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Press centre

Tree planting progress ‘near glacial' as Government releases new figures

Government tree planting figures published today show that targets to create new woodland in England have been missed again.

Press centre

Official planting figures show urgent need for more action

Read our response to the latest National Statistics on woodland released on 17 June 2021.

Press centre

Northern Ireland must increase tree planting urgently

The State of Woods and Trees 2025: Northern Ireland report reveals that Northern Ireland not only has the lowest woodland cover in the UK and Ireland, but is also failing to meet its own tree planting targets.

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Where to plant

The trick to successful planting is good planning.

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Tree planting advice

Thinking of planting trees, but need some help? Explore advice on choosing the right tree species, location, how to plant and aftercare.

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)

Research report

Planting trees to protect water on farms

Planting trees on farms can improve water quality, reduce pollution and help mitigate flooding, while also supporting production and wildlife.

PDF  (1.64 MB)

Practical guidance

Tree planting for free range poultry farms

Incorporating trees into free range poultry farms can improve the welfare of birds and their performance. We give advice on planting design and maintenance.

PDF  (650 KB)

Case study

Pearls of wisdom - tree planting to improve water quality

Pearls of wisdom: a case study demonstrating the improved water quality and freshwater mussel habitat achieved by strategic tree planting and bank stabilisation on the River Clun.

PDF  (692 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)

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Riparian planting

Planting trees along rivers and streams can reduce flooding and improve the health of waterways, while offering a whole host of benefits for farms and the environment.

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Creating a woodland: planning and design

Growing a wood from scratch is an ambitious undertaking, but thorough planning will put you on the path to success.

Event

Community planting day at Knightsridge Wood

Join us at Knightsridge Wood to plant new native trees and help create a thriving woodland for people and nature.

Sat 29 Nov 2025  •  Knightsridge Wood, Livingston

Press centre

Root of the problem: underfunding, underdelivering

This year’s woodland creation figures for Scotland are deeply disappointing. The numbers reflect not just a missed target, but another missed opportunity.

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MOREwoods site plan guide

For us to consider your project we need an initial indication of the area(s) you are considering planting.

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MOREhedges site plan guide

For us to consider your project we need an initial indication of the area(s) where you are considering planting hedgerows.

Press centre

Biggest ever tree planting year for fast-expanding Northern Forest

More than 1.9 million trees – enough to fill over 1,200 football pitches – were planted across the Northern Forest in the last year.

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Planning your community wood

Find out how to plan your community wood's management and maintenance, from the site boundaries and pathways to the trees and wildlife that lives there.

Press centre

Success for Wales-wide tree planting project as 300,000 trees find homes

Thousands of households have planted trees through the My Tree, Our Forest project, helping to kickstart a National Forest for Wales.

Protecting trees and woods

Street tree heroes: standing up for street trees

People across the UK are fighting for their street trees. They're planting the street trees of the future, rallying the support of their communities and influencing local planning policies.

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)

Blog

What is a seed bank, how does it work and why is it important?

Discover the vital work of seed banks, including facts and figures on why we store so many seeds, how long for and how they might be used in the future.  

Rebecca Gosling  •  02 Dec 2020

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Why plant trees?

Whatever your reason for planting, trees have far-reaching benefits for all of us.

Press centre

DAERA's Forests for our Future programme fails to meet planting targets for Northern Ireland

At the programme’s halfway point, less than a quarter of new woodland have been created – well below the level required to meet the target.

Case study

Trees planting on farms without affecting subsidies

A partnership trial to demonstrate how grazing and trees can work together, and to secure new policy which allows farmers to plant without being penalised.

PDF  (134 KB)

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Help us create more river woodland

Find out how river woodland planting can increase river health, help prevent flooding and boost biodiversity.

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MOREwoods application guidance

Find out more about the MOREwoods scheme, for planting 500+ trees as woodland on at least half a hectare.

Video

How to plant a hedge

Watch our simple guide to creating a new hedge, from marking out to planting and protecting your young saplings. 

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Blog

How to protect your plants in winter

Top tips on how to protect your garden plants from wind, rain, frost and snow, plus other garden jobs for winter: planning, planting and helping wildlife.

Kate Lewthwaite  •  04 Nov 2020

Video

Tree planting for climate and biodiversity

Klare Owen is a self-proclaimed hobby farmer near Aberystwyth. In a bid to boost biodiversity, combat climate change and visually transform the landscape, she planted 2,250 trees through MOREwoods and MOREhedges.

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Video

First-hand experience for further education students

See how students at Vision West Notts College, Mansfield, linked practical planting skills with written work for their qualifications.

00:02:26

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Woodland Carbon

Get paid for planting new woodland for areas of over 5 hectares with our Woodland Carbon scheme. Your new woodland will be assessed for its carbon-locking potential and you'll be paid in Woodland Carbon Units with associated costs covered, too.

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Trees for Tom

Captain Sir Tom Moore united and inspired the nation. By planting trees with the Trust, his family honoured his love of nature and helped create a brighter future. And you paid tribute by donating.

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First World War Centenary Woods

One hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War, we marked the anniversary with one of our most ambitious planting projects to date. 

Partnerships

Moto Foundation

Our partnership is driving tree planting efforts all over the UK.

About us

The Northern Forest

The Northern Forest has significantly less woodland cover than the rest of the country. But that is changing. With our partners, we are planting at least 50 million trees and transforming the landscape across a swathe of Northern England.

Press centre

"LincWoods" project to plant 200,000 trees across Lincolnshire in next two years

Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust have united for a major planting initiative to boost tree cover across the region.

Video

Combatting flooding and soil erosion with trees

Leicestershire-based farmer Rachael Spence talks about how planting trees with the MOREwoods scheme has improved drainage and soil quality on her smallholding.

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About us

TreE PlaNat Project

The TreE PlaNat project explored land managers' views on different woodland creation methods, from planting to natural colonisation, and their impacts. 

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Natural regeneration

The UK needs more trees. We plant millions of native trees every year, but planting is just one way to help the UK's woodlands expand. Allowing nature to take its course is also an effective and efficient method of getting more trees in the ground.

Video

Woodland Carbon: finances

Explore the financial benefits of our Woodland Carbon tree planting scheme, including how much money you could receive and when payments are made.

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Blog

Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Frodsham Woods, Cheshire

Join us for a planting day at Frodsham Woods where a former golf course is transforming into a space for people to enjoy, to fight climate change and help wildlife thrive.

Adam Shaw  •  28 Mar 2024

Video

Improve livestock health and wellbeing

David Brass, CEO of The Lakes Free Range Egg Company, has seen improvements in animal health as well as commercial benefits for his farm after planting trees. 

00:02:07

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Plant trees with your school

Tree planting is a hands-on way for children to make a real impact on the environment. We’ve already helped schools plant five million trees across the UK; discover how we can help you.

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The Queen’s Green Canopy

We’re proud to have honoured Her late Majesty's reign by planting trees and woods across the UK with you as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.   

Partnerships

Sofidel

Our partnership sees a range of product sales fund tree planting across the UK.

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)

Press centre

Woodland Trust Scotland takes aim at health inequalities with trees targeted by neighbourhood

Woodland Trust Scotland has announced plans to target urban planting at neighbourhoods where trees have greatest potential to boost human health and wellbeing.

Blog

7 ways for kids to help garden wildlife

Read our top tips on how kids can help support garden wildlife, from planting trees to making a bug hotel.

Danielle Wesley  •  18 Aug 2021

Video

Planting trees for wildlife, environment and future generations

Through our MOREwoods and MOREhedges schemes, Robert Moore has planted trees to attract wildlife, capture carbon, improve visual impact and make better use of underperforming areas of his 356 hectare Lincolnshire farm.

00:05:04

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Resources and activities for schools

All of our KS1, KS2 and KS3 resources can be found in Tree Tools for Schools – our online learning hub. Tried and tested by teachers, these activities include tree planting, wildlife identification, nature crafts and lots more.

Press centre

Press centre

Read the latest news from the Woodland Trust including our woods, conservation, campaigns, our work with government, tree planting and much more.

Case study

Trees mean better business for egg production

The CEO of a free range egg producer advocates tree planting as an active part of farm management for the commercial and welfare benefits they deliver.

PDF  (704 KB)

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)

Research report

The Pontbren Project – farmer-led uplands land management

The Pontbren Project, led by farmers in Mid Wales, uses woodland management and tree planting to improve efficiency in upland livestock farming.

PDF  (1.67 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)

Case study

Keeping their cool - improving water quality with trees

A case study from Wessex demonstrating how the planting of trees can reduce pollution, slow surface run-off and provide shade to cool rivers and streams.

PDF  (663 KB)

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The Man Who Planted Trees - KS2 assembly

Inspire your pupils with this thought-provoking tale that shows how one person's actions can make a lasting difference. This assembly can also support your school's tree-planting activities.

Case study

Restoring riverbanks with trees in Cumbria

Planting trees can stabilise riverbanks, slow flood water and reduce future flooding. We worked with landowners along the River Derwent to do just that.

PDF  (706 KB)

Case study

Tree shelter boosts lamb survival rate in sheep farming

Planting trees as shelter for livestock on upland farms can protect animals from harsh weather, improving welfare and reducing lamb mortality.

PDF  (698 KB)

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Managing trees and woods

Explore expert advice on how to manage your woodland from planting to maturity and care for valuable ancient and veteran trees on your land.

About us

Tree guards: research into plastic-free alternatives

Our bold pledge to stop using new single-use plastic tree guards on our land in 2021 put us at the forefront of the movement to eradicate plastic from planting schemes UK-wide. We’re funding research to find viable alternatives and are now moving towards sustainable tree protection in other areas.

Trees woods and wildlife

Plantations and new native woods

Young and industrious, a plantation can be for profit, a new haven for wildlife and a way to lock up carbon. Many of our native ancient woods were sacrificed for timber plantations during and after the World Wars, so now we’re on a mission to restore them.

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

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How to plant and maintain native hedges

The small but mighty hedge packs a punch for people and nature, sheltering wildlife, cleaning our air, capturing carbon and much more. Explore how and when to plant and prune your hedge for the best results.​

Video

The Northern Forest

Watch our video on the Northern Forest and find out all the benefits this planting project will bring.

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Position statement

Trees and carbon – the Woodland Trust’s position

The Woodland Trust promotes tree planting and woodland creation as a means of reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and combatting the effects of climate change.

PDF  (591 KB)

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Stump Up For Trees: planting one million trees in the Bannau Brycheiniog area

Farmers in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park show how it's possible to turn marginal land land into profitable assets that deliver for nature.

Partnerships

Premier Paper

We're helping Premier's clients combat their carbon emissions by planting trees.

Video

Torriano Primary School tackles climate change with Lauren Child

Watch the London school plant free trees with Charlie and Lola author, Lauren Child, to make a change for the better.

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Case study

Agroforestry for timber, coppice and nuts

A case study of a mixed farm planting trees to improve low soil fertility, increase wildlife and provide woodfuel and cobnuts, diversifying their produce.

PDF  (220 KB)

Research report

Evaluating the use and benefits of trees on dairy farms

A research report on how tree planting supports dairy farms and animal welfare through mitigating pollution runoff, protecting water and providing shelter.

PDF  (1.19 MB)

Research report

The benefits of integrating trees on livestock farms

A research report on how tree planting supports livestock farms and animal welfare by improving water quality, preventing soil erosion and providing shelter.

PDF  (9.10 MB)

Research report

The benefits of integrating trees on arable farms

A research report on how tree planting supports farm production through reduced soil erosion, water conservation and climate change resilience.

PDF  (1.27 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)

Video

Andrew Evans, farmer, Dol Llys Farm

Andrew introduces Dol Llys Farm and his ethos of balancing agriculture and conservation and the importance of long-term collaboration with others, to create a farm that benefits people and wildlife through tree planting.

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Video

Phil Stallard, Mid Wales Landscape Scheme

Phil Stallard gives an overview of the mid Wales tree planting scheme that he runs on behalf of the Woodland Trust. Phil explains the importance of trees in an agricultural landscape.

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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)

Video

Woodland Carbon Scheme: how it works

Woodland Carbon is our unique tree planting scheme that combines environmental benefits with financial rewards for farmers and landowners. Find out how it works.

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Video

Woodland Carbon planting scheme: overview

Watch our film to find out more about our groundbreaking woodland carbon scheme, the support we provide and the far-reaching benefits for both you and the planet.

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Visiting woods

Events

Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs we're attending in the coming months. From walking and wellbeing to photography and tree planting events, our woodland events are a great day out.

Support us

The power of trees - KS3 assembly

Inspire secondary students with this presentation about the incredible way trees benefit people and the planet. This assembly can also support your school's tree-planting activities.

About us

Influencing government and policymakers

We work to influence government and policymakers to secure stronger protection for our valued woods and trees, and to reverse the decline in tree cover by creating better incentives for planting.

Video

Meet the people behind our work: Cumbrian landscape

We have a vision to create new woodland where it's needed most. Pete Leeson is our man on the ground in the uplands of Cumbria, working with landowners to plant trees to benefit farms, local people and wildlife.

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How to plant a tree

Follow our guide to three of the most successful ways to plant.

About us

Strong Roots: Growing British Tree Nurseries

To meet future planting targets, we need a thriving tree production sector. The Strong Roots project explored the challenges and opportunities and made recommendations to boost tree production in the UK.

Support us

Let's keep planting trees and protecting nature

Your support for UK woodland and our fight for nature is vital. Take a look at some of the incredible work we've been able to do and how you can help in the future. 

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Tree pack FAQs

Got a question about our free tree packs? Take a look at our frequently asked questions.

Partnerships

How our partnerships work

Learn how we can work together to achieve your sustainability aims.

Partnerships

Sainsbury's

We've spent the last 21 years growing our successful partnership, working together for a healthier planet. As part of this, we're championing innovative nature-friendly farming agroforestry solutions, funding free trees for schools and communities, and planting over five million trees across the UK.

Blog

Best native hedge plants: choose the right hedges

Autumn and winter are the best times to plant a hedge. To get you started, here are our top 10 recommendations for the best native hedge plants and the amazing benefits they'll bring.

Helen Keating  •  23 May 2023

Press centre

Commercial and conservation sectors condemn Forest Grant Scheme cuts

Enormous cuts to the woodland grant budget will torpedo Scotland’s chances of meeting climate and nature targets.

Partnerships

Plant trees for Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how working with us can help you meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

About us

Who we are

The Woodland Trust is the UK's largest woodland conservation charity.

Partnerships

People's Postcode Lottery

Support from players of People's Postcode Lottery has raised over £28 million to date, planting millions of trees, investing in the next generation of naturalists, restoring precious woodland habitats and helped us buy our first mountain – Ben Shieldaig.

Press centre

More than 10 million trees planted across the Northern Forest

More than 10 million trees have now been established across the North of England as part of the Northern Forest scheme, which launched in 2018.

Press centre

Young people's climate anxiety is soaring due to lack of access to green space

One in three young people in Britain are scared (33%), sad (34%) or pessimistic (34%) about climate change, with 28% feeling “overwhelmed”, according to a YouGov poll.

Partnerships

More partners

A wide range of other partners support our work.