Search our site

Blog

How invasive non-native species threaten our woods

Invasive species impact our environment and wildlife, are costly to the economy, and can even pose a risk to our health. Find out what you can do to help.

Sally Bavin  •  05 Oct 2023

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 – 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)

Press centre

Rhododendron is destroying our native wildlife

Popular for its pretty flowers, Rhododendron ponticum is an invasive non-native species and is damaging native woods and wildlife.

Plant trees

Which species to plant

Different trees have different purposes and needs. Choose your species according to the land you have and what you want from your trees.

Blog

Reintroducing lost species

Species reintroductions are becoming increasingly important in restoring lost parts of an ecosystem. We discuss the issues, considerations and opportunities.

Karen Hornigold  •  29 Jan 2019

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)

Blog

UK moth identification and facts: 12 common species for beginners

There are more than 870 species of large moth in the UK, many of which can be tricky for beginners to tell apart. Get to know some of the UK's most familiar and easily-identified species with our quick guide.

Amy Lewis  •  02 Jun 2021

Press centre

Over 900 Insect Species Identified at “Commando” Wood in the Scottish Highlands

Ecologist Ian Strachan discovers 946 invertebrate species in Scotland's Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, highlighting its rich biodiversity and historical significance.

Practical guidance

Tree species handbook

Our guide to choosing the best tree species when creating new woodland, with profiles of 50 tree and shrub species and 18 woodland communities.

PDF  (13.70 MB)

Blog

Hairy caterpillar identification: 16 common UK species

Spotted a furry caterpillar undulating across the path in front of you or munching leaves in your garden? Learn to tell your tussocks from your tigers with our quick guide to some common UK species.

Amy Lewis  •  10 Jun 2021

Blog

Hawk-moth caterpillar identification: eight UK species

Hawk-moth caterpillars have one thing in common: they're pretty impressive. Usually large, distinctively marked and with a characteristic horn at the tail end, they're a good group to get to grips with when learning who's who.

Amy Lewis  •  21 Jul 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Buckthorn, purging

Prickly and with the ability to purge. This plant’s common name harks back its use as a laxative. It’s a fierce, invasive species in North America.

Policy paper

Reducing rhododendron in Scotland's rainforest

Without action, invasive rhododendron will increasingly dominate Scotland's rainforest. We're asking for a Rainforest Action Fund to tackle the issue.

PDF  (7.41 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Ancient woodland

Home to myth and legend, where folk tales began. It fuelled our ancestors and still houses thousands of species. Ancient woodland has grown and adapted with native wildlife, yet what remains only covers 2.5% of the UK.

Trees woods and wildlife

Dunnock

More than just a little brown job. Dunnocks may not be the most glamorous of birds, but there is more to this species than meets the eye, especially when it comes to mating.

Blog

Types of moss in the UK: what they are and where to find them

Moss is marvellous! Find out why and see some common species to spot.

Kate Lewthwaite  •  30 Jul 2018

Trees woods and wildlife

Sika deer

Not as grumpy as it looks, the sika deer’s furrowed brow sets it apart from other deer species. Introduced to the UK in 1860, it is rapidly increasing in numbers.

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.

Video

Explore the mysterious world of Britain's rainforests

Take a glimpse into Britain's beautiful and fragile temperate rainforests and discover more about the rare and globally important species that live there.

00:03:47

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.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Whitebeam, rock

Rugged yet charming, rock whitebeam clings to areas of rocky woodland and fissures in limestone cliffs. A parent species of the rarer Arran whitebeam, the rock whitebeam is becoming increasingly hard to find.

Blog

UK spider identification: 10 common species

Don't wait until spider season to appreciate these misunderstood creatures. Take a look at our guide to some of the most common spiders in the UK and learn how to identify them.

Charlotte Varela  •  30 Oct 2024

Blog

British caterpillars: how to identify 10 common species

Learn how to identify 10 common British caterpillars, find out what they eat and when to see them.

Charlotte Varela  •  11 Aug 2023

Blog

6 rare moths that depend on UK trees

The UK is home to a number of moths that depend on trees. Explore moth species that you'd be lucky to encounter on a woodland walk.

Julia Lock  •  12 Jul 2022

Blog

British newts: an identification guide

Learn to tell the difference between the UK's three newt species with our quick and easy identification guide.

Amy Lewis  •  19 Feb 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Soprano pipistrelle bat

The soprano pipistrelle bat is a widespread species that hunts close to water and can be found in woods and gardens.

Blog

Venomous animals in the UK

From secretive snakes to furry shrews, find out more about the UK’s venomous species that pack a potent punch.

Annabel Kemp  •  31 Jul 2024

Blog

Why are native woods important for biodiversity?

Native woods and trees support an incredible diversity of life. Find out why protecting and creating native woodland is the best way to recover nature and secure the future of our woodland species.

Karen Hornigold  •  21 Jul 2020

Blog

What is habitat fragmentation and what does it mean for our wildlife?

Did you know that habitat fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to wildlife globally? Find out what it means and how it affects UK species like the dormouse.

James Martin  •  16 Aug 2018

Blog

British woodpeckers: identification guide and calls

Learn to tell the difference between Britain's three resident woodpecker species with our quick guide to their appearance, sounds and behaviour.

Amy Lewis  •  30 Sept 2021

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

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Hooded crow

A striking scavenger with a taste for carrion. The hooded crow was once considered to be the same species as the carrion crow, but is now recognised separately.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

A-Z of British trees

Explore our simple A-Z identification guide to the trees of Britain, from natives to naturalised and widely planted non-native species. You'll find images, tree descriptions and information on where you're likely to find them.

Blog

Hawthorn and blackthorn: what’s the difference?

Hawthorn and blackthorn are two of the most easily confused species, so here’s a closer look at their differences to help you tell them apart.

Charlie Mellor  •  09 Apr 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Phytophthora lateralis

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

Blog

What do caterpillars eat?

Ever wondered what caterpillars eat? Find out what five of the most common caterpillar food plants are, and which species eat them.

Charlotte Varela  •  01 Jul 2019

Blog

Bracket fungi identification: 10 common UK species for beginners

Bracket fungi, also known as shelf or polypore fungi, grow on both dead and living trees. Here we list some of the UK's more common and easily distinguished types to get to grips with.

Amy Lewis  •  21 Oct 2021

Blog

Types of bee in the UK: how to tell the difference

From fluffy bumblebees to pint-sized mining bees, we take a look at the key characteristics of some of our most common species.

Charlotte Varela  •  31 Jul 2023

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)

Press centre

Survival of rare shrill carder bumblebee given hope in Kent

The survival of one of the UK’s rarest bumblebees – the shrill carder bee – has been boosted as conservation techniques see Woodland Trust site given special “champion status” for the species.

Trees woods and wildlife

Yorkshire fog grass

Beautiful but unpalatable, Yorkshire fog grass glows a gentle purple in meadows and wasteland alike. It’s not a favourite with livestock, but is eaten by the caterpillars of the small skipper.

Blog

11 types of day-flying moth in the UK: an identification guide

The UK is home to a number of moths that are active during the day, many of which rival butterflies for colour and beauty. Which species might you encounter on a summer's walk? 

Amy Lewis  •  23 Apr 2021

Blog

Which birds migrate? Who you can spot this summer

Swallows, swifts and martins aren’t our only summer migrants – keep your eyes peeled for these species and record your sightings through Nature’s Calendar.

Charlotte Varela  •  12 May 2018

Blog

When do hedgehogs hibernate? And other animals that hibernate

As temperatures start to fall, wildlife turns its attentions to surviving the winter. But where do hedgehogs and other species go in the worst weather?

Charlie Mellor  •  18 Sept 2020

Blog

Helicopter seeds: which trees do they come from?

Four tree species produce ‘helicopter seeds’ in the UK. Find out more with our ID guides, spotting tips and interesting facts.

Charlie Mellor  •  30 May 2019

Blog

Shieldbug identification: 10 common UK shieldbugs

There are a number of shieldbug species in the UK, characterised by their flat, often triangular bodies and distinctive, shield-like shapes on their backs. Learn to tell which is which with our quick and easy guide to some of Britain's most familiar types.

Amy Lewis  •  14 May 2021

Blog

9 of the UKs rarest animals

Much of our beloved wildlife is in decline. Find out about nine of the rarest species in the UK right now, and what we are doing to help save these precious creatures.

Hannah Vickers  •  15 Apr 2019

Blog

What do frogs eat? And more frog facts

Frogs are carnivorous amphibians; UK species feed on a range of insects. Find out more about what they eat and learn how to build a frog pond.

Rachel Hoskins  •  18 Mar 2019

Position statement

Rewilding – the Woodland Trust's position

The Woodland Trust advocates the use of natural processes and species reintroduction to promote the conservation and expansion of wildlife.

PDF  (1.49 MB)

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Moths

While they may not be seen as quite as attractive as butterflies, moths have a beauty all of their own. A whole host of moth species live in woodland, using their camouflage skills to blend in with tree bark, leaves and other woodland features. There are over 2,500 species of moth in the UK.

Trees woods and wildlife

Land caddisfly

These clever case-builders break all the rules. They're the only species out of 200 UK caddisflies to spend their lives entirely on land.

Blog

Common UK ladybird identification and facts

There are 26 types of ladybird in the UK, many of which can be spotted in gardens and woodland. Learn to tell who's who with our quick and easy guide to the some of the most commonly encountered species.

Amy Lewis  •  31 Mar 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Yew

Ancient, morbid, toxic. The yew is one of the longest-lived native species in Europe. This has made it a symbol of death and doom, but it provides food and shelter for woodland animals.

Blog

Do bats hibernate in winter? And more bat facts

What do British bats do when winter is coming? Find out more about six UK bat species and what you can do to help them.

Joe Bates  •  03 Dec 2018

Trees woods and wildlife

Why bats need woods and trees

The UK is home to 18 species of bats, all of which are protected by law. This protection extends to their breeding and resting places. Hedgerows, tree lines and watercourses are important to the roosting, foraging and navigation needs of bats.   

Blog

Wildlife quiz: friend or foe?

Not all wildlife is welcomed into our woods, homes and gardens with open arms. Some species are seen as pests, but is it just a case of a bad reputation? Test your knowledge in our quiz!

Charlotte Varela  •  09 Sept 2024

Blog

UK hawk-moth identification and facts

Hawk-moths are some of the largest and most recognisable moths in the UK. Learn to tell which is which with our visual guide to 10 of the most commonly encountered UK species.

Amy Lewis  •  21 Jun 2021

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)

Research briefing

Trees on hen ranges are a haven for wildlife

This briefing highlights how various wildlife species benefit from trees on hen ranges using findings from surveys across nine sites in Cumbria from 2016-2019.

PDF  (702 KB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Fallow deer

A social, elegant species with a signature speckled coat and mighty palmate antlers. First introduced by the Romans, fallow deer became extinct in Britain until they were reintroduced before the Norman Conquest around the year 1,000.

Trees woods and wildlife

Animals

Woods and trees are home to more wildlife than any other landscape, providing homes for thousands of species including our most loved animals.

Trees woods and wildlife

Bats

The UK is home to 18 species of bat. The only mammals that can fly, they also sleep upside down, navigate by echolocation and find food and shelter in woods and trees.

Video

Clearing Runtington Wood of invasive plants

Elsa Godfrey, owner of Runtington Wood in Sussex, explains the steps she has taken to clear her ancient woodland of rhododendron with the help of volunteers and the Woodland Trust.

00:02:40

Trees woods and wildlife

Woodland wildlife

The UK's native woods and trees support a great diversity of living organisms. Our species guides explore the wildlife that depends on woodland, from plants and fungi to mammals, birds, bees and beetles.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ash dieback

Ash dieback will kill around 80% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.

Trees woods and wildlife

Noctule bat

Often seen flying high above the tree-tops, the noctule bat is the largest bat in the UK. This species relies on tree holes to roost in and is often confused for a swift when on the wing.

Trees woods and wildlife

Bechstein's bat

This elusive tree lover hunts, mates, and lives in woodland, relying on old trees for roosting sites. Loss of habitat means this once common species is now one of our rarer bats.

Blog

Rare UK animals quiz: how well do you know our endangered wildlife?

We all love wildlife, but did you know we live in one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth? Take our quiz to see if you recognise rare and endangered species, plus find out what we’re doing to change things and how you can help make a difference.

Charlie Mellor  •  07 May 2025

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ivy

Clingy, luscious, misunderstood. Ivy has long been accused of strangling trees, but it doesn’t harm the tree at all, and even supports at least 50 species of wildlife.

Trees woods and wildlife

Stag beetle

Impressive, heavily armed and a formidable fighter. The stag beetle depends on trees and woods for its survival. Its fat larvae feed on the decaying wood of old broadleaved trees. Loss of its woodland habitat means that the stag beetle is now a nationally scarce species.

Trees woods and wildlife

Grass snake

Stealthy slitherers. Grass snakes are lethal hunters of frogs, toads and other small creatures, but will rush for cover at the first sound of humans approaching.

Practical guidance

Keeping rivers cool: shade for climate change adaptation

Practical guidance on using trees to shade rivers, helping freshwater habitats and species such as trout and salmon withstand the effects of climate change.

PDF  (4.41 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Green woodpecker

A colourful character with a taste for ants. The laughing cry of the green woodpecker is one of the defining sounds of British woodland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common striated feather-moss

Cushions of feathery green moss strewn nonchalantly over the woodland floor, common striated feather-moss is one cool customer. It brings colour to shady places and it is a characteristic of old ash woodlands in particular.

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)

Research briefing

Tree leaves as supplementary feed for ruminant livestock

We look at the value of different species of tree leaves as mineral supplements for livestock. Willow in particular is identified as a potentially valuable source of cobalt and zinc.

PDF  (161 KB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Oxlip

A rare, charming flower. If you’re in East Anglia, look for them blooming in woodland in the spring.

Technical note

How we manage ash dieback on Woodland Trust sites

Ash was once one of the most widespread tree species in Europe. Now it's threatened by ash dieback. Here we explain how we manage ash dieback on our estate.

PDF  (133 KB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Spiders and harvestmen

They might not be the UK's most loved animal, but spiders are pretty special with some species thriving in woodland habitats.

Trees woods and wildlife

Beetles

There are 4,000 recorded species of beetle in Britain, and more than 1,000 live in trees and woodland habitats.

Trees woods and wildlife

Flies

The UK is home to a number of different species of true fly, including craneflies, robber-flies, bee-flies, hoverflies and mosquitoes, as well as the more distantly related caddisflies.

Blog

The UK's extinct animals: can we bring them back?

Could lynx, wolves and bears roam the UK's woodland once more? Find out if these extinct species could ever return.

Sally Bavin  •  12 Aug 2020

Blog

What hatched here? How to identify bird egg shells

Found a fragment of egg in the garden, woods or park? Here's a quick guide to the most common UK bird eggs too help you find out which species it came from.

Helen Keating  •  05 May 2020

Blog

What are the most common trees in the UK?

Ever wondered which trees species are most common in the UK? Check out our top ten.

Laura Cottam  •  21 Dec 2018

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Ferns

Lush, ancient and primitive, ferns are magnificent non-flowering plants that reproduce via spores. They are a common sight in woods, as many species are shade tolerant and can grow year round, bringing some welcome green to cooler months.

Blog

How to attract birds to your garden

Find out how to attract a range of different bird species to your garden with our top tips. 

Hannah Vickers  •  22 Jul 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Dog’s mercury

A poisonous coloniser of ancient woodland, dog’s mercury is quick to sweep over the wood floor, sometimes outcompeting more delicate ancient woodland species.

Blog

What do deer eat? What are antlers made of? And more deer facts

From the dainty muntjac to the mighty red stag, the UK is home to six species of wild deer. Learn more about these fascinating creatures.

James Martin  •  03 May 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Goldcrest

A tiny bird with a big hairdo. The goldcrest is our smallest bird species, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in colour.

Trees woods and wildlife

Green hairstreak

The only green butterfly in the UK, this small but spectacular species can be seen fluttering through woodland clearings during the spring months.

Blog

Where do bees go in winter?

Ever wondered where bees go in winter? Find out where different species of bee go when the weather gets cold, and when to spot them emerging.

Charlotte Varela  •  18 Nov 2022

Trees woods and wildlife

Bullfinch

Shy but striking. Bullfinches bring a brilliant burst of colour to the UK’s woods. The species depends on trees for much of its food, feeding on seeds and buds.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lesser spotted woodpecker

Secretive tree-top dweller. The lesser spotted is our smallest, and rarest, woodpecker. These woodland specialists are one of the UK’s fastest-declining bird species.

Support us

Endangered wildlife appeal

Nature needs help. Please make a donation to support our life-changing work to plant trees, restore habitats and protect the UK's woodland. Together, we can give wildlife a future.

Blog

Pine martens: where they live, what they eat and other facts

They may look cute and cuddly, but with fierce teeth and claws and an appetite for small mammals, the elusive pine marten is anything but! Learn more about this iconic woodland species and how we're helping to secure its future.

Charlie Mellor  •  14 Jun 2018

Blog

What is lichen? Seven types of lichen found on trees

Lichen can be very visible on branches and bark at this time of year. They can be really difficult to identify, but here are seven common lichens that grow on trees.

Kylie Harrison Mellor  •  24 Apr 2019

Blog

Where to see wild daffodils in the UK

Did you know that the UK is home to a native, wild species of daffodil? Forget the gaudy imposters lining roadsides and parks this spring - head to the woods for an encounter with the real thing.

Amy Lewis  •  22 Feb 2021

Blog

Grass snake or adder? How to tell the difference between UK reptiles

Discover more about our common native reptiles and where you can find them with this snakes and lizards guide.

Karen Hornigold  •  01 Feb 2018

Blog

Red squirrel facts

The red squirrel is the UK's only native squirrel species, and was once a common sight. But for decades they’ve been in decline. Find out why they are threatened and other fascinating facts.

Helen Keating  •  01 Nov 2018

Video

The state of Wales’ rainforests

Discover the beauty of our rainforests and why the Alliance for Wales’ Rainforests is asking the Welsh government to do more to protect them.

00:02:05

Blog

How to identify UK owl calls

Heard a screech in the night or a hoot in the woods? One of the UK's five resident owl species could be at large. Learn how to identify owl calls, from tawny owl to barn owl.

Charlotte Varela  •  21 Dec 2023

Blog

Stoat or weasel? How to tell the difference

Did you see a stoat on your last woodland walk? Or perhaps it was a weasel? Our guide will help you to tell these pint-sized predators apart. We also take a look at some of the other related species found here in the UK.

James Martin  •  01 Feb 2019

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

Birch, downy

Soft on the outside. Tough on the inside. On a global scale, this tree, with its fuzzy leaf stalks, shoots and twigs, grows further north than any other broadleaf species.

Trees woods and wildlife

Daubenton’s bat

A flying mammal with an aquatic edge. These bats are drawn to water, snatching insects from the surface of rivers and lakes.

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

Oak, sessile

Less famous than English oak, but no less loved, the sessile oak towers in the woods. Squirrels, jays and badgers love their acorns and caterpillars flock to eat their leaves, in fact 326 species of wildlife are found only on oak.

Video

Protecting and restoring temperate rainforest in Devon

See how we're working with organisations including Plantlife and the National Trust to protect and restore temperate rainforest sites across Devon.

00:06:32

Blog

Bird song identification: UK warblers

Every spring, trees and shrubs across the land burst into a riot of song from a famously musical group of birds - the warblers. Here we get to grips with their songs and how to tell them apart by sound alone.

Amy Lewis  •  11 Apr 2022

Trees woods and wildlife

Willow, white

Silvery leaved, waterside and fenland dweller. White willow feeds and shelters native wildlife and has been a source of natural remedies for centuries.