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Protecting trees and woods

How to set up a local group and meeting

A group of passionate, like-minded people could help others understand the value of woods and trees and shape local policy.

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)

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)

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)

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)

Research report

Cyflwr Coedwigoedd a Choed y DU 2025 – crynodeb ar gyfer Cymru

Adroddiad cryno ar bolisi ar gyfer Cymru yn seiliedig ar y dystiolaeth o adroddiad Cyflwr Coed a Choedwigoedd y DU 2025.

PDF  (3.99 MB)

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Fundraise as an individual

Set your own challenge, or arrange an event for friends and family to raise money for woods and trees.

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Fundraise for us

Set your own challenge or host a community event to raise money for woods, trees and wildlife.

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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.

Press centre

The Woodland Trust’s Mourne Park is awarded £2.5 million windfall from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Mourne Park is set to reopen following damage from Storms Darragh and Éowyn, with a significant financial windfall from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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.

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2025's winning projects

Meet the six young finalists whose brilliant projects won our Igniting Innovation conservation challenge.

Trees woods and wildlife

Arkaig ospreys: behind the scenes of a nest camera in the Scottish Highlands

No wi-fi, no plug sockets, no film crew. Meet the people behind the camera and explore the set of the UK's most remote family drama.

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025

Four years after the groundbreaking State of the UK's Woods and Trees report, the Woodland Trust is once again assessing the health of the UK's woods and trees – revealing the latest evidence and analysis to support the urgent action needed to protect and restore woodlands. 

PDF  (13.33 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Tree bumblebee

A new arrival and a welcome addition to the UK's bumblebees. This enterprising bee has quickly set up home across Britain and happily takes to nest boxes and other human-made spaces in our gardens.

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?

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.

Visiting woods

Spring's vital signs report 2025 

Find out about how frogspawn, blackthorn and song thrush are affected by a changing climate. 

Protecting trees and woods

Minutes of the APPG meeting 14 July 2025

Read the official minutes for a full list of attendees and more details of what was discussed on the day.

Research report

Scotland's tree equity action plan 2025-30

We want to see a Scotland where every urban neighbourhood has full and fair access to the benefits of trees. Read our tree equity action plan to find out how we plan to make that happen.

PDF  (8.65 MB)

Blog

13 Halloween nature crafts and activities for kids

Get set for spooky season with leaf ghosts, conker pumpkins, twig wands and a thrilling Halloween scavenger hunt!

Danielle Wesley  •  04 Oct 2023

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Nectar terms and conditions

When you collect Nectar points with Woodland Trust membership or donate Nectar points to us, you accept the terms and conditions set out here.

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Membership terms and conditions

When you become a member of the Woodland Trust, you accept the terms and conditions set out here.

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.

Visiting woods

South Park

South Park is set in a historic landscape with a mixture of planted and ancient woodland.

Support us

Individual fundraising terms and conditions

When you fundraise in aid of the Woodland Trust, you accept the terms and conditions set out here.

Press centre

First trees planted as charity tees up to turn abandoned golf course into wildlife haven

School children are set to plant the first of 30,000 trees at Frodsham, Cheshire in an ambitious project to turn fairways into forest and greens into glades.

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

Protecting trees and woods

Thermal imaging of urban trees in Cardiff

With average temperatures and heatwaves getting more intense, we we commissioned Ti Thermal Imaging Ltd to reveal how trees can help us cope.

Trees woods and wildlife

Tree of the Year 2025

Thank you for voting in this year's Tree of the Year competition. We'll announce the winner on 26 September.

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Summer message to Woodland Trust members

A message from our chief executive

Trees woods and wildlife

European Tree of The Year

The UK Tree of the Year, the Skipinnish Oak, placed 7th in 2025's European Tree of the Year competition.

Policy paper

Emergency Tree Plan for the UK

How to increase tree cover and address the nature and climate emergency. We set out key recommendations for the UK's national and local governments.

PDF  (9.63 MB)

Plant trees

Community woods

Want to set up your own community wood? Our advice and guidance will get you started, from funding to planning for the future.

Blog

Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Loch Arkaig

The latest Woodland Walks podcast explores the wilderness of Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, set among lochs and mountains and full of rare wildlife and flora.

Adam Shaw  •  22 Jul 2019

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.

Blog

8 enchanting rainforests to explore in the UK

UK rainforests are even rarer than their tropical counterparts, and just as beautiful. Brimming with wildlife, entwined with local history and overflowing with magic, here are eight of the best to explore.

Charlotte Varela  •  12 Mar 2025

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

Blog

6 migrant birds to spot in the UK this winter

Not all birds head south for the winter. Some head straight for our shores to escape even colder conditions back home. Here are some of the winter birds you'll only find in the UK in winter.

Charlotte Varela  •  21 Jan 2025

Blog

Feeding wild birds: what, how, when and why

Find out when and what to feed garden birds and welcome wildlife to your garden, yard or windowsill whatever the season.    

Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter  •  29 Apr 2025

Press centre

Five reasons to celebrate World Rainforest Day

World Rainforest Day is celebrated on 22 June and with good reason. Here are five ways rainforests help us.

State of UK woods and trees

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2025 

Four years after the groundbreaking State of the UK's Woods and Trees report, the Woodland Trust is once again assessing the health of the UK's woods and trees – revealing the latest evidence and analysis to support the urgent action needed to protect and restore woodlands. 

Press centre

Highland estate as big as Glasgow to be revitalised in partnership between community, conservation charity and Aviva

Assynt Foundation, Woodland Trust Scotland and Aviva have struck a 30-year deal to revitalise a vast area in the northwest Highlands of Scotland.

Position statement

Forest certification – the Woodland Trust's position

The Woodland Trust practises sustainable forestry and is committed to supporting initiatives which assist others in accessing forest certification.

PDF  (395 KB)

Research report

The Pontbren Project – farmer-led uplands land management

The Pontbren Project, led by farmers in Mid Wales, uses woodland management and tree planting to improve efficiency in upland livestock farming.

PDF  (1.67 MB)

Position statement

Use of the Welsh language – the Woodland Trust's position

The Woodland Trust is committed to using the Welsh language alongside English where appropriate and making everyone welcome, no matter their preferred language.

PDF  (131 KB)

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Centipedes and millipedes

Centipedes and millipedes are many-legged recycling machines, often thriving on the woodland floor.

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.

Position statement

Rewilding – the Woodland Trust's position

The Woodland Trust advocates the use of natural processes and species reintroduction to promote the conservation and expansion of wildlife.

PDF  (1.49 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Coeden y Flwyddyn 2025

Diolch am bleidleisio yng nghystadleuaeth Coeden y Flwyddyn eleni. Byddwn ni’n cyhoeddi’r enillydd ar 26 Medi.

Press centre

Wildlife declining in UK woods despite more tree cover, major new report reveals 

The State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2025 report has revealed that the quantity and variety of woodland wildlife is plummeting, despite a marginal rise in tree cover.

Press centre

Eryri leads the way with 100-year vision to protect and restore native trees

The Woodland Trust in Wales is celebrating the launch of Eryri's Tree and Woodland Strategy 2025–2125 as the most ambitious, forward-thinking vision for trees and woodlands anywhere in the UK.

Blog

Broadleaf summer issue: here comes the sun

Summer is here and the woodlands are breezy, bright and bursting with colour. In this issue of Broadleaf, we tend veteran trees in the Midlands, hunt for pine martens in Scotland and unfurl the extraordinary tale of the familiar foxglove.

Elisabeth Crump  •  10 Jun 2025

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

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

Squirrel nests: where and how do they build them?

Find out what squirrel nests looks like, where you can spot them and how you can help our native red squirrel.

Charlie Mellor  •  17 Sep 2025

Blog

True or false? Rainforest facts quiz

Do you know how Britain's rainforest measures up against its tropical cousins? How about the plants, animals and climate? Test your knowledge and learn about these amazing places with our rainforest facts quiz.

Charlie Mellor  •  18 Jun 2025

Blog

12 rare wild flowers in the UK's woods

Woodlands are home to some of the UK's rarest wild flowers. From parasitic plants to alluring orchids, discover 12 rare woodland flowers and what makes them so uncommon.

Charlotte Varela  •  13 May 2025

Blog

Chiffchaff or willow warbler? How to tell the difference

Chiffchaffs and willow warblers migrate to our shores every spring. Can you tell them apart? Discover the differences in appearance, call and habitat.

Alex Marshall  •  03 Feb 2025

Blog

Rare UK animals quiz: how well do you know our endangered wildlife?

We all love wildlife, but did you know we live in one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth? Take our quiz to see if you recognise rare and endangered species, plus find out what we’re doing to change things and how you can help make a difference.

Charlie Mellor  •  07 May 2025

Blog

Ancient yew trees: the UK's oldest yews

Often associated with immortality, a yew tree can live for thousands of years. Here are some of the oldest yews in the UK.

Rory Morrow  •  27 Aug 2025

Practical guidance

Recognising and categorising ancient and other veteran trees

Ancient and veteran trees provide irreplaceable benefits to people and wildlife, but they can be difficult to recognise and categorise. Read our guide to confidently and reliably identify these living legends.

PDF  (3.35 MB)

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.

Protecting trees and woods

Campaigns news

Discover the latest challenges and successes for woods and trees and find out how you can make a difference.

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Terms and conditions

Igniting Innovation: youth conservation challenge. Full terms and conditions. 

Press centre

Woodland Trust expresses shock at London ancient oak tree felling

Police are looking into the mysterious felling of one of London’s largest and most significant ancient trees at Whitewebbs Park in Enfield.

Press centre

Coed Cadw welcomes launch of Wales' Sustainable Farming Scheme

Coed Cadw has expressed cautious optimism at the upcoming launch of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme, describing it as a necessary first step towards a just transition for the people of Wales.

Press centre

Woodland Trust welcomes bypass withdrawal

The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has applauded the scrapping of current plans for a controversial road scheme which could destroy dozens of ancient and veteran trees in Norfolk.

Position statement

Urban trees and forests – the Woodland Trust's position

Urban trees provide vital benefits to people and nature, but not everyone has equal access to this critical green infrastructure. Read our views on protecting, restoring and creating urban forests.

PDF  (2.01 MB)

Press centre

New research proves woodland wildlife does wonders for wellbeing

Groundbreaking new research backed by the Woodland Trust proves that woods teeming with wildlife do wonders for your wellbeing.

Blog

Winter wildlife watching: what, where and when to spot

The winter weather might be frightful, but nature is always delightful. Here are our top tips on what wildlife to look out for, where and when on your winter walks.

Rory Morrow  •  13 Jan 2025

Press centre

Root of the problem: underfunding, underdelivering

This year’s woodland creation figures for Scotland are deeply disappointing. The numbers reflect not just a missed target, but another missed opportunity.

Press centre

Woodland Trust chief executive's statement on State of UK Climate Report

Darren Moorcroft, Woodland Trust chief executive, has made a statement in response to the Met Office’s State of UK Climate Report, which the Energy Secretary has labelled a “stark warning” to take action on climate and nature.

Press centre

Have your say on tree protection in Northern Ireland

The Woodland Trust has invited the Northern Irish public to participate in a consultation on a Tree Protection Bill.

Blog

11 animals that live in the UK's rainforest 

Discover the weird and wonderful animals living in our very own rainforests.

Annabel Kemp  •  19 Jun 2025

Trees woods and wildlife

Silver-washed fritillary

These flashy butterflies are strong fliers with a flair for the dramatic. Spot the silver-washed fritillary charging through the air along woodland rides in search of a mate, or the caterpillars munching on their favourite flowers: violets.

Protecting trees and woods

Agroforestry in Wales

Hedges and Edges, a form of agroforestry, could help tackle the biodiversity and climate crisis if adopted by Wales' future sustainable farming scheme.

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Cookie policy

Our cookie policy relates to your use of our website and social media pages, for example Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.

Press centre

Budget Day 2024: what Holyrood should do for woods and trees

If Scotland is to meet its climate goals and restore nature to a thriving condition, we need more native trees and woods, and we need them in good condition.

Press centre

Team assembles to upskill the west coast to save Scotland’s rainforest

A team of nature conservationists have come together to develop a skill-boosting programme equipping local people to earn a living saving Scotland’s rainforest.

Plant trees

East Anglia tree giveaway: terms and conditions

East Anglia tree giveaway: terms and conditions

Press centre

Coed Casw yn croesawu lansiad cynllun ffermio cynaliadwy cymru

Mae Coed Cadw, y Woodland Trust yng Nghymru, wedi mynegi optimistiaeth ofalus ynghylch lansiad Cynllun Ffermio Cynaliadwy (CFfC) Llywodraeth Cymru sydd ar ddod, gan ei ddisgrifio fel cam cyntaf angenrheidiol mewn taith llawer hirach tuag at drawsnewidiad cyfiawn i bobl Cymru.

Press centre

More than 10 million trees planted across the Northern Forest

More than 10 million trees have now been established across the North of England as part of the Northern Forest scheme, which launched in 2018.

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.

Press centre

Survey reveals most Scots unaware Scotland has rainforest

Research indicates most people living in Scotland’s west coast rainforest zone have no idea the threatened habitat is right on their doorstep. But when they find out, the majority are enthusiastic about protecting and expanding it.

Plant trees

Leicestershire tree giveaway: terms and conditions

Leicestershire tree giveaway: terms and conditions

Press centre

Drone sows 75,000 native tree seeds to triple rainforest cover in Cornwall and Devon

An ambitious drone tree-seeding trial in the South West could revolutionise the expansion of rainforests.

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.  

Press centre

Woodland Trust statement on Whitewebbs Oak felling

We are shocked and devastated by the recent felling of the ancient Whitewebbs Oak in an Enfield park in London. We want to see justice for this nationally significant oak tree. 

Press centre

Woodland Trust Scotland takes aim at health inequalities with trees targeted by neighbourhood

Woodland Trust Scotland has announced plans to target urban planting at neighbourhoods where trees have greatest potential to boost human health and wellbeing.

Blog

Which trees have catkins? And how to tell them apart

Find out what catkins look like, which trees have them, why they grow, and where and when to spot them.

Alex Marshall  •  07 Jan 2025

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)

Press centre

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.

Protecting trees and woods

Don't let Government ditch its environment protection promise

After months of uncertainty about Government’s commitment to protect and restore nature, we still need answers. Abandoning nature is not an option.