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Trees woods and wildlife

Natterer’s bat

Foliage foragers and cave-dwelling contortionists, these ‘red-armed bats’ are expert hunters and can squeeze themselves into the tightest of spaces.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brown long-eared bat

Known as the 'whispering' bat for its almost silent echolocation noises, this little bat's huge ears make it an expert woodland insect hunter.

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 – a summary for Scotland

A policy summary report for Scotland based on the evidence from the State of UK's Woods and Trees 2025 report.

PDF  (7.04 MB)

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 – a summary for Northern Ireland

A policy summary report for Northern Ireland based on the evidence from the State of UK's Woods and Trees 2025 report.

PDF  (6.28 MB)

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 – a summary for England 

A policy summary report for England based on the evidence from the State of UK's Woods and Trees 2025 report.

PDF  (7.02 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Long-tailed tit

Flying balls of fluff. These tiny woodland dwellers have a strong claim to be considered the UK’s cutest bird.

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 – a summary for Wales 

A policy summary report for Wales based on the evidence from the State of UK's Woods and Trees 2025 report.

PDF  (4.15 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Long-eared owl

Wise and regal, with an imposing stare and elusive nature. Our most nocturnal owl, with a penchant for recycling other bird’s old nests. It lives in dense woodland and is a skilful hunter.

Research report

Cyflwr Coedwigoedd a Choed y DU 2025 – crynodeb ar gyfer Cymru

Adroddiad cryno ar bolisi ar gyfer Cymru yn seiliedig ar y dystiolaeth o adroddiad Cyflwr Coed a Choedwigoedd y DU 2025.

PDF  (3.99 MB)

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025

Four years after the groundbreaking State of the UK's Woods and Trees report, the Woodland Trust is once again assessing the health of the UK's woods and trees – revealing the latest evidence and analysis to support the urgent action needed to protect and restore woodlands. 

PDF  (12.74 MB)

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.

Visiting woods

Spring's vital signs report 2025 

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

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 Sep 2019

Event

The Agroforestry Show - 10-11 September 2025

Join farmers, foresters, advisors, funders and more for two days of inspirational workshops, talks, field walks, equipment demonstrations, exhibitions and market stalls.

Wed 10 Sep 2025  •  Woodoaks Farm, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 9XQ

Support us

2025's winning projects

Meet the six young finalists whose brilliant projects won our Igniting Innovation conservation challenge.

Blog

8 steps to achieving long-term mindfulness with woods and trees

Explore some woodland activities that you can take part in to gain positive health benefits.

Julia Lock  •  22 Mar 2022

Support us

Summer message to Woodland Trust members

A message from our chief executive

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

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.

Press centre

Five reasons to celebrate World Rainforest Day

World Rainforest Day is celebrated on 22 June and with good reason. Here are five ways rainforests help us.

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.

State of UK woods and trees

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 

Four years after the groundbreaking State of the UK's Woods and Trees report, the Woodland Trust is once again assessing the health of the UK's woods and trees – revealing the latest evidence and analysis to support the urgent action needed to protect and restore woodlands. 

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 Sep 2023

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.

About us

Our president

Clive Anderson has been our president for more than 10 years, having taken a long interest in the problems facing the natural world and trees in particular.

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.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Silver-washed fritillary

These flashy butterflies are strong fliers with a flair for the dramatic. Spot the silver-washed fritillary charging through the air along woodland rides in search of a mate, or the caterpillars munching on their favourite flowers: violets.

Plant trees

Managing your new woodland

Woodland management requires long term planning. Learn about the observations and actions needed over a wood’s lifetime.

Trees woods and wildlife

Coeden y Flwyddyn 2025

Pleidleisiwch dros eich hoff goeden i'n helpu ni i goroni enillydd Coeden y Flwyddyn eleni. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Tree of the Year 2025

Vote for your favourite tree to help us crown this year's Tree of the Year. 

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.

Protecting trees and woods

Minutes of the APPG meeting 14 July 2025

Read the official minutes for a full list of attendees and more details of what was discussed on the day.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ash-black slug

This massive mollusc is one of the world’s largest land slugs, and it’s found right here, in the UK’s ancient woodlands.

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.

Blog

Poisonous mushrooms: 8 most dangerous UK mushrooms

Your guide to 8 of the most poisonous mushrooms in the UK, including the terrifyingly named deathcap, destroying angel and funeral bell. Find out where they grow, how to identify them and why you should steer clear!

Hanako Shimada  •  19 Feb 2025

Blog

True or false? Rainforest facts quiz

Do you know how Britain's rainforest measures up against its tropical cousins? How about the plants, animals and climate? Test your knowledge and learn about these amazing places with our rainforest facts quiz.

Charlie Mellor  •  18 Jun 2025

Trees woods and wildlife

Chiffchaff

A dainty warbler named after its song. Chiffchaffs are increasingly taking advantage of the UK’s warming climate by staying here all year long.

Blog

Broadleaf spring issue: a fresh new dawn

Spring has sprung and the world is waking up. In this issue of Broadleaf, we celebrate the new season, explore natural regeneration, and hear from Pam Ayres and Liz Bonnin.

Elisabeth Crump  •  11 Mar 2025

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

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Devil’s coach horse beetle

Jet-black with an even darker reputation. The devil’s coach horse has long been associated with sinister forces. In reality, it is only other invertebrates that have cause to fear this voracious predator.

Blog

Broadleaf summer issue: here comes the sun

Summer is here and the woodlands are breezy, bright and bursting with colour. In this issue of Broadleaf, we tend veteran trees in the Midlands, hunt for pine martens in Scotland and unfurl the extraordinary tale of the familiar foxglove.

Elisabeth Crump  •  10 Jun 2025

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.

Video

Andrew Evans, farmer, Dol Llys Farm

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

00:01:25

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.

00:03:37

Blog

8 enchanting rainforests to explore in the UK

UK rainforests are even rarer than their tropical counterparts, and just as beautiful. Brimming with wildlife, entwined with local history and overflowing with magic, here are eight of the best to explore.

Charlotte Varela  •  12 Mar 2025

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Atlantic salmon

A fish with a harsh life and epic journey. They’ve long been a favoured seafood, but over-fishing and pollution have seriously impacted populations.

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

Blog

Why do spiders make webs, and other spider web facts

Spider webs are incredible feats of engineering, but why do spiders make webs in the first place? And how do they do it?

Charlotte Varela  •  05 Sep 2022

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.

Blog

Chiffchaff or willow warbler? How to tell the difference

Chiffchaffs and willow warblers migrate to our shores every spring. Can you tell them apart? Discover the differences in appearance, call and habitat.

Alex Marshall  •  03 Feb 2025

Practical guidance

Recognising and categorising ancient and other veteran trees

Ancient and veteran trees provide irreplaceable benefits to people and wildlife, but they can be difficult to recognise and categorise. Read our guide to confidently and reliably identify these living legends.

PDF  (3.35 MB)

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

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

Blog

6 migrant birds to spot in the UK this winter

Not all birds head south for the winter. Some head straight for our shores to escape even colder conditions back home. Here are some of the winter birds you'll only find in the UK in winter.

Charlotte Varela  •  21 Jan 2025

Blog

12 rare wild flowers in the UK's woods

Woodlands are home to some of the UK's rarest wild flowers. From parasitic plants to alluring orchids, discover 12 rare woodland flowers and what makes them so uncommon.

Charlotte Varela  •  13 May 2025

Press centre

Woodland Trust welcomes bypass withdrawal

The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has applauded the scrapping of current plans for a controversial road scheme which could destroy dozens of ancient and veteran trees in Norfolk.

Position statement

Urban trees and forests – the Woodland Trust's position

Urban trees provide vital benefits to people and nature, but not everyone has equal access to this critical green infrastructure. Read our views on protecting, restoring and creating urban forests.

PDF  (2.01 MB)

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.

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.

Press centre

New research proves woodland wildlife does wonders for wellbeing

Groundbreaking new research backed by the Woodland Trust proves that woods teeming with wildlife do wonders for your wellbeing.

Blog

Feeding wild birds: what, how, when and why

Find out when and what to feed garden birds and welcome wildlife to your garden, yard or windowsill whatever the season.    

Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter  •  29 Apr 2025

Press centre

Coed Cadw welcomes launch of Wales' Sustainable Farming Scheme

Coed Cadw has expressed cautious optimism at the upcoming launch of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme, describing it as a necessary first step towards a just transition for the people of Wales.

Trees woods and wildlife

Sparrowhawk

With brilliant yellow eyes and long yellow talons, this small yet skilful predator swoops down to ambush its prey unawares. Strongly reliant on woodland, the sparrowhawk has been threatened in the past but is currently widespread throughout the UK.

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

Visiting woods

Discover woods in summer

Lush green landscapes, glorious sunshine, rainbows of wildflowers – a visit to the woods in summer time is not to be missed. The days are long and the nights are short, so make the most of the woods in the daylight, smell the flowers, watch wildlife or even enjoy a picnic.

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

Press centre

Coed Casw yn croesawu lansiad cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy cymru

Mae Coed Cadw, y Woodland Trust yng Nghymru, wedi mynegi optimistiaeth ofalus ynghylch lansiad Cynllun Ffermio Cynaliadwy (CFfC) Llywodraeth Cymru sydd ar ddod, gan ei ddisgrifio fel cam cyntaf angenrheidiol mewn taith llawer hirach tuag at drawsnewidiad cyfiawn i bobl Cymru.

Blog

Winter wildlife watching: what, where and when to spot

The winter weather might be frightful, but nature is always delightful. Here are our top tips on what wildlife to look out for, where and when on your winter walks.

Rory Morrow  •  13 Jan 2025

Press centre

Woodland Trust statement on Whitewebbs Oak felling

We are shocked and devastated by the recent felling of the ancient Whitewebbs Oak in an Enfield park in London. We want to see justice for this nationally significant oak tree. 

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

Press centre

Woodland Trust chief executive's statement on State of UK Climate Report

Darren Moorcroft, Woodland Trust chief executive, has made a statement in response to the Met Office’s State of UK Climate Report, which the Energy Secretary has labelled a “stark warning” to take action on climate and nature.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ancient trees

Ancient trees are irreplaceable. Steeped in history, these impressive trees have been standing tall for hundreds of years and are invaluable homes for wildlife.

Press centre

Survey reveals most Scots unaware Scotland has rainforest

Research indicates most people living in Scotland’s west coast rainforest zone have no idea the threatened habitat is right on their doorstep. But when they find out, the majority are enthusiastic about protecting and expanding it.

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.

Blog

Which birds mate for life? And birds' mating rituals

Find out which birds mate for life and why they do it, plus discover some of the mating rituals they use to attract a long-term partner.

Rachel Hoskins  •  14 Feb 2020

Press centre

Team assembles to upskill the west coast to save Scotland’s rainforest

A team of nature conservationists have come together to develop a skill-boosting programme equipping local people to earn a living saving Scotland’s rainforest.

Press centre

Land Use Framework – can we make it work for nature?

Progress has finally been made on a Land Use Framework for England, with Defra publishing a version for consultation.

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.

Blog

How to make a butterfly house: a step by step guide

Follow our easy guide to make your own butterfly house! It doesn't take long and supports your local pollinators.

Rachel Hoskins  •  12 Jul 2019

Press centre

Nature, art and youth vision unite with new mural at Brynau Farm

A once unremarkable concrete wall has been transformed into a stunning work of art thanks to a collaboration between Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust in Wales) and Swansea College of Art.

Press centre

More than 10 million trees planted across the Northern Forest

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

Press centre

Highland estate as big as Glasgow to be revitalised in partnership between community, conservation charity and Aviva

Assynt Foundation, Woodland Trust Scotland and Aviva have struck a 30-year deal to revitalise a vast area in the northwest Highlands of Scotland.

Press centre

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

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

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.

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.

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

Research report

Unlocking the potential for trees and crofts in Scotland: Payment options for integrating trees into farming systems

Our suite of oven-ready payment options for tree planting on farms, endorsed by the National Farmers Union Scotland and the Scottish Crofting Federation, should make the Scottish Government's job of reforming our agricultural support system easier and fairer for farmers and the environment.

PDF  (5.18 MB)

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.

About us

Research projects we are funding

We have awarded conservation research grant funding to research projects that address issues facing the conservation of the UK’s native woods and trees.

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. 

Blog

13 hardy plants for your garden

Our pick of hardy plants and trees perfect for any outdoor space. From pretty annual flowers to hard-working, long-lasting evergreens, they're all hardy to at least -15C.

Charlie Mellor  •  07 Mar 2024