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Trees woods and wildlife

Lime, common

At home on a country estate or deep in the wild, this lime is common in name only. It’s a hybrid between the small-leaved and large-leaved lime, and is a particular favourite of aphids and their many predators.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lime, large-leaved

Towering, romantic, sticky. Large-leaved lime is a handsome broadleaf tree that is a rich home for wildlife. Find out more.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lime, small-leaved

Charming, sturdy, pollinator-magnet. Not only does the small-leaved lime’s blossom produce a sweet scent and pleasantly minty honey, its leaves support the caterpillars of moths such as the lime hawk, peppered and vapourer.

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 Sept 2019

Blog

Life cycle of a frog: how do amphibians reproduce?

This time of year is perfect for spotting amphibians on their way to mate. Find out how they attract mates, reproduce and develop.

Rachel Hoskins  •  09 Apr 2019

Blog

Life cycle of a plant: seeds, shoots and roots

Plant lives have a beginning and end just like ours. Here's a roundup of the different stages plants go through, from a new seed to eventual death.

Sally Bavin  •  02 Mar 2021

About us

What it's like to work here

Like our trees, we want people to grow and thrive. Find out what it's like to work here from the people behind our work.

Blog

Endangered trees: a guide to 7 rare trees in the UK

A guide to seven threatened tree species with photos and information on where they live, what they look like, conservation efforts and how you can help.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  10 Sept 2024

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

Blog

Ticks: what do they look like and how to remove them

Learn how to identify ticks and the steps you can take to avoid them when walking in woodland.

Rachel Hoskins  •  15 May 2019

Blog

Forest animals: 9 animals adapted to forest life

From scampering squirrels to beautiful butterflies, discover how our woodland species are perfectly adapted to a life among the trees.

Charlotte Varela  •  09 May 2019

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)

Blog

What do moths eat? Feeding, life cycle and other facts

Explore how some of the 2,500 species of UK moth develop and what they eat. 

Julia Lock  •  09 May 2022

Press centre

Crunch time for trees as petition calling for new protection laws is handed in

A petition calling for stronger laws to protect iconic trees has been handed to the government, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has confirmed.

Blog

What does fox poo look like? And other animal poo identification tips

It may be messy and a little bit smelly, but animal poo can tell us a lot about the wildlife in our woods and gardens.

Charlotte Varela  •  20 Sept 2022

Blog

7 galls to spot this year

Have you spotted something unusual growing on a tree recently? It looks like it might be a bumper year for galls, so here are 7 you might see this summer.

Emilie Bonnevay  •  31 Jul 2018

Trees woods and wildlife

Flat-backed millipede

Many-legged leaf eaters that live a secretive life hidden among the forest floor.

Blog

Wander through history: fascinating ruins and relics in 10 UK woods

Walk back in time and discover heritage sites and historical ruins in some of the UK’s most enthralling woodlands, from ramparts and barrows to abandoned buildings and bomb shelters.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  01 Mar 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Beech, common

Monumental, majestic, home to rare wildlife. Beech is an enchanting species and known as the queen of British trees. To wander beneath the leafy canopy, its cathedral-like branches spreading upwards, is an awe-inspiring experience.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mayfly

Known for its short adult life, the mayfly is here for a good time, not a long time. Emerging between May and August, it dances above freshwater rivers and lakes to find a mate.

Support us

Volunteer with us

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

Protecting trees and woods

Neighbourhood planning

Woods and trees can help make your community a healthier, wealthier and happier place to live and work.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak trees and wildlife

Our fantastic oaks support more life than any other UK native tree. Discover which species live and feed on oak, from foxes and fungi to bats and beetles.

Blog

Witches' brooms: what they look like and why they form

Witches' brooms look like a dense tangled bird nest. But what are they and what causes them?

Annabel Kemp  •  12 Nov 2024

About us

Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs

We're bringing life back to neglected and fragmented ancient woods in Sussex to boost biodiversity and revitalise woodland skills.

Video

BBC Community Life Appeal supports Woodland Trust Northern Ireland

Tune into BBC NI this September to find out from the Woodland Trust how you can play your part in the fight against climate change.

00:04:03

Protecting trees and woods

Election candidates need to make clear plans for woods and trees

Successful candidates in England’s 2024 local and mayoral elections need to recognise the value of trees and woods where you live.

Video

Tree Charter in action - Sheffield

Find out how Green City Heritage have been bringing the Tree Charter to life in Sheffield after signing up as a Charter Branch.

00:02:05

Trees woods and wildlife

Why woods are good for our health and wellbeing

Along with improving our quality of life, woods and green spaces can help make us physically and mentally healthier. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Brook lamprey

Reclusive, primitive and eel-like. The brook lamprey is an ancient and rarely seen fish found in the rivers and streams of several of our woods. It lives most of its life as a larva buried in the silty stream bed before turning into an adult and swimming upstream to spawn - its last act before it dies.

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.

About us

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

We believe everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, deserves to benefit from woods and trees.

Protecting trees and woods

Newly elected MPs must champion woods and trees

Successful candidates in the 2024 General Election should recognise the value of trees and woods where you live.

Trees woods and wildlife

Woodcock

These plump-looking birds spend much of their time curled up on the forest floor. Their clever camouflage allows them to blend in with their woodland surroundings.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wild strawberry

Sweet in both flower and in taste, wild strawberries flourish on woodland edges and in hedgerows. Spot them in bloom in spring and in fruit in summer.

Trees woods and wildlife

Broadleaved woodland

Sun-dappled and ever-changing, broadleaved woodland across the UK provides ideal conditions for more species than you can count! We fight to protect it, and make much more, but, the UK is still one of the least wooded countries in Europe.

Trees woods and wildlife

Loch Arkaig osprey cam

Follow the story of our Loch Arkaig ospreys, live from the heart of an ancient Caledonian pine forest. 

Protecting trees and woods

Our work with The Climate Coalition

We're an active member of The Climate Coalition, a group of over 100 organisations dedicated to limiting the impact of climate change on the people, places and life we love.

Support us

Give in memory

Celebrate the life of a loved one with a special gift, woodland memorial or donation in memory.

Blog

When do frogs spawn? And how to spot them

Find out when frogs spawn and the best time to spot these fascinating jellified clumps in ponds near you.

Karen Hornigold  •  18 Apr 2019

Protecting trees and woods

Priorities for local councils in Northern Ireland

Ask candidates in Northern Ireland to support trees and woods where you live using our list of priorities.

Trees woods and wildlife

Microhabitats

Small yet mighty, these vibrant hubs of life are essential for biodiversity. Peek into the miniature worlds hidden within our trees. 

Press centre

New population of rare heath fritillary found in Kent

The heath fritillary, one of the UK’s rarest butterflies, has been discovered for the first time at the Woodland Trust’s Victory Wood in Kent.

Blog

Are caterpillars insects? And other caterpillar facts

Curious about caterpillars? Find out if they’re insects, what they eat and learn about their fascinating life cycle.

Danielle Wesley  •  15 May 2019

Blog

When are conkers ready? Plus, tips for how to play

Discover the best time to collect conkers and how to prepare them for a conker fight.

Danielle Wesley  •  27 Sept 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Jelly ear

Velvety and a little disconcerting, the jelly ear looks just like an ear growing off decaying branches.

About us

Glas-na-Bradan Wood: a new beginning

Glas-na-Bradan Wood will be transformed into a new native woodland and for the first time in the Woodland Trust’s history in Northern Ireland, will be planted completely by the public. 

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.

Blog

What is a minibeast? And other bug facts

Creepy crawlies are fascinating! But what is a minibeast? Where do they live? And what do they eat? Find out all about them with our minibeast facts.

Danielle Wesley  •  13 May 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Lynx

These solitary, stealthy hunters are currently extinct in the UK, but some advocates of rewilding would like to see them return.

Blog

What do dragonflies eat? And other dragonfly facts

Discover incredible dragonfly facts including what they eat, how long they live, how fast they fly and how they’re different to damselflies.

Danielle Wesley  •  29 May 2019

About us

Restoring Wales’ rivers

The Four Rivers for LIFE project is an ambitious initiative aimed at restoring the ecological health of four major rivers in Wales: the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk. 

Protecting trees and woods

Norwich Western Link road threatens ancient woods and trees

Road plans in Norfolk threaten ancient woods and trees and the wildlife that live there. Find out what’s at stake and how you can help.

Blog

Ancient yew trees: the UK's oldest yews

Often associated with immortality, a yew tree can live for thousands of years. Here are some of the oldest yews in the UK.

Rory Morrow  •  27 Aug 2025

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

Nightjar

Mysterious and elusive, the nightjar is one of our most intriguing birds. A summer visitor with bark-like plumage, it can be incredibly difficult to spot.

Trees woods and wildlife

Otter

An elusive carnivore well-suited to land and water. With sweet-smelling spraint and a playful nature, otters are making a comeback. Find out what they eat, where they live and how to spot them.

Blog

Squirrel nests: where and how do they build them?

Find out what squirrel nests looks like, where you can spot them and how you can help our native red squirrel.

Charlie Mellor  •  15 Sept 2025

Video

How gifts in wills made a difference to Fiona and Derek

A third of all the work we do is made possible by gifts in wills. Fiona and Derek Gardiner, long-time supporters of the Woodland Trust, share why they chose to leave a gift in their will and how important their legacy is to them. 

00:03:00

Support us

Dedications

Be it a single tree or an acre of woodland with a personalised bench, your dedication will provide a long-lasting tribute that can be visited time after time – and support local wildlife too.

Press centre

Woodland Trust opens Mourne Park

A rare ancient woodland wildlife haven has opened in Northern Ireland for the first time in over 500 years, with three new trails to help visitors explore.

Blog

What do foxes eat? And more facts about foxes

Whether we live in the countryside or a bustling city, most of us have seen a fox. But how much do you know about one of our most iconic animals?

Charlotte Varela  •  16 Aug 2019

Blog

First signs of spring in nature

Spring is a glorious time in nature with new leaves, bright blooms and thriving wildlife. But when does spring really start and what are the key signs to look for?

Charlie Mellor  •  19 Feb 2021

Press centre

Woodland Trust nears tree protection milestone as Living Legends petition gathers pace

A petition calling for stronger laws to protect important trees like the Sycamore Gap is tantalisingly close to its 100,000 target, says the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.

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.

Support us

Ancient woodland restoration appeal 

Almost half the UK's ancient woodland is badly damaged. Together, we can bring it back to life.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common earthball

Warty, poisonous, explosive. Common earthball might look like a potato, but it is not for eating.

Press centre

11 weird and wonderful wildlife of our rainforests

From a stinky fish-smelling lichen to one which looks like a dragon’s skin, to the world’s largest slug with the strangest mating ritual – the weird and wonderful wildlife of our rainforests.

About us

Our trustees

We, like every other UK charity, are governed by a group of trustees who make up the Board. Learn more about them and their work with the Trust.

Blog

7 signs of winter in nature

Winter is a magical time, with crisp mornings and chilly starlit evenings. Discover when winter really starts and some of the best signs to look and listen out for.

Charlie Mellor  •  26 Nov 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Speckled wood

Understated yet headstrong, the speckled wood spends its time basking in sun-dappled woodland and fiercely patrolling its patch.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oyster mushroom

Carnivorous and oyster-like in appearance, these large, fleshy mushrooms are common throughout the UK's woodlands. They have a signature fan-shaped cap and are edible with a slight odour similar to aniseed.

Trees woods and wildlife

Honeysuckle

Twining, scented woodland stunner. This trumpet-like flower is a paradise for wildlife, with its sweet, heady fragrance calling to nearby species, particularly on warm summer evenings.

Support us

Life membership

Join today from £750.

Blog

What is hoar frost and how does it form?

Discover what hoar frost looks like, how it got its name and the conditions it needs to form.

Emilie Bonnevay  •  21 Feb 2019

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

Which trees have catkins? And how to tell them apart

Find out what catkins look like, which trees have them, why they grow, and where and when to spot them.

Alex Marshall  •  07 Jan 2025

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.

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.

Press centre

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland plants 250,000 trees at Woodburn Reservoir

The Woodland Trust has been working in partnership with Northern Ireland Water on a regreening programme since 2020. During that time, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity has planted around 476,000 native trees on Northern Ireland Water’s land.

Trees woods and wildlife

Soil

Soil is the basis of most habitats on earth. Each and every woodland is a representation of the soil it grows on, and each handful is bustling with life.

Partnerships

E.ON Next

E.ON Next is donating a portion of its fixed tariffs to help us breathe new life into ancient woodlands.

Trees woods and wildlife

Bilberry

Traditional healer and tea-time favourite. This low-growing shrub has potent medicinal powers harnessed for almost a thousand years, while its blue-black berries make excellent jams, pies and liqueurs.

Blog

30 baby names inspired by trees and woods

Looking for a tree-themed baby name to inspire a love for nature? Discover our favourite tree names for girls and boys, plus gender-neutral options.

Danielle Wesley  •  09 Apr 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Common pipistrelle bat 

Flying mammals that live among us. Common pipistrelles spend the day sleeping in buildings, but rely on trees when they emerge at night.

Blog

11 animals that live in the UK's rainforest 

Discover the weird and wonderful animals living in our very own rainforests.

Annabel Kemp  •  19 Jun 2025

Blog

How to identify elderflower and what to do with it

Elderflowers are an all-time favourite forager's treat. Get our top identification tips, along with ideas and recipes on how to use the fragrant flowers.

Helen Keating  •  03 Jun 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Leisler's bat

Tree-dwellers with a lion-like appearance, these fast-flying bats are scarce throughout Britain but common in Ireland.

Protecting trees and woods

How to set up a local group and meeting

A group of passionate, like-minded people could help others understand the value of woods and trees and shape local policy.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak bracket

Though it oozes a honey-like liquid, the oak bracket has a few less tantalising names. It lives off the heartwood of living trees as well as on deadwood. Also known as weeping conk and warted oak polypore, they belong to a group called butt rot fungi.

Trees woods and wildlife

Greater stitchwort

Pretty, star-like and abundant along hedgerows. These plants have an explosive seed-dispersal mechanism. Disturb a large patch of them in summer and they go off like fireworks.

Blog

Elephant hawk-moth: caterpillar, lifecycle and is it poisonous?

Elephant hawk-moths are big, bright and very, very beautiful. But what do elephant hawk-moth caterpillars look like, where does their name come from, and are they poisonous?

Charlotte Varela  •  08 Jul 2024

Support us

1,000 woods appeal

No-one stands up for UK woods and trees like we do. With your help we can do even more to enhance and protect the woodland under our care.

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

Scottish wildcat

Stealthy, rugged, not your average mog. The Scottish wildcat prowls select Scottish woods, spending its time hunting and protecting its territory. Known as the Highland tiger, this highly endangered species needs remote woodland to survive.

Support us

Joint life membership

Join today from £1,000.

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.  

Support us

Woodland creation appeal

Donate now to support our vital work, including the creation of life-giving new woodlands. With your help, we can build healthy habitats where precious wildlife can thrive.

Support us

Igniting Innovation: conservation challenge

We want to see young minds bring innovative conservation ideas to life. Start your journey to make your mark on climate change and the health of people, woods and wildlife.

Blog

When do bluebells flower?

Mark your calendars! Find out when bluebells flower, plus more bluebell facts including where to see them, what they smell like and how they're protected.

Lorienne Whittle  •  21 Mar 2022

Trees woods and wildlife

Other invertebrates

Woodland supports thousands, probably millions, of insects and invertebrates that live among the leaves, under bark, in dead wood and on the woodland floor.

Blog

Life cycle of a tree: how trees grow

From seed to snag, the journey a tree takes to grow is pretty impressive! Find out more about the process.

Rachel Hoskins  •  24 Jun 2019