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Trees woods and wildlife
Blackthorn
Early to blossom, blackthorn trees have clouds of snow-white flowers in early spring. They’re best known for their rich, inky, dark fruits used to make a favourite wintry tipple – sloe gin.
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Blog
Hawthorn and blackthorn: what’s the difference?
Hawthorn and blackthorn are two of the most easily confused species, so here’s a closer look at their differences to help you tell them apart.
Charlie Mellor • 09 Apr 2019
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Visiting woods
Spring's vital signs report 2025
Find out about how frogspawn, blackthorn and song thrush are affected by a changing climate.
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Visiting woods
Spring's Vital Signs
Have you spotted frogspawn, seen blackthorn bloom or heard a song thrush singing? Let us know so we can check the health of the planet.
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Privately owned Wood
Stockshill & Blackthorn Woods
Kent
23.97 ha (59.23 acres)
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Privately owned Wood
Rolls And Blackthorn Woods
Hertfordshire
13.33 ha (32.94 acres)
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Press centre
Spot spring’s vital signs and help the Woodland Trust record the impact of climate change on nature
The Woodland Trust is urging people to get outside and spot vital signs of spring to help monitor potentially “disastrous” effects of climate change on nature, before its campaign ends on Easter Monday.
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Blog
British trees: folklore and mythology
Trees are deeply embedded in our history and folklore. Explore nine British trees with their own magical associations and stories.
Helen Keating • 29 Apr 2021
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Blog
When to pick sloes and how to make sloe gin
Sloe gin is a traditional tipple at Christmas and throughout winter. If you've been wondering how to make sloe gin, our easy recipe will help you whip up a batch of this sweet and warming liqueur.
Charlotte Varela • 24 Oct 2025
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Blog
Combat climate change at home: 6 UK native trees to plant in small gardens
Small garden, big impact – here’s a list of UK native trees to help combat global warming from home, without taking up too much space.
Becca Smith • 07 Oct 2022
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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
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Video
Hedge maze offers social and therapeutic horticulture
Silver Birch Scotland has planted an incredible maze which helps support clients in East Dunbartonshire to gain skills, confidence and health benefits through horticulture.
00:02:39
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Blog
Hairy caterpillar identification: 16 common UK species
Spotted a furry caterpillar undulating across the path in front of you or munching leaves in your garden? Learn to tell your tussocks from your tigers with our quick guide to some common UK species.
Amy Lewis • 10 Jun 2021
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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.
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Visiting woods
British blossom: the ultimate guide
Don't miss nature's spectacular flowering festival as some of the most beautiful trees in Britain burst into bloom. Find out which trees produce the best blossoms and when.
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Blog
Best native hedge plants: choose the right hedges
Autumn and winter are the best times to plant a hedge. To get you started, here are our top 10 recommendations for the best native hedge plants and the amazing benefits they'll bring.
Helen Keating • 23 May 2023
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Blog
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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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
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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
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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 Sept 2024