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Trees woods and wildlife

Bluebell

Enchanting and iconic, bluebells are a favourite with the fairies and a sure sign spring is in full swing. The violet glow of a bluebell wood is an incredible wildflower spectacle. 

Visiting woods

Best bluebell woods

See a stunning sea of blue this spring. Discover our best woods for bluebells.

Press centre

Visit the Woodland Trust's bluebell woods in full bloom

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland wants to welcome visitors to sites throughout the region to enjoy the spectacular springtime sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland.

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Are bluebells poisonous? And more bluebell facts

Find out all about bluebells, including if they’re poisonous, when to see them and lots of other bluebell facts. 

Hannah Vickers  •  06 Apr 2020

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When do bluebells flower?

Mark your calendars! Find out when bluebells flower, plus more bluebell facts including where to see them, what they smell like and how they're protected.

Lorienne Whittle  •  21 Mar 2022

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How to grow native bluebells in your garden

Why not try growing bluebells in your garden? Here are six good reasons why, along with our top bluebell growing tips.

Kate Lewthwaite  •  28 Mar 2019

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.  

Visiting woods

Bluebell woods in Wales

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

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 Scotland

Explore the wild this spring and discover some of Scotland's most stunning bluebell woods.  

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5 spring flower crafts for kids

Take a look at 5 fantastic spring flower crafts that kids will love, including tissue paper bluebells and finger-painted blossom.

Hannah Vickers  •  19 May 2021

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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

Visiting woods

Discover woods in spring

While our woods are a pleasure to visit all year round, the jewel in the crown has got to be spring. Flowers bloom, bringing bursts of colour, and wildlife reawakens, turning the woodland into a hive of activity.

Trees woods and wildlife

Red campion

These flashy woodland guardians have strong links to myths and mysticism. They are favourites of plenty of woodland insects – and fairies – and bloom a cheerful pink soon after the bluebell has finished flowering.

Trees woods and wildlife

Woodland wildflowers

From the dazzling bluebells that cover ancient woodland in the spring to the bright meadows bursting with buttercups in the summer, wild flowers are what make our woods so beautiful, while providing precious nectar for invertebrates. 

Visiting woods

Woods through the seasons

Our woods are a wonderful place to visit all year round. Visit in spring for swathes of bluebells, summer for sunlit picnics, autumn for bright bold colours and winter for snow-topped trees.

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7 woods with surprising stories

From poetry and paintings to books, films and TV, check out these seven woods with surprising connections to the UK’s rich history and culture.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  05 Apr 2024

Press centre

Woodland Trust opens Mourne Park

A rare ancient woodland wildlife haven has opened in Northern Ireland for the first time in over 500 years, with three new trails to help visitors explore.

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7 amazing woodland wildlife walks in Scotland

From otters and ospreys to fascinating fungi and flowers, Scotland's wildlife and scenery are spectacular. Check out 7 of our favourite woods for wildlife walks.

Charlie Mellor  •  15 Jul 2022

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Wildflower quiz: name these 10 common wildflowers

Can you name these ten common British wildflowers? Test your wildflower knowledge with our quiz.

Helen Keating  •  11 Apr 2019

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David Griffith - volunteer Observatree tree health surveyor

Find out more about David's volunteering and why he was nominated for an award.

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Lionel Knobbs - volunteer warden

Find out more about Lionel's volunteering role and why he was nominated for an award.

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Wildflowers for bees: how to attract bees to your garden

Wild bees and other pollinators are in decline. But there are things you can do in your garden to help reverse this trend including increasing food and habitat. Includes our top nine bee-friendly wildflowers to plant in your garden.

Helen Keating  •  18 Mar 2019

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6 woods in the Domesday Book and other centuries-old UK woods

Ancient woods are centuries old, irreplaceable wildlife homes and carbon-crunchers, packed with fascinating history. Discover some of our amazing ancient woods in the UK, why they’re so special and how you can help protect them.

Charlie Mellor  •  27 Feb 2023

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Where and when to see snowdrops

Snowdrops are a symbol of hope and a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way. Find out when to see them and the best places to look for them.

Judith Garforth  •  04 Jan 2022

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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

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Early spring flowers quiz: 12 flowering plants and shrubs

Want to identify blooms spotted on a refreshing woodland walk or bring some early colour to your garden? Take our quiz to discover some of the most common early flowerers.

Charlie Mellor  •  11 Feb 2021

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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

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

Dog’s mercury

A poisonous coloniser of ancient woodland, dog’s mercury is quick to sweep over the wood floor, sometimes outcompeting more delicate ancient woodland species.

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First signs of spring in nature

Spring is a glorious time in nature with new leaves, bright blooms and thriving wildlife. But when does spring really start and what are the key signs to look for?

Charlie Mellor  •  19 Feb 2021

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How to make a fairy door and more magical ideas

Learn how to make a fairy door with your kids, plus more enchanting forest ideas such as magic wands, woodland potions and fairy tea parties.

Danielle Wesley  •  22 Apr 2019

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Best woods near 10 UK cities

Here's our pick of great woods in and around the UK's busiest cities for sanctuary seekers, wildlife watchers, fitness fans and history hounds alike.

Charlie Mellor  •  04 Nov 2021

Protecting trees and woods

How to identify ancient woodland on your land

Think your wood could be ancient? Check our tips on what to look for on site and the historical records that could help.

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Hucking Estate appeal, Kent

Your support helped us extend and secure this slice of Kent countryside. Now we have a unique opportunity to create a larger site with limitless potential.

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How to protect your plants in winter

Top tips on how to protect your garden plants from wind, rain, frost and snow, plus other garden jobs for winter: planning, planting and helping wildlife.

Kate Lewthwaite  •  04 Nov 2020

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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

Visiting woods

Mourne Park

Thanks to your generous support, Mourne Park’s gates are open to all. Experience the wonder of Northern Ireland’s ancient woodlands, with scenic views, trails and rich wildlife waiting to be discovered. We invite you to be part of its story.

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Trees for farms in the East Anglian Claylands

The landscape of the East Anglian Claylands is at the forefront of fighting tree disease, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We’re calling all farmers and landowners to help create a resilient landscape, where trees and woods thrive for farming and wildlife.

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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. 

Visiting woods

Gillian's Wood

We are restoring this ancient woodland site to its former glory. 

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.

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Types of bee in the UK: how to tell the difference

From fluffy bumblebees to pint-sized mining bees, we take a look at the key characteristics of some of our most common species.

Charlotte Varela  •  31 Jul 2023

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First steps to restoring an ancient woodland in Yorkshire

David Ward, a retired telecommunications engineer, bought a four acre ancient woodland in 2014. With limited knowledge and experience, he turned to Woodland Trust’s adviser Robin Ridley.

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Restoration techniques at Raincliffe Woods

We're working with Raincliffe Community Woodland Enterprise to restore ancient woodland at Raincliffe Woods, near Scarborough. Site manager Mark Feather addresses some of the common concerns and explains the techniques being used at the site.

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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

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

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

Where to see wild daffodils in the UK

Did you know that the UK is home to a native, wild species of daffodil? Forget the gaudy imposters lining roadsides and parks this spring - head to the woods for an encounter with the real thing.

Amy Lewis  •  22 Feb 2021

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Eco-friendly travel: 10 woods to visit by train

Head off on an eco-friendly woodland adventure that starts with a romantic rail journey.

Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter  •  02 Apr 2024

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The best woodland walks in London

You don't have to leave London to enjoy the sights and sounds of a woodland walk. Here is our pick of the best places for a stroll in the city.

James Martin  •  28 Jan 2019

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How to build a bee hotel

Help bees by building them a bee hotel to lay their eggs. Read our step-by-step guide.

Hannah Vickers  •  17 Apr 2020

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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

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10 eco-friendly gifts for under £10

On a budget this Christmas? We’ve handpicked 10 affordable eco-friendly gifts that show you care for your loved ones and the environment too.

Charlie Mellor  •  23 Oct 2024

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9 carnivorous plants to spot in the UK

Did you know there are carnivorous plants in the UK? Take a look at some of the predatory and parasitic plants you could spot in our woods and wetlands.

Charlotte Varela  •  28 Jun 2023

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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

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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

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Hedley Hall appeal, Tyne & Wear

Your donations saved this angel in the north - and the ancient woodland, rare plants and wildlife that call it home.

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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

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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

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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw and Tristan Gooley

In our latest episode, natural navigator Tristan Gooley teaches us how clues and signs in nature can tell us about the land, water and animals around us.

Adam Shaw  •  21 Apr 2023

About us

The Bunce survey

The Bunce survey brings together 50 years of data drawn from more than 100 woods across England, Scotland and Wales. What has changed in that time? Why? And how can we use the results to nurture healthier woodlands?

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Fingle Woods appeal, Dartmoor

This stunning Devon woodland is now secured for the future, thanks to help from our supporters and a partnership with the National Trust.

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Heartwood Forest appeal, St Albans

Our supporters helped us create the largest new native forest in England. Just a stone's throw from London, Heartwood Forest offers a place to escape without travelling far from the city.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brimstone

A common master of disguise, the brimstone blends perfectly into the alder leaves it lays its eggs on. Spot them in early spring when they emerge from hibernation.

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How we spend your money

We can’t do our work without you. Every pound you give bolsters our fighting funds, pays for hard graft in our woods and gets trees in the ground. But don’t just take our word for it. Find out what your money is helping to achieve.

Visiting woods

Love your woods

Our woods are home to amazing plants and animals and they're all free for people to enjoy responsibly. Show them you care with our top tips for your visit.

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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. 

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Let's keep planting trees and protecting nature

Your support for UK woodland and our fight for nature is vital. Take a look at some of the incredible work we've been able to do and how you can help in the future. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Birch, downy

Soft on the outside. Tough on the inside. On a global scale, this tree, with its fuzzy leaf stalks, shoots and twigs, grows further north than any other broadleaf species.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak, sessile

Less famous than English oak, but no less loved, the sessile oak towers in the woods. Squirrels, jays and badgers love their acorns and caterpillars flock to eat their leaves, in fact 326 species of wildlife are found only on oak.

About us

BIO-WELL research 

BIO-WELL is a research project that mapped woodland biodiversity for human health and wellbeing. It explored the distribution of biodiverse woodlands across the UK, so we can begin addressing inequalities in access.   

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Harrison Woodlands appeal update 

We've purchased Harrison Woodlands thanks to our generous supporters – but we still need your help. 

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Hargate Forest Appeal 

Please support our urgent appeal to save land near Hargate Forest and bring them under our care. 

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Trees for Tom

Captain Sir Tom Moore united and inspired the nation. By planting trees with the Trust, his family honoured his love of nature and helped create a brighter future. And you paid tribute by donating.

Visiting woods

Frodsham Woods

On an abandoned golf course, we are creating a vibrant green haven for wildlife and people.

Trees woods and wildlife

Birch, silver

Pretty, pale, a symbol of purity. This common tree, with its silver-white bark, is favoured by gardeners who want to renew and purify their land for coming year.

About us

Faughan Valley Woodlands: from fragments to thriving forests

The Faughan Valley Woodlands project aims to reconnect pockets of ancient woodland, allowing them to become more resilient and thrive in the future. 

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.