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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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Capercaillie

The world’s largest grouse, the capercaillie is an impressive bird which has roamed pine forests for thousands of years. Made extinct in the mid-18^th century, it has since made a comeback, but is under threat of extinction in the UK once more.

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.   

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)

Terms and conditions

Website terms and conditions

Website terms and conditions

Blog

Winter picnics: hot food ideas and recipes

Keep warm on a winter picnic with our recipes and food ideas, including mulled apple juice, hot dogs, chilli pitta pockets and jacket potatoes.

Danielle Wesley  •  05 Jan 2023

Trees woods and wildlife

Early purple orchid

One of the first orchids to arrive during spring, the early purple orchid is a sight to behold.

Visiting woods

Discover woods in winter

See a different side to the woods. Wrap up warm for a walk amongst impressive icicles, frosted landscapes and glorious sunsets. Follow tantalising animal tracks in the snow and cosy up on a bench with a flask of something hot.

Blog

Farm diversification: ideas, grants and examples

In these days of pressurised farm incomes, trees and woods may offer a number of ways to help diversify farm income streams and bring cost savings too.

John Tucker  •  23 Jan 2018

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

Blog

10 ways to help wildlife in spring

We can all make a difference for wildlife this season, from a single simple action to an ongoing commitment, at home or further afield. Read our ten top tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  01 Mar 2023

Support us

Tanio Arloesedd: her cadwraeth

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

About us

Our ambassadors

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

Support us

Terms and conditions

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

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.

Blog

When to cut grass after winter

Are you unsure when to start cutting your lawn again after winter? Learn which factors affect your lawn, when to cut it and how this varies across the UK.

Lorienne Whittle  •  01 Feb 2022

Protecting trees and woods

Keep living legends alive

Most of our oldest trees are not legally protected. We're urging governments across the UK to change that. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Little owl

Small and stern, the little owl was first introduced to the UK in the 1800s. Look out for them in trees overlooking grassland from where they swoop to catch small prey with their sharp talons.

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.

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.

Plant trees

Rugby club plants for riverside wildlife

When trees were lost in stormy weather, South Wales' Blackwood RFC applied for a community tree pack to restore the wildlife habitat, soil stability and beauty that had been washed downriver.

Support us

Individual fundraising terms and conditions

When you fundraise in aid of the Woodland Trust, you accept the terms and conditions set out here.

Support us

Brynau Farm appeal, Neath

We’re helping the incredible ancient woodland at Brynau Farm to flourish, and we now have the chance to more than double the size of this site. Help us secure Cefn Morfudd to create a peaceful oasis for native wildlife. 

Visiting woods

Woodland Walks podcast

Explore our incredible woods with host Adam Shaw as he chats to the dedicated people behind these special places and meets nature-loving celebrities.

Press centre

High Alert installation takes public art into the woods

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is hosting a public art exhibition by Rob Hilken at three of its sites in August and September.

Support us

Apêl Coed Brynau, Castell-nedd

Rydyn ni gam ar y blaen i adfer coetir hynafol a gwerthfawr Fferm Brynau. Erbyn hyn, mae gennym ni gyfle i fwy na dyblu maint y safle hwn. Helpwch ni i brynu Cefn Morfudd ac ehangu’r hafan dawel hon ar gyfer bywyd gwyllt brodorol.

About us

Scotland

Scotland's woodland heritage is vast and varied, from the rugged Caledonian pinewoods to the rare and fragile temperate rainforests. We work to protect, restore, and create woods for wildlife and people.

Support us

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.

Video

Sibsey Wood volunteers

Find out more about the Sibsey Wood volunteers and why they were nominated for an award.

00:02:07

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

Elm zig-zag sawfly

The newest threat to our already damaged elm populations, the larvae of the elm zig-zag sawfly can defoliate whole trees.

Press centre

Coedwigoedd a choed Cymru 'dan fygythiad difrifol' yn ol adroddiad newydd 

Mae adroddiad newydd gan y Woodland Trust yn darparu tystiolaeth o ganlyniadau peri-fygythiol niferus i goedwigoedd a choed ledled y DU.

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.

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

Over 40% of new road schemes across England impact irreplaceable ancient woods 

With 43% of major new road schemes across England causing huge damage to both ancient woodland and veteran trees, planned changes to the Government’s transport policy don’t go nearly far enough.

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

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.

Privacy policy

Privacy policy

We respect the privacy of our supporters and visitors to our websites. Our privacy policy is concerned with how we collect information, what we do with it and what control you have over it.    

Plant trees

East Anglia tree giveaway: terms and conditions

East Anglia tree giveaway: terms and conditions

Press centre

Bugs on planes: volunteers hunt for new insect threat to iconic trees

Hardy volunteers are scouring trees across the UK in search of a hitchhiking bug that has made its way to our shores.

Blog

9 rare and beautiful wild UK orchids

Orchids are some of the most beautiful and unique wild plants you'll see in the UK. They are rare but well worth finding if you are up for the challenge.

Laura Cottam  •  29 May 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Juniper

A cosy home for wildlife and a gin-drinker’s delight, the juniper is a much-loved evergreen that brightens up the winter months.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak, Turkey

A pretender to the throne, the Turkey oak was introduced to the UK in the 1700s and is now impacting our native oak populations. It’s less valuable to wildlife, but much faster growing and a host of the knopper oak gall wasp.

Privacy policy

Supporters – children and young people

This is our privacy policy made especially for children and young people. If you’re under 12, it’s a good idea to read this with a parent, carer or another adult you trust. 

Blog

Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Martin Hügi, the 'Tree Pilgrim'

Martin Hügi, the 'Tree Pilgrim', is walking from Land's End to John O'Groats to visit amazing ancient trees. We meet him on day 79 to hear his experience so far.

Adam Shaw  •  29 Sep 2023

Trees woods and wildlife

Great spruce bark beetle

The great spruce bark beetle damages spruce trees by tunnelling into the bark. This pest was accidentally introduced into the UK in 1982 and now has become established in Western England, Wales and Southern Scotland.

Press centre

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

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

Press centre

New report reveals serious threat to Welsh woods and trees

A Woodland Trust report provides evidence of multiple threats that pose catastrophic consequences for woods and trees across the UK.

Plant trees

Woodland Carbon

Get paid for planting new woodland for areas of over 5 hectares with our Woodland Carbon scheme. Your new woodland will be assessed for its carbon-locking potential and you'll be paid in Woodland Carbon Units with associated costs covered, too.

Blog

11 waterfall walks to visit in our woods

From gently tumbling streams to powerful cascades, waterfalls are mesmerising. Check out the best waterfall walks in and around our woods across the UK.

Charlie Mellor  •  15 Jan 2021

Press centre

300,000 households given new access to nature, new study of Northern Forest shows

More than 300,000 households have been given access to nature they previously didn’t have, a new Northern Forest study shows.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hazel dormouse

Sleepy, charming, undeniably cute. This minute mammal needs trees to survive and is seriously endangered.

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.

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

About us

Reconnecting Grantham to its historic landscape

We've worked with the National Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to link Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount, the eastern part of the Belton House estate. The project has united accessible green space on the edge of Grantham to help more people experience nature on their doorstep.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine marten reintroduction: how we're helping and where to find them

Once persecuted to extinction, find out how we're helping pine martens make a welcome return to the UK's woods.

Visiting woods

Spring's vital signs report 2025 

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

Plant trees

Leicestershire tree giveaway: terms and conditions

Leicestershire tree giveaway: terms and conditions

Plant trees

Leicestershire tree giveaway

We're giving away more than 10,000 trees to farmers across Leicestershire in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group.

Blog

UK bats: a guide to bats in your garden

Explore the most likely bats you'll spot from your garden and how to help them out with our biodiversity-boosting gardening tips.

Helen Keating  •  22 May 2020

Press centre

11 weird and wonderful wildlife of our rainforests

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

Plant trees

South West tree giveaway: terms and conditions

South West tree giveaway: terms and conditions

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.

Blog

SSSI definition: what is it and what does it mean for conservation and development?

A Site of Special Scientific Interest is a formal conservation designation. Learn how they are determined, why we have them and where to see them in the UK.

Laura Cottam  •  01 Mar 2019

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.  

Blog

How do heatwaves affect wildlife?

As the UK experiences extreme heat and drought, we take a look at the potentially catastrophic effects of heatwaves on wildlife from early fruit ripening to a false autumn.

Fritha West  •  10 Aug 2022

Press centre

Farming with trees is key to net zero, new research shows

A new Woodland Trust report shows how increasing agroforestry – farming with trees - in England is essential to meet nature and climate targets

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

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.

Privacy policy

Volunteers

The privacy policy applies to applicants for volunteer roles, current and former volunteers, about whom we collect, store and use personal information.

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.

Blog

Are acorns edible? And other acorn facts

Acorns are a favourite dish of many woodland creatures, but did you know humans can eat them too? Here are some great recipes and more fascinating acorn facts.

Emilie Bonnevay  •  03 Sep 2019

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.

Blog

House mouse or field mouse? Easy guide to types of UK mice, voles, rats and shrews

Are you curious about what mouse or vole you saw in your garden or out on a walk? Or did your cat bring one in and you wondered what it was? Here's a quick guide to the more common mice, voles, rats and shrews of the UK.

Helen Keating  •  28 Mar 2022

Event

Mindful walk at Langley Vale Wood

Unplug to recharge this World Mental Health Day as we practise mindfulness on a guided walk at Langley Vale Wood.

Fri 10 Oct 2025  •  Langley Vale Wood, Langley Vale

Trees woods and wildlife

Beechwood sickener

Toxic, brittle, red-capped. Beechwood sickener is only found in beech woodland and help beech trees take up nutrients from the soil.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Common inkcap

Sticky and useful, inkcaps were used as a source of ink for important documents to guard against forgeries.

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

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.

Support us

Membership terms and conditions

When you become a member of the Woodland Trust, you accept the terms and conditions set out here.

Blog

What do hedgehogs eat? And how to feed them

Hedgehogs need our help and you can make a difference. Check out our guide to what food hedgehogs eat, when you should feed them and other useful tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  15 Mar 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Common gorse

With bright, beaming yellow flowers with the scent of coconut, common gorse is a sight to behold.

Blog

Can you eat crab apples? Three favourite crab apple recipes

With their terrifically tart and tangy flavour, crab apples are a favourite foraged food.

Helen Keating  •  24 Oct 2018

Video

Phil Stallard, Mid Wales Landscape Scheme

Phil Stallard gives an overview of the mid Wales tree planting scheme that he runs on behalf of the Woodland Trust. Phil explains the importance of trees in an agricultural landscape.

00:01:59

Blog

Why do we need trees?

Trees are invaluable to us and the environment. Find out why and how you can help protect them.

Jack Taylor  •  08 Dec 2017

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

Blog

10 ways to help wildlife in summer

We can all make a difference for wildlife this season, from a single simple action to an ongoing commitment, at home or further afield. Read our ten top tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  12 Jun 2023

Press centre

Campaign launched to support next generation of lone trees

Woodland Trust Scotland has launched a campaign to raise the next generation of lone trees and micro woods on farms and crofts.

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.

Blog

How to make a bird feeder: easy homemade feeders

Attract birds to your garden with these simple feeder ideas. Turn pine cones into seed balls, repurpose old juice cartons or make your own squirrel baffle. They're cheap, easy and great activities to do with kids.

Amy Lewis  •  15 Jan 2019

Blog

Seven edible weeds: foraging in your garden

If you're a fan of foraging but missing roaming the woods and hedgerows right now, go in search of some edible plants that are closer to home. Here are seven edible garden weeds to look out for.

Helen Keating  •  23 Apr 2020

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

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

Lime, large-leaved

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

Press centre

Woodland Trust highlights ‘ticking threat’ of uncontrollable wildfires

An increasing threat of wildfires amid rising temperatures and Met Office warnings could have a "devastating" impact, according to the UK's largest woodland conservation charity.

Blog

How to identify elderflower and what to do with it

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

Helen Keating  •  03 Jun 2021

Blog

Easy blackberry recipes

Forage for blackberries to make blackberry crumble, bramble flapjack, summer fruits pudding, and a sweet blackberry sauce.

Danielle Wesley  •  27 Aug 2019

Blog

Broadleaf spring issue: a burst of new life

After a soggy start to spring, the world is at last alive with birdsong, bright yellow daffodils and the first flurry of puff-white blossom. Bring on the bluebells!

Elisabeth Crump  •  11 Mar 2024

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Eucalyptus

Pleasant smelling, antiseptic, highly flammable. Eucalyptus might be the favourite of koalas in its native Australia, but in the UK it is insects which are drawn to its rich oil.

Blog

7 ways for kids to help garden wildlife

Read our top tips on how kids can help support garden wildlife, from planting trees to making a bug hotel.

Danielle Wesley  •  18 Aug 2021

Blog

9 outdoor Easter activities for families

Get outdoors in the Easter holidays and enjoy our fun nature activities for kids - try nest building, go on a scavenger hunt and nibble on an Easter-themed picnic!

Danielle Wesley  •  04 Apr 2022

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

Plant trees

Agroforestry benefits farming, nature and climate

Integrating trees in arable crops and livestock systems makes agroforestry a win-win for sustainable food production and the natural environment.

Protecting trees and woods

What urban trees do for us

They green our cities. They clean our air. They fight the effects of climate change. They even increase the value of our houses. Urban woods and trees do so much for people, wildlife and our economy.

Blog

Climate change: facts and actions for kids

Our simple guide will help kids understand climate change, what’s causing it and how it’s affecting the planet. Plus, we'll share some top tips to help kids take action.

Danielle Wesley  •  15 Oct 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Why we need trees

We desperately need trees to help fight climate change, save wildlife, improve our health, and more.

Press centre

GPs urge policymakers to invest in green space to reduce NHS pressure

Policymakers must prioritise the environment to improve the health of the nation and ease pressure on the NHS, say doctors.

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

Blog

7 half-term ideas for families

Enjoy wildlife spotting, tree ID and nature crafts on a half-term hike in the woods.

Danielle Wesley  •  02 Feb 2023

Press centre

Woodland Trust acquires new land connected to Mourne Park

The Trust has been able to extend Mourne Park, a special site for restoration and conservation in Northern Ireland, with 32 hectares of neighbouring land.

Blog

How to attract wildlife to your garden: 5 top tips

Make your garden a haven for wildlife and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature knowing that you’re making a difference.

Charlie Mellor  •  26 Jun 2020

Blog

Combat climate change at home: 6 UK native trees to plant in small gardens

Small garden, big impact – here’s a list of UK native trees to help combat global warming from home, without taking up too much space.

Becca Smith  •  07 Oct 2022

Blog

7 galls to spot this year

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

Emilie Bonnevay  •  31 Jul 2018

Blog

Foraging in October: which wild mushrooms can you eat?

Explore the world of foraging with these top wild fungi picking and cooking tips. Here are five edible fungi that are easy to identify.

Helen Keating  •  29 Oct 2018

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

Blog

7 homemade gift ideas for Christmas

Take a look at our ideas for homemade Christmas gifts that are thoughtful, affordable and easy-to-make. 

Charlie Mellor  •  12 Oct 2023

Climate change

How does climate change affect timings in nature?

For nature to thrive, timing is everything. But seasonal events are happening earlier, with disastrous knock-on effects for native wildlife. Find out how you can help.

Blog

Environmentally-friendly gardening: 10 top tips

Work with nature to make your garden eco-friendly and cut your environmental impact. Check out our 10 easy tips that are good for wildlife and your wallet too!

Charlie Mellor  •  16 Apr 2024

Blog

Foraging in April: edible wild plants to harvest

April is the time to look out for fresh new greens and herbs to give your food a seasonal springtime boost. Here are seven easy-to-identify edible herbs and plants to look out for.

Helen Keating  •  27 Apr 2023

Blog

10 camping activities for kids who love wildlife

Discover 10 wildlife-themed activities for kids and families to enjoy on a camping trip.

Danielle Wesley  •  02 Aug 2023

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 Sep 2023

Blog

5 homemade advent calendars: how to make DIY advent calendars

With a range of shapes and sizes to choose from, these homemade advent calendars are the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.  

Annabel Kemp  •  07 Nov 2024

Blog

10 ways to help wildlife in autumn

We can all take small actions to help wildlife this autumn. From your balcony or workplace to the local woods and beyond, here are our ten top tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  19 Oct 2022

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

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.