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First World War Centenary Woods

One hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War, we marked the anniversary with one of our most ambitious planting projects to date. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Common pipistrelle bat 

Flying mammals that live among us. Common pipistrelles spend the day sleeping in buildings, but rely on trees when they emerge at night.

Plant trees

Acquiring your community wood

Getting serious about a community wood? Here's our guidance on acquiring one, from buying to leasing.    

Support us

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hedgehog

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

Support us

Pepper Wood appeal, Worcestershire

On the northern edge of Pepper Wood is a piece of land waiting to become woodland once more. Thanks to your help it's now ours, doubling the size of one of our most treasured woods.

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

Robin

Feisty. Iconic. A Christmas card favourite and a gardener’s best friend. It’s no wonder this fiery little fella is one of Britain’s most-loved birds, frequenting the UK’s gardens in search of worms.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Snowdrop

One of the first signs of spring. While not native to these shores, these hardy flowers have become a familiar indicator of the shifting seasons and a sure sign that warmer weather is on its way.

Protecting trees and woods

Protect ancient woodland

One of the UK’s most important wildlife habitats is disappearing before our eyes.

Press centre

New study reveals the UK’s rarest rainforest beetles are multi-day adventurers

A new study delving into the lives of one of the UK’s rarest beetles shows them to be athletes and adventurers – travelling the scaled–up equivalent of several kilometres a night in search of food and mates.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Poplar hawk-moth

Big, bold and full of character. An encounter with a hawk-moth is always special, and this species is the one most likely to make your acquaintance.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Cedar

Stately, aromatic, gigantic. Find out more about one of the most majestic of all planted 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. 

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

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

Chaffinch

Colourful characters. The chaffinch is one of our most common birds, but that doesn’t detract from its beauty.

Blog

Starling murmurations: what they are and where to see

They're one of the wonders of the natural world, and they're often right on our doorstep. Find a flock of sky-dancing starlings to watch for yourself this autumn.

Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter  •  16 Dec 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Deadwood

Dead and decaying wood is one of any woodland's most important microhabitats. Learn more about why we need more of it, as well as the rare and endangered beetles, colourful fungi and other threatened wildlife that relies on it.

Video

Protect our Living Legends: A Legacy Beyond the Sycamore Gap

The heartbreaking felling of the Sycamore Gap tree one year ago is a reminder of the irreplaceable value and vulnerability of our ancient trees. Sign the petition to call for the legal protection they deserve.

00:05:14

Protecting trees and woods

Cutting down trees: law and legislation

Whether you want to fell a tree or protect one from felling, protection and preservation laws can be complex. Our guide explains best practice and alternatives.

Trees woods and wildlife

Swan’s-neck thyme-moss

Elegant and damp. Swan's-neck thyme-moss is one of our most common mosses. Lush green with bright green new growth in the spring.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hazel

Catkins resembling lambs tails, and late-summer nuts. Hazel is one of the most useful trees for its bendy stems and as a conservation saviour. And its nuts are loved by people, squirrels and hazel dormice.

Blog

6 UK woods for stargazing

Escape light pollution and embrace the night sky to enjoy stargazing at a wood near you. Here are our favourite spots to see stars, plus handy stargazing tips.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  09 Feb 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Whitethroat

A summer visitor with a scratchy song. Around one million of these birds head to the UK each year to breed.

Trees woods and wildlife

Cherry, wild

Beautiful blossom and a bounty of bright red fruits. Wild cherry , one of the prettiest native trees, is relished by gardeners and wildlife.

Blog

Dedicate in memory: remember a loved one with trees and woodland

Dedicating a tree or woodland provides a living, growing memorial to a loved one and a poignant way of remembering them. Dedications are available in Woodland Trust woods across the UK.

Charlie Mellor  •  14 Feb 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Cypress, Lawson

Tall ornamental with feathery foliage. One of the UK’s most popular garden conifers, Lawson cypress has rot-resistant wood which is popular in Japan for coffins and shrines.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hard fern

An evergreen beauty with not one, but two types of frond. Its medicinal qualities have helped treat ailments for centuries, while its leaves have been used to subdue hunger and thirst.

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.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lesser horseshoe bat

Plum-sized and pink-faced, the lesser horseshoe bat is one of the smallest bats in the UK.  Look out for them at dusk in woodland, but not in winter when they hibernate underground in caves and tunnels.

Trees woods and wildlife

Whitebeam, Arran

Rare, rugged, isolated. Arran whitebeam is one of the rarest and most endangered trees in the world. It is a hybrid of rowan and rock whitebeam which has stayed on the Isle of Arran since the last glaciers were formed.

Trees woods and wildlife

Barn owl

With bright white feathers and a distinctive heart-shaped face, there’s no mistaking the barn owl. Catching sight of one on the wing is always a delight. 

Climate change

Climate change

Our message is clear: native woods and trees are one of the best ways to tackle the climate crisis. Explore the facts and find out what you can do to help.

Trees woods and wildlife

Glow-worm

Emitting an eerie yellow-green glow at night, female glow-worms use bioluminescence to attract mates. Not worms at all, they are actually beetles that lurk in lowland Britain.

Trees woods and wildlife

Serotine bat 

One of the largest British bats, the serotine has a taste for beetles and other flying insects. Listen for the squeaking sound it makes just before emerging at dusk to hunt.

Support us

Give in memory

Celebrate the life of a loved one with a special gift, woodland memorial or donation in memory.

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.

Press centre

A9 central reservation is in a better state than surrounding hills

A central reservation of one of Scotland's busiest roads, the A9, is in a more natural state than the surrounding hills, says report from the Woodland Trust.

Trees woods and wildlife

Comma

Tough, charming, rough around the edges. The comma is one of the few butterflies that is becoming more widespread, likely due to global warming.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ash

One of our most beloved trees. Ash is one of the most common trees in the UK, but as ash dieback sweeps through, is it set to be erased from our countryside?

Trees woods and wildlife

Plum, cherry

Street tree, early spring flowerer and ancestor of the domestic plum. Cherry plum is one of the first trees to blossom in the UK.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine, Scots

Towering in the glen, the Scots pine is a truly stunning tree. It is one of only three native conifers, and our only native pine. It’s the perfect home for iconic Scottish wildlife, such as the red squirrel, capercaillie, Scottish crossbill and the Scottish wildcat.

Plant trees

Natural regeneration

The UK needs more trees. We plant millions of native trees every year, but planting is just one way to help the UK's woodlands expand. Allowing nature to take its course is also an effective and efficient method of getting more trees in the ground.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wood mouse

Despite being one of our most common woodland mammals, the small, sweet and secretive wood mouse is hard to spot. They feast on nuts, seeds and invertebrates and are an important food source for larger mammals and birds of prey.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Primrose

Primroses are a cheerful sign of spring. They are one of the first woodland blooms and an important nectar source for butterflies. Look out for their friendly yellow in woodland clearings.

Blog

What do foxes eat? And more facts about foxes

Whether we live in the countryside or a bustling city, most of us have seen a fox. But how much do you know about one of our most iconic animals?

Charlotte Varela  •  16 Aug 2019

Visiting woods

Bluebell woods in England

Take some time away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a tranquil springtime walk through one of England's most beautiful bluebell woods.

Visiting woods

Bluebell woods in Wales

Lose yourself in a sea of colour this spring in one of Wales' most beautiful bluebell woods.

Blog

Our top five woods to hear nightingales

The famous song of the nightingale is one of the wonders of the natural world, but to have a chance of hearing it you'll need to know where to listen. Here we share top tips for tracking down a serenade, plus some of our woods to try for a lucky encounter.

Amy Lewis  •  01 Apr 2022

Blog

When to prune apple and other fruit trees

Whether you're reviving an old fruit tree, shaping a new one, or encouraging a jumper crop, here's our top advice on what to do and when to do it. From apples and pears to peaches and plums.

Helen Keating  •  02 Feb 2018

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.

Protecting trees and woods

Tree Preservation Orders

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) protects specific trees or groups of trees from deliberate damage and destruction. Check out the answers to 10 common questions on TPOs, from how to request one to protecting trees under threat. 

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

Bluebell woods in Northern Ireland

Indulge in some quiet time and visit one of Northern Ireland's most stunning bluebell woods this spring.  

Trees woods and wildlife

Enchanter’s nightshade

Delicate, mystical, persistent. Find enchanter’s nightshade in woods and woodland edges, flowering in summer. Considered a weed in most gardens, this plant is just one part of the complex woodland habitat.

Support us

Individual gift membership

Give a gift that means more – one that stands up for woods, trees and the wildlife that depends on them.

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.

Blog

Beech tree facts: purple leaves, rippled bark and more

Beech is one of our most popular trees. Here are our tips on how to identify them, why some may look a little different and other interesting facts.

Emilie Bonnevay  •  15 Jul 2019

Plant trees

Stump Up For Trees: planting one million trees in the Bannau Brycheiniog area

Farmers in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park show how it's possible to turn marginal land land into profitable assets that deliver for nature.

Blog

How big is a queen wasp? And where to see one

Have you ever seen a giant wasp when out working in the garden or visiting the woods? If so, it's likely you'll have spotted a queen wasp. Find out how big they are, where to spot them and more.

Charlotte Varela  •  12 Mar 2024

Press centre

One little word makes a huge difference for Scotland’s dwindling ancient woods

Campaigners are celebrating a major victory as new policy bars developments damaging ancient woods and trees.

Video

Strengthen soils for improved farm productivity

Stephen Briggs adopted agroforestry on his arable farm to protect one of his most valuable resources: soil.

00:04:44

Support us

Leave a lasting legacy with a gift in your will

Leave a lasting legacy, one that means something to you and will continue to make a difference for years to come. Protect the trees, woods and wildlife you love – today, tomorrow and forever.

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

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Peacock

Big. Bold. Beautiful. This stunning showstopper is instantly recognisable, with its captivating azure ‘eyes’ and orange-brown wings. Widespread and common throughout the UK, it is one of our most-loved butterflies.

Trees woods and wildlife

Yew, Irish

A mutant favourite with wildlife, the Irish yew is thought to have developed from the common yew. All Irish yews descended from cuttings of one tree found in County Fermanagh in the 1700s. Nowadays, it provides food and shelter for native animals.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Cypress, Leyland

At the centre of many neighbour wars, Leyland cypress can reach great heights very quickly. It’s one of the fastest growing conifers and often towers over houses and gardens.

About us

Working together

Working closely with others is one of the key ways we achieve our policy goals. We are members of a number of advocacy partnerships, which include other NGOs, parliamentary groups and professional institutes.

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.

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

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

Willow, crack

Scruffy and loud, the crack willow is named after its habit of splitting with cracks and fissures, and how noisy its branches are when they break. It’s one of the largest willows and its leaves are popular with moth caterpillars.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Wood anemone

Sun-loving, gentle, a mark of the old. Wood anemone is one of the first spring blooms, arriving to take in the light through the leafless canopy in broadleaf woodland. Look for them in old and ancient woodland that suits their slow growth.

Practical guidance

Tree charter toolkit

The Charter for Trees, Woods and People (the Tree Charter) sets out the principles for a society in which people and trees can stand stronger together. How can we all meaningfully give something back in return for fresh air, food, resources, shelter, careers and inspiration? We hope this toolkit offers you a starting point.

PDF  (2.43 MB)

Protecting trees and woods

Don’t let new planning laws cost the earth

Government plans could leave woods, trees and other important habitats vulnerable to destruction for development if we don’t speak up. Tell your MP that nature should be protected and restored.

Blog

7 signs of winter in nature

Winter is a magical time, with crisp mornings and chilly starlit evenings. Discover when winter really starts and some of the best signs to look and listen out for.

Charlie Mellor  •  26 Nov 2021

Support us

Snaizeholme appeal, North Yorkshire

Thanks to your support, we have the chance to turn a tree-less landscape into a thriving haven for red squirrels and declining woodland birds in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. 

Press centre

Groundbreaking scientific research project at Snaizeholme will tackle the impacts of extreme weather

One of the biggest pieces of scientific research ever undertaken in the English uplands will tackle the impacts of extreme weather.

About us

Our fundraising with the vulnerable or those lacking capacity policy

Our fundraising with the vulnerable policy.

Blog

How we take care of ancient and veteran trees

Protecting ancient trees is one of our top priorities. Discover how we design and manage our woods around them and how you can help.

Naomi Tilley  •  26 Sep 2022

Trees woods and wildlife

Privet hawk-moth

Gentle giants of the moth world. These strong fliers are brightly coloured as both caterpillars and adults, going from vibrant green to blushing pink.

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

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.

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

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.

Press centre

New population of rare heath fritillary found in Kent

The heath fritillary, one of the UK’s rarest butterflies, has been discovered for the first time at the Woodland Trust’s Victory Wood in Kent.

Support us

What gifts in wills have helped us achieve

When you remember us in your will, you protect the woods and trees you love for future generations. See for yourself how legacies are already making a huge difference.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wood sorrel

These dainty sleeping beauties fold up their leaves and flowers at nightfall. Seek them out in cool, damp corners of ancient woodlands where they thrive in undisturbed soils.

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

Discussion paper

Manifesto for the Welsh Parliament elections

Our manifesto outlines how trees can play a vital role in addressing the nature and climate crisis. They can help us rebuild an economy that's resilient to climate change, good for our wellbeing and nature-rich - one that's fit for present, and future generations.

PDF  (4.78 MB)

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

Blog

Where and when do robins nest?

The robin, with its signature red breast and tuneful song, is one of the UK’s best-loved birds. Find out where and when these fiery fellas nest, and how you can lend them a helping hand.

Hannah Vickers  •  08 Feb 2019

Case study

Timber products from ancient woodland restoration

A case study demonstrating how one woodland owner is making restoration pay its way – by using extracted timber for flooring in a factory renovation project.

PDF  (732 KB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Eight-toothed spruce bark beetle

One of the most serious forestry pests in Europe. If left uncontrolled, the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle has the potential to cause significant damage to the UK’s forestry and timber industries.

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

Legitimate interest

Legitimate interest policy

This statement outlines our approach to processing personal data, where legitimate interest applies as our lawful basis for processing.

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

Harvestman

Spindly, gangly, with small, rounded bodies. These oddly proportioned spider relatives escape predators by losing their limbs. Look for them in damp woodland environments.

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.

Press centre

Giant boost for nature in Yorkshire Dales as charity plans huge native woodland

One of the boldest projects in the English uplands is about to start with the first trees to go in the ground at Snaizeholme in the Yorkshire Dales.

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.

Blog

Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Sheffield's tree story

At Sheffield's Endcliffe Park, discover how nature and the city have shaped each other over the centuries and why local people are so passionate about trees.

Adam Shaw  •  22 Feb 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Help name our osprey chicks

Louis and Dorcha have raised two healthy chicks that are almost ready to take flight! We're ready to name them and we need your help. Choose your favourite name. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Woodlouse spider

Woodlouse assassin and protective mum. This feisty arachnid is perfectly equipped to take on tough customers – and other spiders won’t mess with it either.

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

About us

Wales

We're standing up for trees in Wales and demanding better protection for our natural heritage. We also care for 100 Welsh woods, from precious ancient woodlands to newly-planted wildlife havens created with local communities.

Trees woods and wildlife

Greater horseshoe bat

Rare and highly agile. Look out for the greater horseshoe bat along woodland edges at dawn and dusk. The longest-lived bat in the UK, it has become scarce due to a loss of insect prey and habitat.

Blog

Hedgehog poo & tracks: identify signs of hedgehogs

Is a hedgehog visiting your garden? Learn how to identify the signs these prickly characters leave behind.

James Martin  •  16 Mar 2020

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

Collecting and removing firewood: is it legal?

Ever wondered whether you can collect firewood from one of our woods? Find out how to source sustainable wood and why we chop down trees in our woods.

Rachel Hoskins  •  22 Jan 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Why are trees important for biodiversity?

Woodland is home to a wealth of wildlife. If we don't protect what we have left and work to create woodlands of the future, we stand to lose more than just trees.

Blog

What is the difference between butterflies and moths?

When the two look so similar, is there actually a difference between a butterfly and a moth? Find out how to separate the two and discover the truth behind some common myths about moths.

Charlotte Varela  •  21 Jul 2023

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

Soprano pipistrelle bat

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

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

Barbastelle bat

Distinctive, rare, elusive. The barbastelle bat lives in deciduous woodland and looks unlike any other bat. If you’re lucky, you might spot it hunting in wet woodland.

Case study

Tree disease and plantation on ancient woodland sites

A case study on how ancient woodland restoration can proceed following the clear felling necessary to eliminate Phytophthora ramorum, a tree disease of larch.

PDF  (512 KB)

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

About us

Our ambassadors

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

Partnerships

Nationwide Building Society

Just one in five UK citizens live within easy walking distance of a wood. We want to change that and Nationwide is giving us a helping hand.

Trees woods and wildlife

Gatekeeper

Named for its rigorous patrol of hedges and woodland rides, the gatekeeper butterfly is a prime pollinator. Look for them sipping nectar on sunny days in the summer.

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. 

00:02:59

Trees woods and wildlife

Centipedes and millipedes

Centipedes and millipedes are many-legged recycling machines, often thriving on the woodland floor.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common toad

Lover of damp log piles and deep leaf litter. The common toad spends much of its year in moist, shaded places, often in woodland, feeding on worms, slugs and insects.

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

Greater butterfly-orchid

Tall and glowing, the greater butterfly-orchid sways over unimproved grasslands and open woods. Though not so sweet-smelling as its lesser relative, keep a nose out for it in the early evening when it is at its most pungent.

Support us

Explore different viewpoints

What would a tree look like from a bird’s eye view? Or a bug’s eye view? This activity involves visiting a wood or other natural space and challenging your students to explore it from more than one point of view.

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 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)