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One year to go: a final Programme for Government

With a year to go until the next Scottish Parliament election, Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has announced that he plans to bring forward his Programme for Government.

Blog

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

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.

Plant trees

Trees for landowners and farmers

If you’re looking to plant lots of trees, we have the trees, grants and funding schemes to help.

Blog

11 autumn leaf crafts - simple ideas and activities for kids

Get creative with the kids this autumn. Make your own leaf animal pictures, leaf rubbings, leaf prints and superhero leaf masks.

Danielle Wesley  •  09 Oct 2020

Protecting trees and woods

Thank you for demanding a bold England Tree Strategy

The England Trees Action Plan determines how Government will protect, plant and restore woods and trees for years to come. 

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hedgehog

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

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Guidance for fundraisers

Find all the information you need to make sure you're raising money for us legally and safely.

Blog

Alternative charity gifts for Christmas

Our shop offers a huge variety of gifts with something for everyone for Christmas. Here are our top ideas for alternative charity gifts for the festive season.

Charlie Mellor  •  13 Dec 2024

Protecting trees and woods

Protect ancient woodland

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

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)

Plant trees

Why plant trees?

Whatever your reason for planting, trees have far-reaching benefits for all of us.

Research report

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

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

PDF  (4.15 MB)

Blog

Top 10 green gifts for gardeners

Looking for eco-friendly inspiration for your favourite gardening guru or want to encourage a beginner? From windowsill pots to established veg plots, our green gift guide has got you covered.

Charlie Mellor  •  11 Oct 2024

Press centre

Agroforestry for Scottish farming’s future

The Scottish Government is crafting its new agricultural support scheme, representing the biggest change in the support and regulation of land use and management in Scotland for 40 years.

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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. 

Press centre

Woodland Trust report: £1 billion to save England’s 'forgotten woods and wildlife'

The Woodland Trust has produced and costed a £1 billion five-year plan to rescue nature in England’s threatened ancient woods.

Blog

Autumn trees for your garden: best native trees for seasonal colour

Our guide to the best UK native trees to plant in your garden for a splash of seasonal colour, from fiery foliage to bright, bold berries.

Helen Keating  •  19 Oct 2020

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.

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Charter for Trees, Woods and People

Discover the ten principles that set out the modern day relationship between people and trees and a vision for a future where we can be stronger together.

Blog

Summer holidays: outdoor activities for kids

Discover fun things to do at home and on days out with our outdoor activity guide for the summer holidays. Spot wildlife, try yoga, compete in the forest Olympics and much more.

Danielle Wesley  •  21 Jul 2022

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)

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

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.

Video

Growing partnerships for impact

partnership video page

00:11:33

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

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

Blog

9 fun ideas for family winter walks

Head out into the fresh air and get inspired with our ideas for winter woodland walks - enjoy spotting wildlife, scavenger hunts, winter picnics and more.

Danielle Wesley  •  14 Dec 2020

Blog

Outdoor Christmas activities for families

Get out into nature this Christmas and enjoy some festive activities with your family on a woodland walk.

Danielle Wesley  •  13 Dec 2021

Research report

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

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

PDF  (6.28 MB)

Blog

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

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

Blog

7 blossom crafts and activities for kids

Discover fun blossom crafts and activities to enjoy with your children this spring.

Danielle Wesley  •  11 Mar 2022

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.

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

Protecting trees and woods

Priorities for local councils in Northern Ireland

Ask candidates in Northern Ireland to support trees and woods where you live using our list of priorities.

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

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

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.

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.

Plant trees

How to care for your trees

Once your trees are in the ground it’s important to care for them to help them thrive, particularly in the first few years.

Press centre

Woodland Trust sets out priorities for Woodland Creation Summit

Woodland Trust Scotland has set out its priorities ahead of a Scottish Government summit this month.

Blog

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

About us

Manifesto for the Northern Ireland Assembly Elections

Find out all about the Woodland Trust's manifesto for the Northern Ireland Assembly Elections.

Press centre

Coed Cadw welcomes Senedd support for 'Amazing Trees'

Coed Cadw welcomes Senedd support for 'Amazing Trees' and calls for public & community support to plant thousands more

Press centre

Clock is ticking for Britain’s incredibly rare rainforests

The Woodland Trust is highlighting the plight of its special rainforests to coincide with World Rainforest Day. Despite fears over the future of the Britain’s rainforests, much is being done on the ground to protect these special habitats. 

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

Otter

An elusive carnivore well-suited to land and water. With sweet-smelling spraint and a playful nature, otters are making a comeback. Find out what they eat, where they live and how to spot them.

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

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.

Press centre

Loch Arkaig osprey chicks bound for Spain as Dad’s catch plummets

Two young ospreys from a nest in Lochaber have been taken into a translocation programme after their father’s plummeting fish catch began to raise concern.

Plant trees

MOREhedges application form

Apply for MOREhedges

Press centre

Inspiring ‘cultural trees’ shortlisted for Tree of the Year 2025

From a cedar that The Beatles climbed to an oak from a Virginia Woolf poem, discover the cultural trees shortlisted for Tree of the Year 2025.

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.

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.

Research briefing

Tree leaves as supplementary feed for ruminant livestock

We look at the value of different species of tree leaves as mineral supplements for livestock. Willow in particular is identified as a potentially valuable source of cobalt and zinc.

PDF  (161 KB)

Blog

10 easy butterfly crafts for kids

Discover 10 colourful butterfly crafts for kids, from simple symmetry paintings to fun mosaic art.

Danielle Wesley  •  03 Jul 2023

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.

Blog

Top 10 nature gifts for kids

Nurture a love of nature from an early age with our specially selected range of gifts. From tots to teens, messy to mindful, indoors or out, our green gift guide has something for all the kids on your list.

Charlie Mellor  •  02 Dec 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery

Healthy woods and trees are the beating heart of abundant, nature-rich habitats. Our new reports show the central role they must play in nature's recovery.

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.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Chaffinch

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

Protecting trees and woods

Creating a neighbourhood plan

Our tips and resources for sourcing and compiling evidence to support your neighbourhood plan.

Press centre

Biggest ever tree planting year for fast-expanding Northern Forest

More than 1.9 million trees – enough to fill over 1,200 football pitches – were planted across the Northern Forest in the last year.

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.

Support us

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.

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.

Policy paper

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Northern Ireland

This report outlines the critical role that native natural and semi-natural woods and trees must play in restoring nature, and how the government and local authorities can ensure nature’s recovery is embedded in local plans.

PDF  (2.58 MB)

Plant trees

MOREwoods application form

Apply for MOREwoods

Practical guidance

Tree planting for free range poultry farms

Incorporating trees into free range poultry farms can improve the welfare of birds and their performance. We give advice on planting design and maintenance.

PDF  (650 KB)

Press centre

Call for political parties to increase tree cover in England to 16.5%

Ahead of the General Election, conservation and commercial sectors are calling on political parties to increase England's tree cover to 16.5%.

Plant trees

MOREhedges makes a difference for Wiltshire farmer

Ben Butler is passionate about doing his bit for the environment while running a successful farm. See how our MOREhedges scheme has helped on both fronts.

Policy paper

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Scotland

This report shows the central role that native woods and trees must play in restoring nature in Scotland, and how the government and local authorities can help.

PDF  (3.03 MB)

Plant trees

Acquiring your community wood

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

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.

Case study

Improving site access for sustainable woodland management

A case study from Fingle Woods demonstrating the benefits of improving site access for harvesting and extracting timber in a sustainable and cost-effective way.

PDF  (739 KB)

Practical guidance

Benefits of woods and trees for local authorities

This document provides guidance and advice for local government to better achieve its environmental ambitions.

PDF  (549 KB)

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

Conservation for kids and families

Find out more about nature conservation, how to get your kids involved and how to make your family more eco-friendly.

Rachel Hoskins  •  06 Jan 2020

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)

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.

Blog

How to build a nest box for birds

Find out how to make your very own DIY nest box for your garden, to give birds a safe place to nest over the coming months. 

Hannah Vickers  •  25 Feb 2021

About us

Our ambassadors

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

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.

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.

Practical guidance

Planners' manual for ancient woodland and veteran trees

Practical guidance for planners on embedding ancient woodland and veteran trees in decision making, recognising their value, and avoiding damage from development.

PDF  (3.34 MB)

Policy paper

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Wales

This report shows the central role that native natural and semi-natural woods and trees must play in restoring nature in Wales, and how the government and local authorities can help. The report is also available in Welsh.

PDF  (18.56 MB)

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.

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.

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.

Video

Introduction to biosecurity for community tree nurseries

A range of experts share useful guidance and insights for effective biosecurity measures when growing saplings in a community tree nursery setting.

00:03:35

Press centre

Research shows only 12% of local authorities have an action plan for nature recovery

The Woodland Trust is urging local authorities to declare a nature emergency and take steps to restore severely depleted wildlife and green spaces in their communities.

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.

Policy paper

Farming for the future: agroforestry benefits for nature and climate

This report assesses the benefits of agroforestry on a large scale on farmland in England. It considers how agroforestry systems are already being deployed, and sets out recommendations on how to increase the number of trees in our agricultural environment and make changes in land use a reality.

PDF  (5.19 MB)

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?

Protecting trees and woods

Contact your MP for help to protect trees and woods

Your MP in Westminster might be able to help if you’re trying to save local woods and trees or if you’re concerned about a national issue affecting nature.

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

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.

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.

Protecting trees and woods

Campaign with us

Our woods and trees can't speak for themselves. Together we can stand up for the environment and safeguard the UK's woodland heritage for our future. 

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.

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.

Journal

Wood Wise - evidence for action

This issue of Wood Wise delves deeper into some of the issues highlighted in our landmark State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2021 report.

PDF  (6.94 MB)

Video

A legacy for future generations

The Ukrainian Youth Association in Great Britain planted 420 free trees in Derbyshire to have a lasting impact for its community.

00:02:45

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

Policy paper

Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in England

This report shows the central role that native natural and semi-natural woods and trees must play in restoring nature, and how the government and local authorities can embed nature's recovery in local plans.

PDF  (4.96 MB)

Partnerships

Pets at Home

A thriving partnership in its sixth year with more than £1 million donated to protect, restore and create almost 8,000 acres of woodland.

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

Early purple orchid

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

Case study

Trees enhance poultry health for premium products

A case study demonstrating the benefits of enriching a poultry farm with trees, resulting in higher chicken welfare and marketable woodland products.

PDF  (586 KB)

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

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.

Case study

Trees mean better business for egg production

The CEO of a free range egg producer advocates tree planting as an active part of farm management for the commercial and welfare benefits they deliver.

PDF  (704 KB)

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.

Press centre

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

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

Press centre

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.

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

Case study

Benefits of tree shelter for livestock farming

Livestock farmers explain the benefits of having trees in their sheep and beef farming systems, such as providing shelter, browsing and field boundaries.

PDF  (150 KB)

Press centre

Woodland Trust seeks major new corporate partner to empower young people through ‘Funding for the Future’

The Woodland Trust, recognised as the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, is boldly seeking out the perfect business to work in partnership with to support an ambitious new programme of work.

Video

A new wood full of potential for business and nature

In 2021, Chelsea Wills and Phil Johncock planted a spectacular six-acre nature reserve above Lee Bay, North Devon with MOREwoods. Just three years later, they're holding woodland yoga sessions and have plans to coppice trees for their artisan woodworking business.

00:04:00

Case study

Mob grazing and creating new hedgerows for livestock shelter

A case study demonstrating the productivity and welfare improvements achieved by mob (rotational) grazing and smaller paddocks with hedges for shelter.

PDF  (2.94 MB)

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.

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.

Blog

Ideas for an outdoor birthday party for kids

Plan an outdoor party for kids with our ideas for fun woodland games and activities, nature-themed party bags and animal cakes.

Danielle Wesley  •  15 May 2019

Research report

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

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

PDF  (5.18 MB)

About us

We protect

We fight to protect woods and trees, preventing the loss of irreplaceable habitat, nature and carbon stores for a healthier future for everyone.

Trees woods and wildlife

Orchards

Buzzing with life and fruitful harvests. Orchards are both useful for food, but also for a huge range of wildlife. Though many have been lost, there is hope for the orchard!

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Discussion paper

Manifesto for the 2021 Scottish Parliament election

Woods and trees offer solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing our society. Good stewardship of the nation’s native woodlands will reap huge rewards. But the needs of our woods and trees must be in the minds of the next Government.

PDF  (3.55 MB)

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

About us

Support for Welsh farmers and landowners navigating change

The Sustainable Farming Scheme is set to dramatically reshape the way land is managed and funded in Wales. Trees and hedgerows will play an even greater role in helping farmers and landowners adapt.

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.

Case study

Agroforestry for timber, coppice and nuts

A case study of a mixed farm planting trees to improve low soil fertility, increase wildlife and provide woodfuel and cobnuts, diversifying their produce.

PDF  (220 KB)

Visiting woods

Best bluebell woods

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

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.

Press centre

Gold for young designer’s garden at Tatton

A young designer has won gold at RHS Tatton for creating a unique garden to highlight the dramatic loss of treasured trees outside woods.

Press centre

Secret seed sources sought for Scotland’s wee trees

Woodland conservationists are seeking to flush out secret seed sources for some of the country’s rarest and smallest mountain tree species.

Support us

Give in memory

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

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

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.

Case study

Ancient woodland restoration for dormice

Find out how the rare hazel dormouse is benefiting from our groundbreaking restoration techniques in ancient Fingle Woods in Devon.

PDF  (1.51 MB)

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. 

Privacy policy

Let's keep talking

Say yes to a world where woods and trees thrive for nature and people.

Video

Urban sanctuary for people and wildlife

In a Birmingham park, Short Heath Fields Trust has planted a woodland memorial that’s great for wildlife too.

00:02:30

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.