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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Woodland Trust youth council

Meet the Woodland Trust youth council: a dedicated team of brilliant young volunteers aged 16-25 who are helping shape the future of woods and trees.

Trees woods and wildlife

Shaggy parasol

Elegant and shabby-chic. Good to eat – unless you’re one of the one in 25 people whose stomach can’t tolerate it.

Video

How we're returning red squirrels to the Scottish Highlands

In October 2019 we partnered with conservation charity Trees for Life and together relocated red squirrels from populations in Moray and Inverness to this Ledmore & Migdale woods. 

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Partnerships

Sainsbury's

We've spent the last 20 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.

Press centre

The Woodland Trust’s Mourne Park is awarded £2.5 million windfall from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Mourne Park is set to reopen following damage from Storms Darragh and Éowyn, with a significant financial windfall from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Video

'Woods on Your Doorstep' community project plants a quarter of a million trees

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.

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Press centre

How can we fund new woodland against a backdrop of cuts?

A 41% cut to anything is a big deal. But when it amounts to £32,000,000, it’s a massive deal. That’s the scale of the cut that the 2024-25 Scottish Budget imposes on woodland grants.

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What young people are doing for woods and trees

Empowering youth for a healthier planet: discover how we're shaping the future of woods, trees and wildlife together.

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

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.

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.

Blog

How to forage wild garlic and make wild garlic pesto

What's that smell? It's wild garlic season! Find out how to make the best of it with our foraging guide and recipes.

Laura Cottam  •  26 Apr 2019

Blog

Alternative charity gifts for Christmas

Our shop offers a huge variety of gifts with something for everyone for Christmas. Here are our top ideas for alternative charity gifts for the festive season.

Charlie Mellor  •  13 Dec 2024

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Tanio Arloesedd: her cadwraeth

Poeni am gadwraeth? Rydym yn chwilio am syniadau disgleiriaf y DU gan feddyliau ifanc.

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

Kingfisher

Lightning fast and technicoloured, seeing a kingfisher always feels special. Spot them near rivers, diving low to catch tiny fish with impressive dexterity.

About us

Achievements and outcomes

We've had a number of high profile achievements within central government. We've also seen notable successes working with local authorities to improve regional policies, delivery and development plans.

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.

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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.

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Have a flutter

Play our raffle to be in with a chance to win a cash prize - all while supporting our work for woods and trees.

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

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. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Chestnut, sweet

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

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Terms and conditions

Igniting Innovation: youth conservation challenge. Full terms and conditions. 

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.

Plant trees

Woodland creation guide

Growing the right tree in the right place, for the right reason and in the right way is essential. Our best practice guide means we can work with others to deliver quality woodland creation at a landscape scale.

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

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

Plant trees

Tree pack FAQs

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

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Arkaig ospreys: your questions answered

We answer your questions about our Loch Arkaig ospreys, the nest cameras and their forest home.

About us

Saving Scotland's rainforest

We're working to ensure Scotland’s rainforests thrive once again. As part of the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest, we're on a mission to protect and enhance this globally important habitat for the special wildlife that depends upon it.

Plant trees

Types of woodland management

A detailed look at how and when to carry out the techniques of coppicing, pollarding, formative pruning and thinning.

Plant trees

MOREwoods application guidance

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

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.

Press centre

Woodland Trust seeks major new corporate partner to empower young people through ‘Funding for the Future’

The Woodland Trust, recognised as the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, is boldly seeking out the perfect business to work in partnership with to support an ambitious new programme of work.

About us

Our ambassadors

Our ambassadors help us stand up for trees. Find out all about them.

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.

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Fundraise for us

Set your own challenge or host a community event to raise money for woods, trees and wildlife.

Trees woods and wildlife

Tree pests and diseases

Learn more about the pests and diseases threatening our trees. Find out how to spot them, the symptoms and outlook, and how you can help.

Partnerships

Nectar

Since 2021 we've worked with Nectar, owned by Sainsbury's, to make supporting the Woodland Trust even more rewarding. Nectar customers collect Nectar points when joining as members, get additional points when buying Woodland products in Sainsbury's, and can donate Nectar points to support our work.

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How to pay in funds raised

Finished your fundraising and ready to send in what you've raised? Find out how to get it to us.

About us

Our chief executive

Dr Darren Moorcroft is CEO of the Woodland Trust.

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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.

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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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Trees woods and wildlife

Cocksfoot grass

Tenacious and hard to budge. When other grasses succumb to drought, cocksfoot can be relied on for its perseverance; its deep roots and dense, tussocky growth securing its survival.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common wasp

These picnic ruiners might not be the UK's most popular invertebrate, but they are efficient pollinators.

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.

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Protecting trees and woods

Campaigns news

Discover the latest challenges and successes for woods and trees and find out how you can make a difference.

Partnerships

Premier Paper

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

Protecting trees and woods

Creu delweddau thermol o goed trefol yng Nghaerdydd

Gyda thymheredd cyfartalog a thonnau gwres yn mynd yn fwy dwys, comisiynwyd Ti Thermal Imaging Ltd i ddatgelu sut y gall coed ein helpu i ymdopi.

Protecting trees and woods

Thermal imaging of urban trees in Cardiff

With average temperatures and heatwaves getting more intense, we we commissioned Ti Thermal Imaging Ltd to reveal how trees can help us cope.

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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.

Visiting woods

Spring's vital signs report 2025 

Find out about how frogspawn, blackthorn and song thrush are affected by a changing climate. 

Video

Restoring Craggach Wood to a productive and diverse native woodland

David Shepherd and Annie Griffiths own Craggach Wood near Inverness. They share the inspirational story of how they transformed a long-established woodland of plantation origin into a biologically and structurally diverse productive native woodland.

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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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Trees woods and wildlife

Elm, wych

Decimated by Dutch elm disease, the sweeping and majestic wych elm is a much rarer sight these days. Its loss goes hand-in-hand with the decline of the elusive white-letter hairstreak butterfly, whose caterpillars rely on elm leaves.

Protecting trees and woods

Kent quarry extension is one of the biggest threats of the 21st century

Having destroyed 32ha of ancient wood in 2013, new quarry plans threaten at least another 50ha. 

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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Mead appeal, Derbyshire

With your help we can achieve our vision for Derbyshire's Young People's Forest and begin to realise its amazing potential.

About us

Our strategy

Our vision is optimistic: a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature. Find out how we plan to achieve this over the next decade.

Video

How gifts in wills have made a difference: Smithills Estate

A third of all the work we do is made possible by gifts in wills. The Woodland Trust's Tracey Garrett explains how important this support is to help our work at places like Smithills Estate - a landscape we're restoring to benefit both wildlife and local people. 

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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

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 Sep 2024

Protecting trees and woods

Ancient woods and trees will be lost for Lower Thames Crossing

Important woods, trees and wildlife remain at risk from National Highways proposals to build a new tunnel linking Essex and Kent under the River Thames.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wren

Plump, short and loud-mouthed, the wren is one of our most common breeding birds. Though it’s small in size, it makes up for it with its powerful song.

Video

Meet the people behind our work: Loch Arkaig

Hard graft. Passionate people. Expertise and skill. There's more to our woods than just trees. See for yourself what makes Loch Arkaig Pine Forest so special, and what it takes to keep it that way.

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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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Cuckoo

A cunning master of misdirection, the cuckoo’s reputation precedes it. These brood parasites spook woodland birds from their nests, then lay their own eggs in them to be brought up by the host.

Press centre

Early signs of spring becoming the new norm, says the Woodland Trust

Earlier signs of spring – such as the first leafing of trees or the first sightings of butterflies – could be here to stay, says the Woodland Trust.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Elm, Huntingdon

A hardy cultivar, the Huntingdon elm is a hybrid with some resistance to the devastating Dutch elm disease.

Britains rainforests

Britain's rainforests

Bursting with biodiversity, Britain’s rainforests are some of our most vibrant ecosystems. Yet they’re also among the most threatened. Learn more about what makes these rare woodlands so important and why we’re working to save them.

Video

Meet the people behind our work: Llennyrch

Hard graft. Passionate people. Expertise and skill. There's more to our woods than just trees. See for yourself what makes Llennyrch so special, and what it takes to keep it that way.

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