work to identify and protect them, and what the future holds.

PDF  (4.11 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)

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)

Journal

Wood Wise – citizen science

The spring 2015 issue of Wood Wise looks at citizen science – projects that mobilise the general public for scientific knowledge gathering.

PDF  (19.35 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Barnacle lichen

Looking like little barnacles growing on tree trunks, get to know barnacle lichen which you'll find on the bark of living trees in ancient wood.

Journal

Wood Wise – conservation grazing in woodland management

The autumn 2012 issue of Wood Wise examines the value of grazing for woodland management, including the impacts difference grazers can have.

PDF  (3.39 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Barn owl

With bright white feathers and a distinctive heart-shaped face, there’s no mistaking the barn owl. Catching sight of one on the wing is always a delight. 

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)

Journal

Wood Wise – woodland management for sun-loving butterflies

The autumn 2013 issue of Wood Wise examines how the careful management of open space in woodland can benefit declining butterflies such as fritillaries.

PDF  (1.55 MB)

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)

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)

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)

Journal

Wood Wise – hedgerows and hedgerow trees

The summer 2014 issue of Wood Wise looks at the benefits hedges provide, their management for wildlife, and hedgerow planting and improvement schemes.

PDF  (2.32 MB)

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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak bush-cricket

This champion of the woodland long-jump is a lot quieter than its other cricket cousins. The oak bush-cricket lives, feeds and breeds in trees and woodland.

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)

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)

Journal

Wood Wise – wood pasture restoration and creation

The winter 2012 issue of Wood Wise looks at wood pasture, an ancient and diverse habitat that supports a number of species, veteran trees and grazing animals.

PDF  (4.25 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – tree pests and diseases

The summer 2013 issue of Wood Wise looks at the tree pests and diseases already causing problems in the UK, as well as potential future threats.

PDF  (2.55 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – marvellous mammals

The summer 2016 issue of Wood Wise spotlights the many mammals that call UK woodlands home, and the projects to bring them back to old haunts.

PDF  (1.56 MB)

Blog

The oldest tree in the UK: how long do trees live?

Discover the oldest tree in the UK - and the world - and why ancient trees are so important.

Charlie Mellor  •  29 Jan 2024

Journal

Wood Wise – ancient woodland restoration

The summer 2015 issue of Wood Wise looks at the range of projects striving to bring light and life back to damaged native woods through careful restoration.

PDF  (1.99 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Great spruce bark beetle

The great spruce bark beetle damages spruce trees by tunnelling into the bark. This pest was accidentally introduced into the UK in 1982 and now has become established in Western England, Wales and Southern Scotland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Eight-toothed spruce bark beetle

One of the most serious forestry pests in Europe. If left uncontrolled, the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle has the potential to cause significant damage to the UK’s forestry and timber industries.

Journal

Wood Wise – natural and cultural heritage

The winter 2015 issue of Wood Wise explores the importance of protecting heritage features and the conflicts that can arise between trees and archaeology.

PDF  (8.66 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – invasive species management in woodland habitats

The spring 2013 issue of Wood Wise focuses on invasive species and the threat they pose to the health of our woods, the economy and human health.

PDF  (3.64 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – seeds of hope

The autumn 2016 issue of Wood Wise explores genetic diversity in native trees and shrubs, and how to safeguard genetic resources for the future.

PDF  (1.83 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)

Journal

Wood Wise – beyond the woods

The spring 2017 issue of Wood Wise explores the importance of trees outside woods for people, wildlife and the environment, as well as the threats they face.

PDF  (1.94 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)

Journal

Wood Wise – open space habitats in woodland

The spring 2012 issue of Wood Wise looks at the importance of open space in woodland and the species that rely on the special conditions they provide.

PDF  (4.43 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – secrets of the soil

The spring 2016 issue of Wood Wise delves into woodland soil, its function, its species, the threats to its health, and ways to manage it for the future.

PDF  (1.39 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – trees and woodland in water management

The winter 2013 issue of Wood Wise discusses the use of trees and woodland for flood mitigation, river cooling, soil protection and farm management.

PDF  (2.81 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – woodland management for protected species

The summer 2012 issue of Wood Wise looks at how sensitive woodland management is being used to support red squirrels, stag beetles, Scottish wildcats and more.

PDF  (3.54 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Sparrowhawk

With brilliant yellow eyes and long yellow talons, this small yet skilful predator swoops down to ambush its prey unawares. Strongly reliant on woodland, the sparrowhawk has been threatened in the past but is currently widespread throughout the UK.

Trees woods and wildlife

St Mark’s fly

A long-legged fly you can tell the time by – well, the time of year. St Mark’s flies emerge en-masse around 25 April each year.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ancient trees

Ancient trees are irreplaceable. Steeped in history, these impressive trees have been standing tall for hundreds of years and are invaluable homes for wildlife.

Blog

Which birds mate for life? And birds' mating rituals

Find out which birds mate for life and why they do it, plus discover some of the mating rituals they use to attract a long-term partner.

Rachel Hoskins  •  14 Feb 2020

Blog

How to make a butterfly house: a step by step guide

Follow our easy guide to make your own butterfly house! It doesn't take long and supports your local pollinators.

Rachel Hoskins  •  12 Jul 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Birch, silver

Pretty, pale, a symbol of purity. This common tree, with its silver-white bark, is favoured by gardeners who want to renew and purify their land for coming year.

Blog

Ancient tree quiz: test your knowledge

How much do you know about old and ancient trees in the UK? How long do they live and where can you find them? Take the quiz.

Helen Keating  •  14 Jun 2022

Blog

13 hardy plants for your garden

Our pick of hardy plants and trees perfect for any outdoor space. From pretty annual flowers to hard-working, long-lasting evergreens, they're all hardy to at least -15C.

Charlie Mellor  •  07 Mar 2024

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)