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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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Blog

How to make bramble whisky: recipe for blackberry liqueur

Read our simple and easy recipe for this delicious foraged blackberry liqueur, or bramble whisky. You'll love this homemade tipple, it's sure to impress!

George Anderson  •  12 Aug 2019

Blog

30 baby names inspired by trees and woods

Looking for a tree-themed baby name to inspire a love for nature? Discover our favourite tree names for girls and boys, plus gender-neutral options.

Danielle Wesley  •  09 Apr 2024

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How to make an easy elderflower cordial without citric acid

This elderflower cordial recipe is very easy to make. It's the perfect way to capture the sweet, summery scent of the familiar hedgerow tree that is in full bloom now.

Helen Keating  •  07 Jun 2021

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.

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.

Blog

When to pick sloes and how to make sloe gin

It's traditional to make sloe gin in autumn, ready for the coming winter. Here's an easy and delicious recipe for you to try, with our top sloe picking tips. It takes a couple of months to mature, so if you make it soon it'll be ready by Christmas.

Helen Keating  •  15 Sep 2020

Plant trees

Managing your new woodland

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

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

When do blue tits nest?

A sure sign of the start of spring is the sight of blue tits zipping back and forth to nest boxes, beaks full of moss. Find out when, where and how long blue tits nest, when their chicks fledge, and how important it is that they time things just right.

Amy Lewis  •  12 Feb 2019

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.

Blog

Baby bird identification: UK garden birds

Learn to identify garden bird youngsters with our guide to some of the most commonly encountered little'uns.

Amy Lewis  •  15 May 2020

Blog

Foraging for natural Christmas decorations

Transform your home into a woodland wonderland this Christmas with our easy ideas for festive, foraged home decor. 

Helen Keating  •  05 Dec 2022

Blog

Rowan jelly: how to find and make it

Rowan, with its fiery red berries, is a tree that's difficult to miss at the moment. If you want to try foraging this is a great way to start. Get top identification tips and a step-by-step recipe on how to make rowan jelly.

Helen Keating  •  13 Aug 2018

Blog

What is pollination?

Learn about pollination and why it is so important for the natural world.

Danielle Wesley  •  08 Apr 2019

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

The best elderberry recipes

Make the most of dark, fragrant elderberries while they’re in season. Try our favourite elderberry recipes.

Helen Keating  •  28 Sep 2022

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.

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.

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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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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.

Blog

Why do leaves change colour and fall off in autumn?

Autumn is the most spectacular season thanks to our deciduous trees. But why is autumn colour better some years than others? Find out why.

Helen Keating  •  02 Oct 2020

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.

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

What to do if you find a baby bird

Stumbled across a baby bird on the ground? Find out what to do to ensure its survival.

Charlotte Varela  •  14 Jun 2019

Blog

Why walking in woods is good for you

It’s time to swap the gym – or sofa – for woodland walks. Here are five benefits for your health and wellbeing, plus tips on what to wear and things to do.

Charlie Mellor  •  05 Aug 2020

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

Dark crimson underwing moth

A rare beauty – the dark crimson underwing moth startles predators with its deep red hindwings and depends on mature oak trees for survival.

Trees woods and wildlife

Beech, common

Monumental, majestic, home to rare wildlife. Beech is an enchanting species and known as the queen of British trees. To wander beneath the leafy canopy, its cathedral-like branches spreading upwards, is an awe-inspiring experience.

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

Blog

Raw rosehip syrup: how to make and use

Rosehips really became popular during World War II when fresh produce was scarce. Here are our tips for finding and cooking up these surprisingly tasty fruits.

George Anderson  •  31 Jul 2019

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. 

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Blog

Badgers: what do they eat? And other facts

Get advice on their feeding habits, from nuts to mealworms, and other top facts.

Helen Keating  •  27 Aug 2019

Blog

Foraging in July: nature's best summer food for foraging

Here are our top six edible wild plants to look out for in July, with tips on what to look for and how to harvest, cook and eat them.

Helen Keating  •  08 Jul 2021

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

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

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

Foraging in June: edible flowers, plants and herbs

From fresh flowers to tender leaves, here are some edible plants to forage in June. These are my top tips on where to find them, and how to turn them into something tasty.

Helen Keating  •  24 Jun 2021

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Dead man’s fingers

Swollen, blackened ‘fingers’ reaching for the sky. Aptly named, dead man’s fingers can be a spooky-looking find.

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

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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

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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 Sep 2024

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How to attract butterflies to your garden

Learn how to encourage butterflies into your garden with butterfly-friendly plants, butterfly feeders and more.

Danielle Wesley  •  13 Mar 2020

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

Blog

What can rings and black lines in tree trunks tell us?

We take a fascinating look at tree anatomy and explore the appearance of tree rings and other black lines.

Julia Lock  •  29 Dec 2021

Blog

Why do hares box? And other hare facts

Find out why brown hares can be seen boxing in fields during the month of March, earning them their 'mad March' name, along with other top hare facts.

Helen Keating  •  08 Mar 2023

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

Foraging in September: edible wild plants and berries to look out for

Ten edible wild plants and mushrooms to forage for in September, with tips on what to look for and how to gather and eat them.

Rory Morrow  •  25 Sep 2024

Blog

Osprey migration: facts and map

After breeding season winds up at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, our osprey family flies south for winter. But why do ospreys take this long, dangerous trip between two homes? Here’s everything you need to know about osprey migration.

George Anderson  •  30 Aug 2023

Blog

What is a seed bank, how does it work and why is it important?

Discover the vital work of seed banks, including facts and figures on why we store so many seeds, how long for and how they might be used in the future.  

Rebecca Gosling  •  02 Dec 2020

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Hedgehog

Sleepy, cute, truly iconic. These prickly critters rely on hedgerows and woodland edges for food and shelter.

Blog

Red admiral butterfly: identification and recording

Learn how to identify red admiral butterflies, their caterpillars and pupae with our handy guide, and record your sightings with Nature's Calendar.

Amy Lewis  •  24 Apr 2020

Protecting trees and woods

HS2 rail link

HS2 is a grave threat to the UK’s ancient woods and veteran trees, with many at risk of loss or damage. We can’t let this happen. 

About us

Tree guards: research into plastic-free alternatives

Our bold pledge to stop using new single-use plastic tree guards on our land in 2021 put us at the forefront of the movement to eradicate plastic from planting schemes UK-wide. We’re funding research to find viable alternatives and are now moving towards sustainable tree protection in other areas.

Blog

Hazelnuts: where and when to forage

Our tips on where and when to find hazelnuts in the wild, how to prepare these tasty treats, and the woodland animals that love eating them too.

Laura Cottam  •  05 Aug 2019

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)

Position statement

Tree provenance in a changing climate

The Woodland Trust’s approach to resilience in the face of climate change focuses on utilising seed sourced from appropriate local provenances which the evidence shows will be best adapted to local conditions into the future.

PDF  (353 KB)