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Trees woods and wildlife
European Tree of The Year
The UK Tree of the Year, the Skipinnish Oak, placed 7th in 2025's European Tree of the Year competition.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Tree of the Year 2025
You voted in your thousands to help us crown this year's Tree of the Year and now we have our champion!
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Press centre
Inspiring ‘cultural trees’ shortlisted for Tree of the Year 2025
From a cedar that The Beatles climbed to an oak from a Virginia Woolf poem, discover the cultural trees shortlisted for Tree of the Year 2025.
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Press centre
Skipinnish Oak crowned UK Tree of the Year 2024
A centuries-old oak nestled in the heart of Lochaber, Scotland, has been dubbed ‘Tree of the Year’ in the Woodland Trust’s prestigious competition.
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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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Press centre
Glasgow's Argyle Street ash wins UK Tree of the Year 2025
Standing tall on one of Glasgow’s busiest roads, the Argyle Street ash has been named the winner of the Woodland Trust’s annual Tree of the Year competition.
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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
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Blog
What is a mast year? How and why it happens
Discover what a mast year is, what it means for trees and wildlife and what the data tells us about autumn 2025.
Alex Marshall • 07 Oct 2025
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Press centre
One year to go: a final Programme for Government
With a year to go until the next Scottish Parliament election, Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has announced that he plans to bring forward his Programme for Government.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Tree sparrow
Shy and sweet countryside-lovers. The tree sparrow is rarely seen around humans, but might be spotted in lowland farmland when there's some grain to snaffle.
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Press centre
Dalkeith named heritage tree hotspot as experts record 500 “living legends”
Dalkeith Country Park in Midlothian has been revealed as a heritage tree hotspot after experts recorded 500 ancient, veteran and notable oaks over the last year.
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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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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.
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Support us
Try tree dressing
Celebrate a special tree with decorations made by your pupils.
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Press centre
Eryri leads the way with 100-year vision to protect and restore native trees
The Woodland Trust in Wales is celebrating the launch of Eryri's Tree and Woodland Strategy 2025–2125 as the most ambitious, forward-thinking vision for trees and woodlands anywhere in the UK.
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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.
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Support us
Tree disease fighting fund
We're investing in hedgerows and trees to replace ash lost to dieback, and supporting tree nurseries to rely less on stock imported from overseas. But we need your help to do more.
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Press centre
Politicians plant six millionth tree of the Northern Forest
A host of dignitaries joined together to plant the six millionth tree of the Northern Forest, marking five years since the start of the ambitious project to link up Liverpool and Hull with trees.
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Blog
Tree seed identification: seven common UK tree seeds
If someone showed you a seed from a common UK tree, could you tell which tree it was from? Find out more about seven common UK tree seeds.
Charlotte Varela • 30 Sept 2023
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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.
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Blog
Common symptoms of tree pests and diseases
Trees can suffer from pests and diseases at any time, here we explain the most common reasons why your tree could be struggling to thrive and what symptoms to look out for.
Matt Elliot • 18 Aug 2020
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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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Video
The global movement for tree equity
Learn how, alongside American Forests and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, we brought Tree Equity Score UK to towns and cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
00:05:18
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Blog
Tree bark crafts: bark rubbings and more
Try our fun and simple tree bark arts and crafts. From bark rubbing to leaf boats, there’s something for all ages.
Danielle Wesley • 21 Nov 2019
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Trees woods and wildlife
Pear
First introduced around AD 995, the diverse and delicious pear is a favourite with wildlife and people alike.
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Blog
What can rings and black lines in tree trunks tell us?
We take a fascinating look at tree anatomy and explore the appearance of tree rings and other black lines.
Julia Lock • 29 Dec 2021
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Trees woods and wildlife
Identify trees with our Tree ID app
Download our free Tree ID app for Android and iPhone to identify the UK's native and non-native trees. It's an A-Z tree guide in your pocket.
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Press centre
Lauren Child helps children smile with free trees
Much-loved children’s author Lauren Child has urged schools and community groups across the UK to take advantage of the Woodland Trust’s free trees scheme.
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Blog
7 reasons to gift a tree
Want to give something unique and meaningful to your loved ones while keeping costs low? Trees are the perfect gift, whether you pick out a perfect sapling to plant, or dedicate a tree in a woodland close to their heart.
Annabel Kemp • 01 Oct 2024
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Press centre
Tree equity map shows less affluent areas have less tree cover
People in less affluent areas have lower levels of tree cover and a higher risk of health problems from poor air quality, new online tree equity map reveals.
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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
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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.
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Plant trees
Securing England's future tree supply: growing diversity
The UK government aims to plant millions of trees in the coming decades. But where will all these trees come from? We're spearheading an initiative that will ensure a quality, native tree supply for the UK's green future.
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About us
Tree equity Scotland
We believe everyone in Scotland deserves to enjoy the benefits of trees. And with over 4.3 million Scots living in towns and cities, equal access to nature has never been more important.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Tree pipit
Small, unassuming, brown. This woodland edge insect-muncher is often overlooked. But what it lacks in looks it makes for with its belting song.
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Plant trees
Free trees for schools and communities
Trees help people and nature thrive and we need more of them in the ground. That’s why we’re giving thousands away free to schools, councils, clubs and more.
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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
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Blog
Tree ID for kids
Help youngsters learn how to identify trees through the seasons with our tree-spotting activities.
Danielle Wesley • 02 Mar 2020
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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.
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Plant trees
Free trees in action
From schools and sports clubs to forest gardens and outdoor gyms, find out how free tree packs are helping groups across the country to create a greener, healthier future for people and nature.
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Blog
Common tree identification: top 10 beginner's trees
Our top ten trees to give you a crash course in common tree identification.
Helen Keating • 26 May 2021
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Visiting woods
Ancient Tree Inventory
Ancient trees need special care and protection. There are thousands of ancient trees in the UK and we need your help to find out where they are.
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Plant trees
Tree pack FAQs
Got a question about our free tree packs? Take a look at our frequently asked questions.
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Press centre
Woodland Trust says support home-grown tree nurseries to reduce disease risk
The Woodland Trust is urging the Government to continue support for UK tree nurseries to counter the threat posed by spiralling tree imports.
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Press centre
Have your say on tree protection in Northern Ireland
The Woodland Trust has invited the Northern Irish public to participate in a consultation on a Tree Protection Bill.
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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
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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
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Video
Restoring Coed y Galchog: a 25 year plan
Ray Turner, owner of Coed y Galchog near Ruthin, explains how the Woodland Trust is helping with his 25 year plan to restore the wood for future generations to enjoy.
00:05:09
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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.
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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
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Support us
Discover your school's Tree Equity Score
Take action to help everyone access the benefits of trees.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Jelly ear
Velvety and a little disconcerting, the jelly ear looks just like an ear growing off decaying branches.
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About us
Glen Finglas: a 25 year transformation
As we celebrate a milestone for this magical site in the heart of Scotland, we take a look back at everything we’ve achieved – and how it reflects our wider work and values.
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Blog
Beech tree facts: purple leaves, rippled bark and more
Beech is one of our most popular trees. Here are our tips on how to identify them, why some may look a little different and other interesting facts.
Emilie Bonnevay • 15 Jul 2019
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Trees woods and wildlife
Pear, Plymouth
Rare, charming, foul-smelling. Plymouth pear was named after where it was found in the 1800s. Its fruit feeds wildlife, and its blossom, though beautiful, has quite a smell.
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Blog
Hollow tree trunks: what are they good for?
Take a step inside a hollow tree and you take a step back through history. A hollowing trunk is a natural process and has benefits for the tree and the creatures that live in them.
Sally Bavin • 28 Jul 2023
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Press centre
Fair and flexible approach could meet tree cover requirement for Welsh farms
Fair funding and a flexible approach can make the 10% minimum tree cover requirement achievable for most farms, says the Woodland Trust in Wales.
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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
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Press centre
Drone sows 75,000 native tree seeds to triple rainforest cover in Cornwall and Devon
An ambitious drone tree-seeding trial in the South West could revolutionise the expansion of rainforests.
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Press centre
Call for political parties to increase tree cover in England to 16.5%
Ahead of the General Election, conservation and commercial sectors are calling on political parties to increase England's tree cover to 16.5%.
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Video
Celebrating 20 years of 'Woods on Your Doorstep'
20 years of "Woods on Your Doorstep". Creating woodlands within walking distance of cities, towns, and villages across Northern Ireland. Find out how these natural spaces have benefitted the community.
00:01:10
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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.
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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.
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Blog
10 best trees to attract birds and other wildlife
Native trees offer birds and other animals vital food and shelter all year round. Boost biodiversity with our top 10 trees suited to small gardens and larger spaces.
Charlie Mellor • 02 May 2023
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Support us
Create a tree champion
Encourage pupils to invent their own character who will be a proud voice for woods and trees.
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Plant trees
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.
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Plant trees
How to care for your trees
Once your trees are in the ground it’s important to care for them to help them thrive, particularly in the first few years.
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Support us
Have a tree party
Celebrate the UK’s incredible trees and woods with an outdoor party or picnic.
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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
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Plant trees
Tree pack application
Request a free tree pack for your school or community.
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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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Plant trees
How to grow a tree from seed
Growing a tree from a seed needn't be tricky. Find out how to do just that with our simple instructions.
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Press centre
Farmers share tales of 'living legends' and nature on their land
From an ancient oak which survived a hit from a Lancaster Bomber in World War Two to a 150-year-old pear tree – classically taken portraits tell a story of how farmers are helping to protect ancient and veteran trees.
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Press centre
Climate action: water your street trees
Rising temperatures and dry spells are leading to an increasing loss of new street trees, but the nation can do its bit, urge tree groups.
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Press centre
Wildlife declining in UK woods despite more tree cover, major new report reveals
The State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2025 report has revealed that the quantity and variety of woodland wildlife is plummeting, despite a marginal rise in tree cover.
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Press centre
Green rewards with the Green Tree Schools Award
The Woodland’s Trust’s free and innovative environmental scheme for schools makes learning “fantastic”, bringing focus, freedom, and fun to the classroom.
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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.
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Plant trees
My Tree, Our Forest
In partnership with the Welsh Government and Llais Y Goedwig, we are delighted to have given away tens of thousands of trees to be planted all over Wales, kick-starting a National Forest for Wales.
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Protecting trees and woods
Cutting down trees: law and legislation
Whether you want to fell a tree or protect one from felling, protection and preservation laws can be complex. Our guide explains best practice and alternatives.
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Video
Trialling plastic-free guards with Kate Humble
We're helping TV presenter Kate Humble transform a section of her farm into a vibrant woodland. To protect the hundreds of newly planted trees from deer browsing, see how Kate's exploring sustainable solutions with eco-friendly, plastic-free tree guards.
00:02:20
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Protecting trees and woods
Tree Preservation Orders
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) protects specific trees or groups of trees from deliberate damage and destruction. Check out the answers to 10 common questions on TPOs, from how to request one to protecting trees under threat.
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Support us
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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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)
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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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Blog
Summer tree identification: can you name these nine trees?
Which trees do you recognise? Test your knowledge and see if you can get top marks!
Helen Keating • 13 Jul 2020
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About us
Protecting living legends: the search for our ancient trees
Since 2006, the Ancient Tree Hunt has recorded over 233,200 ancient and veteran trees, but we've only just scratched the surface. New research is helping us discover trees so that we can better record and protect them.
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Blog
Rare woodland animals and where to find them
Discover some of the UK's rarest woodland animals and where to spot them in the wild.
Annabel Kemp • 21 Sept 2023
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Blog
British trees and shrubs to plant: 14 native garden trees
British trees pack a big punch in your garden. Make space for one or two you’ll have year-round interest and be supporting wildlife too. Here's our top 14 native trees to plant in your garden.
Helen Keating • 08 Nov 2021
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Protecting trees and woods
Tree equity
Unequal distribution of trees in towns and cities is hitting those who could benefit most from urban greenery the hardest. This is where tree equity comes in.
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Protecting trees and woods
Tree cover target leaves room for improvement
We need well-connected woodlands, rich in native trees that fight climate change and help nature to recover.
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Blog
What side of the tree does moss grow on?
Moss is a simple, primeval plant that needs water to survive and reproduce, so it tends to grow in damp, shady places. But is it true that moss always grows on the north side of trees?
Helen Keating • 24 Jan 2020
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Support us
Green Tree Schools Award
Join 16,000 schools taking action to help the environment. Your pupils can take part in fun, hands-on projects while improving your grounds. They'll earn certificates in recognition of their achievements and a special plaque to display in your school.
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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
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Trees woods and wildlife
Tree bumblebee
A new arrival and a welcome addition to the UK's bumblebees. This enterprising bee has quickly set up home across Britain and happily takes to nest boxes and other human-made spaces in our gardens.
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About us
Review of the year
Take a look at the major milestones in our work for woods and trees between June 2023 and May 2024.
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Plant trees
How to plant a tree
Follow our guide to three of the most successful ways to plant.
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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 Sept 2024
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Blog
British trees: folklore and mythology
Trees are deeply embedded in our history and folklore. Explore nine British trees with their own magical associations and stories.
Helen Keating • 29 Apr 2021
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Blog
Dedicate in memory: remember a loved one with trees and woodland
Dedicating a tree or woodland provides a living, growing memorial to a loved one and a poignant way of remembering them. Dedications are available in Woodland Trust woods across the UK.
Charlie Mellor • 14 Feb 2024
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Video
Tree Charter in action - Wales
Find out how Coed Y Werin have been bringing the Tree Charter to life in Caerphilly, Wales after signing up as a Charter Branch.
00:02:05
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Press centre
Woodland Trust expresses shock at London ancient oak tree felling
Police are looking into the mysterious felling of one of London’s largest and most significant ancient trees at Whitewebbs Park in Enfield.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Key tree pests and diseases
Increasing numbers of pests and diseases are attacking the UK's trees. Some with devastating consequences. Learn all about them here, with symptoms, outlook and how you can report them.
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Press centre
Secret seed sources sought for Scotland’s wee trees
Woodland conservationists are seeking to flush out secret seed sources for some of the country’s rarest and smallest mountain tree species.
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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)
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Trees woods and wildlife
How to identify trees
All trees have clues and features that can help with identification. You just need to know what to look out for with our quick guide.
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Press centre
Woodland Trust Northern Ireland welcomes Tree Protection Bill
Woodland Trust Northern Ireland has welcomed a Private Members Bill submitted at Stormont to protect trees.
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Case study
Woodland restoration and the fight against tree disease
A case study examining the additional challenges the presence of tree disease can pose when restoring ancient woodland, and the measures required to tackle it.
PDF (650 KB)
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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.
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Blog
How to identify winter trees quiz - twigs, buds and silhouettes
When deciduous trees shed their leaves in winter, identification can be tricky. But even on bare trees there are clues to look out for. Take this quiz and test your winter tree ID knowledge.
Helen Keating • 17 Dec 2020
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Blog
What is growing on my tree? Black spots, galls, mildew and algae
Trees can host a range of spots, patches, powders, lumps and bumps! Here’s our quick guide to some of the more common funguses, growths and colour changes.
Emilie Bonnevay • 27 Jun 2019