Search our site

Trees woods and wildlife

Blackcap

Named after the male’s signature black cap, this little bird arrives in the UK each spring, bringing with it the sweet sound of its beautiful song.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oyster mushroom

Carnivorous and oyster-like in appearance, these large, fleshy mushrooms are common throughout the UK's woodlands. They have a signature fan-shaped cap and are edible with a slight odour similar to aniseed.

Trees woods and wildlife

Penny bun

Weighty, fat and delicious with a cap like a crusty, well-baked bun. Penny buns, or ceps, are prized for their taste and benefits to woodland, tree and human health.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wood blewit

Pastel-toned and edible with a magical twist. Wood blewit has a blue to violet-tinged cap and gills when young, with pale pink spores. It sometimes grows in circles called ‘fairy rings’, which can appear overnight and were once thought to indicate that magic was at work.

Support us

Resources and activities for schools

All of our KS1, KS2 and KS3 resources can be found in Tree Tools for Schools – our online learning hub. Tried and tested by teachers, these activities include tree planting, wildlife identification, nature crafts and lots more.

Press centre

Tree equity map shows less affluent areas have less tree cover

People in less affluent areas have lower levels of tree cover and a higher risk of health problems from poor air quality, new online tree equity map reveals.

Blog

What is a Root Protection Area and what does it mean?

Healthy and adequate rooting space is essential for trees to thrive. How does a root protection area help, how is it calculated and who needs to use it?

Emma Gilmartin  •  06 Apr 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Deathcap

Silent assassin and killer of kings. The deathcap has been used as a murder weapon for millennia.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oakbug milkcap

Stinky and unimpressive. Oakbug milkcap is a dull-looking fungus that is easily missed in woodland among its more spectacular cousins. It is edible, though is not to everyone’s taste, and is said to have an oily smell, similar to bed bugs. Yum.

Blog

Poisonous mushrooms: 8 most dangerous UK mushrooms

Your guide to 8 of the most poisonous mushrooms in the UK, including the terrifyingly named deathcap, destroying angel and funeral bell. Find out where they grow, how to identify them and why you should steer clear!

Hanako Shimada  •  19 Feb 2025

Trees woods and wildlife

Fly agaric

Famous, enchanting and highly toxic. Fly agaric is the home of fairies and magical creatures and a lover of birch woodland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brown roll-rim

The brown roll-rim might look innocent enough, but it’s a deadly fungus of birch woodland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common inkcap

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Porcelain fungus

A glistening white, translucent beauty which fights off its rivals with its own fungicide. It is associated with beech trees and is edible – but only once the off-putting mucus is washed off.

Trees woods and wildlife

Charcoal burner

Crumbly, tasty and ruddy, the charcoal burner is a favourite with chefs.