Search our site
-
Blog
What is a fairy ring and what causes them?
Find out why fungi grow in circular shapes and where you can see them, plus discover more about fairy ring folklore.
Hannah Vickers • 26 Aug 2019
-
Blog
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
-
Blog
What can rings and black lines in tree trunks tell us?
We take a fascinating look at tree anatomy and explore the appearance of tree rings and other black lines.
Julia Lock • 29 Dec 2021
-
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.
-
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
Deathcap
Silent assassin and killer of kings. The deathcap has been used as a murder weapon for millennia.
-
Middlesbrough Council Wood
Fairy Dell
5.60 ha (13.83 acres)
-
RSPB Wood
Fairy Glen
4.86 ha (12.01 acres)
-
Blog
British dragonflies: larvae, wings and lifecycle
Charismatic and brightly coloured dragonflies capture our imaginations every summer. Learn more about this iconic insect and which ones you can spot near woodland.
Joe Bates • 25 Jul 2018
-
National Trust Wood
Kingston Lacy Estate - Badbury Rings
10.70 ha (26.44 acres)
-
West Lancashire Borough Council Wood
Fairy Glen
10.18 ha (25.16 acres)
-
Trafford Council Wood
Fairy Lane Wood
0.18 ha (0.45 acres)
-
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.
-
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
Willow warbler
A common and dainty summer visitor with a mournful song that rings through the trees. The willow warbler likes to sing and shake its feathers while it forages for insects.
-
Trees woods and wildlife
Ringlet
With chocolate brown velvety wings and a delicate trim, the ringlet is an understated yet attractive butterfly. Look out for its trademark bobbing flight as it travels through woodland glades.
-
Trees woods and wildlife
Scottish wildcat
Stealthy, rugged, not your average mog. The Scottish wildcat prowls select Scottish woods, spending its time hunting and protecting its territory. Known as the Highland tiger, this highly endangered species needs remote woodland to survive.
-
Blog
Types of mushroom in the UK: common identification guide
Fungi are a huge and fascinating kingdom. With over 15,000 species of mushroom in the UK, here are 13 common species to spot on your next walk.
Charlotte Varela • 17 Nov 2025
-
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.
-
Blog
10 ways to use fallen autumn leaves
Fallen leaves can be put to great use in the garden, or turned into beautiful decorations as autumnal craft projects. Here are our top 10 things to do with autumn leaves.
Charlie Mellor • 03 Nov 2022