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Trees woods and wildlife

Lime, common

At home on a country estate or deep in the wild, this lime is common in name only. It’s a hybrid between the small-leaved and large-leaved lime, and is a particular favourite of aphids and their many predators.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lime, large-leaved

Towering, romantic, sticky. Large-leaved lime is a handsome broadleaf tree that is a rich home for wildlife. Find out more.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lime, small-leaved

Charming, sturdy, pollinator-magnet. Not only does the small-leaved lime’s blossom produce a sweet scent and pleasantly minty honey, its leaves support the caterpillars of moths such as the lime hawk, peppered and vapourer.

Trees woods and wildlife

Whitebeam, rock

Rugged yet charming, rock whitebeam clings to areas of rocky woodland and fissures in limestone cliffs. A parent species of the rarer Arran whitebeam, the rock whitebeam is becoming increasingly hard to find.

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Common tree identification: top 10 beginner's trees

Our top ten trees to give you a crash course in common tree identification.

Helen Keating  •  26 May 2021

Support us

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.

Press centre

Groundbreaking scientific research project at Snaizeholme will tackle the impacts of extreme weather

One of the biggest pieces of scientific research ever undertaken in the English uplands will tackle the impacts of extreme weather.

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Top 10 woods to enjoy autumn colour

Take a look at our top 10 woods to visit for autumn colour, with sites in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Hannah Vickers  •  10 Nov 2021

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9 rare and beautiful wild UK orchids

Orchids are some of the most beautiful and unique wild plants you'll see in the UK. They are rare but well worth finding if you are up for the challenge.

Laura Cottam  •  29 May 2019

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12 uncommon and rare woodland flowers

Woodland is home to some of the UK's rarest flowering plants. Some are weird. Some are mysterious. And all have fascinating stories to tell. You'll be lucky to track down some of these beauties, but they're worth it if you do.

Amy Lewis  •  26 Jan 2018

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What’s the difference between nuts and seeds?

When it comes to nuts and seeds, it’s easy to get confused by name, size and other factors. Here’s our guide to work out which is which, along with some handy examples.

Charlie Mellor  •  29 Aug 2019

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.

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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

Trees woods and wildlife

Plane, London

A real city slicker, the London plane is the capital’s most common tree. As a hybrid of American sycamore and Oriental plane, it was first discovered in the 17th century then widely planted in the 18th.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wild service tree

A true springtime stunner, it’s not so long ago that you could find wild-service fruit at a market. These days it’s rare and hard to find but it’s still a favourite with wildlife like the wood pigeon, whose gut softens its seeds for propagation.

Blog

What are the most common trees in the UK?

Ever wondered which trees species are most common in the UK? Check out our top ten.

Laura Cottam  •  21 Dec 2018

Visiting woods

Gillian's Wood

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

Blog

Autumn leaf ID quiz: can you identify 10 trees?

Test your tree knowledge. As autumn sets in, many of the trees around us change colour, but do you know what they are?

Helen Keating  •  21 Sep 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Beech, common

Monumental, majestic, home to rare wildlife. Beech is an enchanting species and known as the queen of British trees. To wander beneath the leafy canopy, its cathedral-like branches spreading upwards, is an awe-inspiring experience.

Trees woods and wildlife

White admiral

Found exclusively in woodland, the white admiral is a stunning butterfly with a delicate gliding flight. Unlike its sun-loving peers, this black and white beauty prefers shady spots to relax in.

Video

Abi Reader, dairy farmer in Vale of Glamorgan

Abi explains the farm's experimental short rotation coppice system with a high protein arable crop between rows of native trees. The aim is to meet a universal goal: food production and a sustainable planet.

00:03:06

Trees woods and wildlife

Lily-of-the-valley

Charming, sweetly scented and highly poisonous, lily-of-the-valley is a romantic woodland stunner.

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

Blog

What do moths eat? Feeding, life cycle and other facts

Explore how some of the 2,500 species of UK moth develop and what they eat. 

Julia Lock  •  09 May 2022

Plant trees

Types of woodland management

A detailed look at how and when to carry out the techniques of coppicing, pollarding, formative pruning and thinning.

Blog

Broadleaf spring issue: a fresh new dawn

Spring has sprung and the world is waking up. In this issue of Broadleaf, we celebrate the new season, explore natural regeneration, and hear from Pam Ayres and Liz Bonnin.

Elisabeth Crump  •  11 Mar 2025

Blog

Summer tree identification: can you name these nine trees?

Which trees do you recognise? Test your knowledge and see if you can get top marks!

Helen Keating  •  13 Jul 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Broadleaved woodland

Sun-dappled and ever-changing, broadleaved woodland across the UK provides ideal conditions for more species than you can count! We fight to protect it, and make much more, but, the UK is still one of the least wooded countries in Europe.

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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

Blog

Wander through history: fascinating ruins and relics in 10 UK woods

Walk back in time and discover heritage sites and historical ruins in some of the UK’s most enthralling woodlands, from ramparts and barrows to abandoned buildings and bomb shelters.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  01 Mar 2024

Blog

11 must-know facts about woods and forests in the UK

Woods and forests are mysterious, beautiful and fascinating places. Here are 11 amazing must-know facts about our woods and forests in the UK.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  02 May 2024

Support us

Snaizeholme appeal, North Yorkshire

Thanks to your support, we have the chance to turn a tree-less landscape into a thriving haven for red squirrels and declining woodland birds in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Meadowsweet

Sweet by name, sweet by nature. Meadowsweet might not be to everyone’s taste, but you’re unlikely to mistake the sickly sweet and frothy flower in damp woodland and bubbling out of damp ditches.

About us

Research projects we are funding

We have awarded conservation research grant funding to research projects that address issues facing the conservation of the UK’s native woods and trees.

Blog

UK hawk-moth identification and facts

Hawk-moths are some of the largest and most recognisable moths in the UK. Learn to tell which is which with our visual guide to 10 of the most commonly encountered UK species.

Amy Lewis  •  21 Jun 2021

Blog

What is the difference between butterflies and moths?

When the two look so similar, is there actually a difference between a butterfly and a moth? Find out how to separate the two and discover the truth behind some common myths about moths.

Charlotte Varela  •  21 Jul 2023

Partnerships

Bettys & Taylors Group

Bettys & Taylors Group are partnering with the Woodland Trust at its flagship woodland creation project in the Yorkshire Dales.

Blog

Foraging in May: a guide to wild herbs and other edible plants

Find out which wild plants you can forage in May. Learn about edible plants with our quick identification guide and tips on how to find, eat and prepare them.

Helen Keating  •  08 May 2019

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Wild marjoram: what is it, where to find it and how to plant it

It's a herb we sprinkle liberally on pizza and pasta. And so we'd be forgiven for thinking oregano, also known as wild marjoram, only grows around the Mediterranean. But did you know it's actually native to the UK?

Helen Keating  •  10 Jul 2018

Blog

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

Press centre

Giant boost for nature in Yorkshire Dales as charity plans huge native woodland

One of the boldest projects in the English uplands is about to start with the first trees to go in the ground at Snaizeholme in the Yorkshire Dales.

Blog

Tree seed identification: seven common UK tree seeds

If someone showed you a seed from a common UK tree, could you tell which tree it was from? Find out more about seven common UK tree seeds.

Charlotte Varela  •  30 Sep 2023

Trees woods and wildlife

Mistletoe

Romantic, parasitic and poisonous, mistletoe loves broadleaf trees and provides an important habitat for woodland wildlife. Its leathery green leaves offer welcome colour among bare winter branches when much else is dormant.

Visiting woods

Heather Wood

This ancient woodland site is home to a valuable mosaic of habitats.

Blog

Hawk-moth caterpillar identification: eight UK species

Hawk-moth caterpillars have one thing in common: they're pretty impressive. Usually large, distinctively marked and with a characteristic horn at the tail end, they're a good group to get to grips with when learning who's who.

Amy Lewis  •  21 Jul 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

How to identify trees

All trees have clues and features that can help with identification. You just need to know what to look out for with our quick guide.

Blog

Endangered trees: a guide to 7 rare trees in the UK

A guide to seven threatened tree species with photos and information on where they live, what they look like, conservation efforts and how you can help.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  10 Sep 2024

Blog

Where does mistletoe grow?

Mistletoe is a familiar Christmas staple, associated with folklore and midwinter tradition. But where does it grow and how can you find it in the wild?

Hanako Shimada  •  23 Dec 2024

Blog

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

Blog

10 best winter woodland walks

Embrace the simpler things in life with a winter woodland walk, when spectacular frosty landscapes and leafless trees reveal hidden history and elusive wildlife. Check out 10 of our favourite woods for inspiration.

Charlie Mellor  •  16 Nov 2023

Support us

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.

Visiting woods

Frodsham Woods

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

Blog

Foraging in June: edible flowers, plants and herbs

From fresh flowers to tender leaves, here are some edible plants to forage in June. These are my top tips on where to find them, and how to turn them into something tasty.

Helen Keating  •  24 Jun 2021

Blog

How to identify winter trees quiz - twigs, buds and silhouettes

When deciduous trees shed their leaves in winter, identification can be tricky. But even on bare trees there are clues to look out for. Take this quiz and test your winter tree ID knowledge.

Helen Keating  •  17 Dec 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak bush-cricket

This champion of the woodland long-jump is a lot quieter than its other cricket cousins. The oak bush-cricket lives, feeds and breeds in trees and woodland.

Blog

How to whittle for kids and beginners

Follow our easy whittling instructions for children and beginners with guidance, safety tips and project ideas.

Rachel Hoskins  •  02 May 2019

Blog

30 baby names inspired by trees and woods

Looking for a tree-themed baby name to inspire a love for nature? Discover our favourite tree names for girls and boys, plus gender-neutral options.

Danielle Wesley  •  09 Apr 2024

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.

Blog

Top 10 coastal woods in the UK

Bats, rare butterflies, dinosaur footprints and even the roar of a whirlpool – these coastal woods are just waiting for you to visit.

Charlie Mellor  •  18 Jun 2019

Blog

7 galls to spot this year

Have you spotted something unusual growing on a tree recently? It looks like it might be a bumper year for galls, so here are 7 you might see this summer.

Emilie Bonnevay  •  31 Jul 2018

Support us

Snaizeholme: your questions answered

Our acquisition of Snaizeholme sparked the imagination and interest of thousands of Woodland Trust members and supporters who donated to the appeal and contacted us with questions. Here we answer some of the most common queries.