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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

Blog

Baby bird identification: UK garden birds

Learn to identify garden bird youngsters with our guide to some of the most commonly encountered little'uns.

Amy Lewis  •  15 May 2020

Blog

What to do if you find a baby bird

Stumbled across a baby bird on the ground? Find out what to do to ensure its survival.

Charlotte Varela  •  14 Jun 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Dead man’s fingers

Swollen, blackened ‘fingers’ reaching for the sky. Aptly named, dead man’s fingers can be a spooky-looking find.

Trees woods and wildlife

Dark crimson underwing moth

A rare beauty – the dark crimson underwing moth startles predators with its deep red hindwings and depends on mature oak trees for survival.

Blog

How to identify elderflower and what to do with it

Elderflowers are an all-time favourite forager's treat. Get our top identification tips, along with ideas and recipes on how to use the fragrant flowers.

Helen Keating  •  03 Jun 2021

Blog

7 woods with surprising stories

From poetry and paintings to books, films and TV, check out these seven woods with surprising connections to the UK’s rich history and culture.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  05 Apr 2024

Blog

Pine martens: where they live, what they eat and other facts

They may look cute and cuddly, but with fierce teeth and claws and an appetite for small mammals, the elusive pine marten is anything but! Learn more about this iconic woodland species and how we're helping to secure its future.

Charlie Mellor  •  14 Jun 2018

Blog

Easy blackberry recipes

Forage for blackberries to make blackberry crumble, bramble flapjack, summer fruits pudding, and a sweet blackberry sauce.

Danielle Wesley  •  27 Aug 2019

Blog

Red admiral butterfly: identification and recording

Learn how to identify red admiral butterflies, their caterpillars and pupae with our handy guide, and record your sightings with Nature's Calendar.

Amy Lewis  •  24 Apr 2020

Blog

Why do hares box? And other hare facts

Find out why brown hares can be seen boxing in fields during the month of March, earning them their 'mad March' name, along with other top hare facts.

Helen Keating  •  08 Mar 2023

Blog

Foraging in July: nature's best summer food for foraging

Here are our top six edible wild plants to look out for in July, with tips on what to look for and how to harvest, cook and eat them.

Helen Keating  •  08 Jul 2021

Blog

The best elderberry recipes

Make the most of dark, fragrant elderberries while they’re in season. Try our favourite elderberry recipes.

Helen Keating  •  28 Sep 2022

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

Hedgehog

Sleepy, cute, truly iconic. These prickly critters rely on hedgerows and woodland edges for food and shelter.

Blog

Signs of summer in nature

Discover the signs of the changing seasons – look for trees in full leaf, summer flowers blooming, butterflies, bats, grasshoppers and more.

Danielle Wesley  •  01 Jun 2019

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 make bramble whisky: recipe for blackberry liqueur

Read our simple and easy recipe for this delicious foraged blackberry liqueur, or bramble whisky. You'll love this homemade tipple, it's sure to impress!

George Anderson  •  12 Aug 2019

Blog

How to make a butterfly house: a step by step guide

Follow our easy guide to make your own butterfly house! It doesn't take long and supports your local pollinators.

Rachel Hoskins  •  12 Jul 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Help name our osprey chicks

Louis and Dorcha have raised two healthy chicks that are almost ready to take flight! We're ready to name them and we need your help. Choose your favourite name. 

Blog

7 funny fungi names to help mushroom identification

The UK's 15,000 different fungi have a rich collection of fascinating, descriptive and hilarious names. Let’s take a look at some of the more eyebrow-raising.

Charlotte Varela  •  06 Jan 2023

Blog

How to make an easy elderflower cordial without citric acid

This elderflower cordial recipe is very easy to make. It's the perfect way to capture the sweet, summery scent of the familiar hedgerow tree that is in full bloom now.

Helen Keating  •  07 Jun 2021

Blog

Can you eat crab apples? Three favourite crab apple recipes

With their terrifically tart and tangy flavour, crab apples are a favourite foraged food.

Helen Keating  •  24 Oct 2018

Blog

Raw rosehip syrup: how to make and use

Rosehips really became popular during World War II when fresh produce was scarce. Here are our tips for finding and cooking up these surprisingly tasty fruits.

George Anderson  •  31 Jul 2019

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 Sep 2024

Visiting woods

Nature's Calendar

Help monitor the effects of climate change on wildlife near you. Your records contribute to a growing body of evidence on global warming.

Blog

When to pick sloes and how to make sloe gin

It's traditional to make sloe gin in autumn, ready for the coming winter. Here's an easy and delicious recipe for you to try, with our top sloe picking tips. It takes a couple of months to mature, so if you make it soon it'll be ready by Christmas.

Helen Keating  •  15 Sep 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Deadly nightshade

Attractive, psychoactive, dangerous. Found in scrub and woodland, the deadly nightshade lives up to its name. Though highly poisonous, it feeds woodland animals and even has medicinal properties.

Trees woods and wildlife

King Alfred’s cakes

Tiny fungi with an embarrassing story, King Alfred’s cakes are named after the king’s poor baking skills.

Trees woods and wildlife

Turtle dove

Named after its 'tur tur' call, the turtle dove is romantic, enigmatic, and at risk. It nests in shrubs and trees and feeds on the seeds of crops and woodland plants.

Trees woods and wildlife

Song thrush

Famous for smashing open snails and for the sweet song which gives this bird its name. The song thrush was once a common sight in UK woodland, but is sadly in decline.

Trees woods and wildlife

Buckthorn, purging

Prickly and with the ability to purge. This plant’s common name harks back its use as a laxative. It’s a fierce, invasive species in North America.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wayfaring tree

A welcome sign you’re homeward bound, the wayfaring tree is so named because it grows close to paths. Look for them in hedges and woodland edges, with full bloom in the spring and heavy with berries in the autumn.

Trees woods and wildlife

Coal tit

The tiniest of tits with dull grey feathers to match its name. The coal tit is a frequent visitor to bird feeders across the UK.

Press centre

Dalkeith named heritage tree hotspot as experts record 500 “living legends”

Dalkeith Country Park in Midlothian has been revealed as a heritage tree hotspot after experts recorded 500 ancient, veteran and notable oaks over the last year.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pear, Plymouth

Rare, charming, foul-smelling. Plymouth pear was named after where it was found in the 1800s. Its fruit feeds wildlife, and its blossom, though beautiful, has quite a smell.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hawthorn

Named after the month in which it blooms and a sign that spring is turning to summer. The pale green leaves of this hedgerow staple are often the first to appear in spring, with an explosion of pretty pale-pink blossom in May. It simply teems with wildlife from bugs to birds.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Willow, crack

Scruffy and loud, the crack willow is named after its habit of splitting with cracks and fissures, and how noisy its branches are when they break. It’s one of the largest willows and its leaves are popular with moth caterpillars.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mistle thrush

Britain’s largest songbird. Renowned for defending its food supply. Named for its love of mistletoe berries.

Blog

Are acorns edible? And other acorn facts

Acorns are a favourite dish of many woodland creatures, but did you know humans can eat them too? Here are some great recipes and more fascinating acorn facts.

Emilie Bonnevay  •  03 Sep 2019

Blog

Where and when do robins nest?

The robin, with its signature red breast and tuneful song, is one of the UK’s best-loved birds. Find out where and when these fiery fellas nest, and how you can lend them a helping hand.

Hannah Vickers  •  08 Feb 2019

Blog

Wildlife quiz: friend or foe?

Not all wildlife is welcomed into our woods, homes and gardens with open arms. Some species are seen as pests, but is it just a case of a bad reputation? Test your knowledge in our quiz!

Charlotte Varela  •  09 Sep 2024

Blog

9 outdoor Easter activities for families

Get outdoors in the Easter holidays and enjoy our fun nature activities for kids - try nest building, go on a scavenger hunt and nibble on an Easter-themed picnic!

Danielle Wesley  •  04 Apr 2022

Support us

Dedications

Be it a single tree or an acre of woodland with a personalised bench, your dedication will provide a long-lasting tribute that can be visited time after time – and support local wildlife too.

Blog

How to attract butterflies to your garden

Learn how to encourage butterflies into your garden with butterfly-friendly plants, butterfly feeders and more.

Danielle Wesley  •  13 Mar 2020

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

Blog

Rowan jelly: how to find and make it

Rowan, with its fiery red berries, is a tree that's difficult to miss at the moment. If you want to try foraging this is a great way to start. Get top identification tips and a step-by-step recipe on how to make rowan jelly.

Helen Keating  •  13 Aug 2018

Blog

Foraging for natural Christmas decorations

Transform your home into a woodland wonderland this Christmas with our easy ideas for festive, foraged home decor. 

Helen Keating  •  05 Dec 2022

Blog

When do blue tits nest?

A sure sign of the start of spring is the sight of blue tits zipping back and forth to nest boxes, beaks full of moss. Find out when, where and how long blue tits nest, when their chicks fledge, and how important it is that they time things just right.

Amy Lewis  •  12 Feb 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Aspen

Trembling, fluttering and shimmering in the slightest breeze. The rippling leaves of this beautiful tree give it its name: quaking aspen.

Blog

Wildflower quiz: name these 10 common wildflowers

Can you name these ten common British wildflowers? Test your wildflower knowledge with our quiz.

Helen Keating  •  11 Apr 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak bracket

Though it oozes a honey-like liquid, the oak bracket has a few less tantalising names. It lives off the heartwood of living trees as well as on deadwood. Also known as weeping conk and warted oak polypore, they belong to a group called butt rot fungi.

Trees woods and wildlife

Box, common

A native evergreen that’s at home in your garden. Box is so special it’s got a hill named after it. Box Hill in Surrey takes its name from the ancient box woodland on its steep chalk slopes.

Trees woods and wildlife

Gatekeeper

Named for its rigorous patrol of hedges and woodland rides, the gatekeeper butterfly is a prime pollinator. Look for them sipping nectar on sunny days in the summer.

Trees woods and wildlife

Redwing

Named after its rouge underwings, the redwing is the smallest thrush in the UK. A social nomad, this berry-loving bird only visits over the winter months, with just a handful of breeding pairs staying here all year round.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hawthorn shieldbug

Leaf-munching minibeasts. The hawthorn shieldbug takes its name from the tree that it relies on for food.

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

Pine hawk-moth

A master of disguise, both as caterpillar and moth. The pine hawk-moth lives up to its name, laying its eggs on pine needles for its caterpillars to feast on.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pill woodlouse

Easily found and easily startled, the pill woodlouse is named after its habit of rolling tight into a ball when disturbed. They’re a common sight in woodland, parks and gardens alike.

Trees woods and wildlife

Chiffchaff

A dainty warbler named after its song. Chiffchaffs are increasingly taking advantage of the UK’s warming climate by staying here all year long.

Trees woods and wildlife

Willow, bay

Small but pretty, the bay willow is named after its smell and misleading appearance. It’s a lover of damp conditions, and feeder of pollinators and caterpillars.

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

House martin

Skilled architects with a penchant for moulding mud. House martins visit the UK to breed during the summer months. Named as such because they often nest on the side of houses, these small birds are sadly in decline.

Blog

What is pollination?

Learn about pollination and why it is so important for the natural world.

Danielle Wesley  •  08 Apr 2019

Blog

Why do leaves change colour and fall off in autumn?

Autumn is the most spectacular season thanks to our deciduous trees. But why is autumn colour better some years than others? Find out why.

Helen Keating  •  02 Oct 2020

Blog

Why walking in woods is good for you

It’s time to swap the gym – or sofa – for woodland walks. Here are five benefits for your health and wellbeing, plus tips on what to wear and things to do.

Charlie Mellor  •  05 Aug 2020

Blog

Why do spiders make webs, and other spider web facts

Spider webs are incredible feats of engineering, but why do spiders make webs in the first place? And how do they do it?

Charlotte Varela  •  05 Sep 2022

Blog

Empty bird nests: 7 to identify in the garden

Who nested here? Learn which clues point to the previous occupants of old bird nests with our photographic guide.

Amy Lewis  •  16 Feb 2022

Trees woods and wildlife

Common bird’s nest fungus

Clinging to twigs and branches like tiny birds’ nests, each common bird’s nest fungus looks like a clutch of white eggs. 

Blog

Elephant hawk-moth: caterpillar, lifecycle and is it poisonous?

Elephant hawk-moths are big, bright and very, very beautiful. But what do elephant hawk-moth caterpillars look like, where does their name come from, and are they poisonous?

Charlotte Varela  •  08 Jul 2024

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

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Candlesnuff fungus

Pallid, petite, a tumour-fighter. Candlesnuff fungi may be small but they are a medical force to be reckoned with.

Blog

What is hoar frost and how does it form?

Discover what hoar frost looks like, how it got its name and the conditions it needs to form.

Emilie Bonnevay  •  21 Feb 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Little owl

Small and stern, the little owl was first introduced to the UK in the 1800s. Look out for them in trees overlooking grassland from where they swoop to catch small prey with their sharp talons.

Blog

Badgers: what do they eat? And other facts

Get advice on their feeding habits, from nuts to mealworms, and other top facts.

Helen Keating  •  27 Aug 2019

About us

Tree guards: research into plastic-free alternatives

Our bold pledge to stop using new single-use plastic tree guards on our land in 2021 put us at the forefront of the movement to eradicate plastic from planting schemes UK-wide. We’re funding research to find viable alternatives and are now moving towards sustainable tree protection in other areas.

Blog

Hazelnuts: where and when to forage

Our tips on where and when to find hazelnuts in the wild, how to prepare these tasty treats, and the woodland animals that love eating them too.

Laura Cottam  •  05 Aug 2019

Blog

10 easy butterfly crafts for kids

Discover 10 colourful butterfly crafts for kids, from simple symmetry paintings to fun mosaic art.

Danielle Wesley  •  03 Jul 2023

Trees woods and wildlife

Phytophthora austrocedri

Phytophthora austrocedri is a pathogen that infects and kills native juniper trees. Junipers are one of our rarest native trees and an attack from this fungi-like species is a devastating blow to some of the UK’s populations.

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?

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

Hornbeam

Gnarled and mighty, the hornbeam is as tough as they come. It’s beautiful, useful, and its year-round leaf cover makes it a winter haven for wildlife.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak, red

Fiery, fast and spiked, the red oak is a fast-growing tree native to North America. It is often planted as an ornamental tree for its flaming autumn colour. Although it isn’t as valuable to wildlife as our native oaks, it’s popular with nesting birds and pollinators.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hard fern

An evergreen beauty with not one, but two types of frond. Its medicinal qualities have helped treat ailments for centuries, while its leaves have been used to subdue hunger and thirst.

Trees woods and wildlife

Bristle mosses

Bristly, spongy, and very sensitive to pollution, the bristle mosses are true tree lovers. Whereas most woodland mosses grow on the ground, look for these on tree trunks, branches and twigs.

Trees woods and wildlife

Chanterelle

Prized ingredient. Forager’s favourite. Succulent and delicate in flavour, chanterelle is used by chefs the world over.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hart's tongue fern

Exotic looking and incredibly useful. The hart’s tongue fern is the only native fern that hasn’t got divided leaves. Spot it in damp, shady areas woodland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Garden spider

A patient predator and web-spinning extraordinaire. Garden spiders are a common sight across the UK, devouring the flying insects that fall victim to their webs.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Buzzing spider

Keep a keen ear out for this leaf-lover with real rhythm. Look for the buzzing spider on leaves and stems of deciduous trees and shrubs in woods and parks.

Trees woods and wildlife

Fieldfare

A winter visitor with an appetite for fruit. As the days begin to shorten, fieldfares head to the UK en masse. The fruit and berries of our native trees provide a vital source for these migrants.

Trees woods and wildlife

Forest bug

A living woodland crest, the forest bug is a shieldbug that loves nothing more than the sap of oak trees. Look for them on woodland edges in the summer.

Blog

Our top five woods to hear nightingales

The famous song of the nightingale is one of the wonders of the natural world, but to have a chance of hearing it you'll need to know where to listen. Here we share top tips for tracking down a serenade, plus some of our woods to try for a lucky encounter.

Amy Lewis  •  01 Apr 2022

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Fir, Douglas

A fragrant home for wildlife, the Douglas fir isn’t just for Christmas. First introduced in the 1800s, it’s been a valuable timber source and provided homes for the likes of red squirrels and pine martens.

Press centre

Woodland Trust opens Mourne Park

A rare ancient woodland wildlife haven has opened in Northern Ireland for the first time in over 500 years, with three new trails to help visitors explore.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ash-black slug

This massive mollusc is one of the world’s largest land slugs, and it’s found right here, in the UK’s ancient woodlands.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak processionary moth

The oak processionary moth not only strips oak trees of their leaves, leaving them vulnerable, but also poses a health risk to humans causing rashes and breathing difficulties.

Trees woods and wildlife

Black grouse

An iconic bird which is becoming an increasingly rare sight. The black grouse is famed for its displays during the ‘lekking’ season.

Trees woods and wildlife

Rowan

Bane of witches, diviner of the future and producer of jam, rowan is an elegant tree with a mystical history. Its leaves and berries are a favourite for wildlife in woods and towns alike.

Blog

How to make felt animals: easy step-by-step guide

Follow our simple guide to make your own stuffed woodland animals. This fun craft is ideal for kids and grown-ups alike!

Becca Smith  •  28 Apr 2023

Blog

Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Sheffield's tree story

At Sheffield's Endcliffe Park, discover how nature and the city have shaped each other over the centuries and why local people are so passionate about trees.

Adam Shaw  •  22 Feb 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Bronze birch borer

A pest which could have a huge impact on our native birches, the bronze birch borer is native to North America and a serious threat to our trees.

Support us

Let's keep planting trees and protecting nature

Your support for UK woodland and our fight for nature is vital. Take a look at some of the incredible work we've been able to do and how you can help in the future. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Elm, English

Once growing to lofty heights, the elegant English elm used to dominate the landscape. Now this ancient symbol of melancholy and death is a rare sight, having been decimated by Dutch elm disease.

Protecting trees and woods

Street tree heroes: standing up for street trees

People across the UK are fighting for their street trees. They're planting the street trees of the future, rallying the support of their communities and influencing local planning policies.

Blog

Foraging in April: edible wild plants to harvest

April is the time to look out for fresh new greens and herbs to give your food a seasonal springtime boost. Here are seven easy-to-identify edible herbs and plants to look out for.

Helen Keating  •  27 Apr 2023

Blog

Foraging in February: mushrooms, nettles and early flowers

Even in February, green shoots and early spring flowers are starting to appear. And they’re growing quickly. Here are some spring plants and winter fungi to look out for.

Helen Keating  •  22 Feb 2018

Blog

British caterpillars: how to identify 10 common species

Learn how to identify 10 common British caterpillars, find out what they eat and when to see them.

Charlotte Varela  •  11 Aug 2023

Trees woods and wildlife

Kestrel

A hovering hunter that strikes from above. The kestrel is a common sight along woodland edges, using its razor-sharp vision to catch unsuspecting prey.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hobby

A fast-flying falcon with rusty-red trousers. When not catching their prey in mid-air, hobbies rely on trees in which to raise their young.

Trees woods and wildlife

Snowdrop

One of the first signs of spring. While not native to these shores, these hardy flowers have become a familiar indicator of the shifting seasons and a sure sign that warmer weather is on its way.

Trees woods and wildlife

Long-tailed tit

Flying balls of fluff. These tiny woodland dwellers have a strong claim to be considered the UK’s cutest bird.

Trees woods and wildlife

Nightjar

Mysterious and elusive, the nightjar is one of our most intriguing birds. A summer visitor with bark-like plumage, it can be incredibly difficult to spot.

Trees woods and wildlife

Kingfisher

Lightning fast and technicoloured, seeing a kingfisher always feels special. Spot them near rivers, diving low to catch tiny fish with impressive dexterity.

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

Oxlip

A rare, charming flower. If you’re in East Anglia, look for them blooming in woodland in the spring.

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

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Serotine bat 

One of the largest British bats, the serotine has a taste for beetles and other flying insects. Listen for the squeaking sound it makes just before emerging at dusk to hunt.

Press centre

Fair and flexible approach could meet tree cover requirement for Welsh farms

Fair funding and a flexible approach can make the 10% minimum tree cover requirement achievable for most farms, says the Woodland Trust in Wales.

Trees woods and wildlife

Fallow deer

A social, elegant species with a signature speckled coat and mighty palmate antlers. First introduced by the Romans, fallow deer became extinct in Britain until they were reintroduced before the Norman Conquest around the year 1,000.

Trees woods and wildlife

Muntjac deer

Small and secretive. Muntjac are an attractive, but potentially damaging, addition to our woodlands, having been introduced in the 20th century.

About us

What it's like to work here

Like our trees, we want people to grow and thrive. Find out what it's like to work here from the people behind our work.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine marten

Shy, curious and playful. The pine marten is a stealthy, acrobatic hunter that relies on the cover of woods and trees for its foraging missions. It’s critically endangered in England and Wales as much of its woodland habitat has been lost.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine, Scots

Towering in the glen, the Scots pine is a truly stunning tree. It is one of only three native conifers, and our only native pine. It’s the perfect home for iconic Scottish wildlife, such as the red squirrel, capercaillie, Scottish crossbill and the Scottish wildcat.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Red campion

These flashy woodland guardians have strong links to myths and mysticism. They are favourites of plenty of woodland insects – and fairies – and bloom a cheerful pink soon after the bluebell has finished flowering.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Tree of the Year 2025

Vote for your favourite tree to help us crown this year's Tree of the Year. 

Blog

Insect identification: common UK insects

There are a staggering 27,000 types of insect in the UK. Let's take a look at some of our most common insect groups and how you can identify them.

Charlotte Varela  •  09 Oct 2023

Privacy policy

Supporters – children and young people

This is our privacy policy made especially for children and young people. If you’re under 12, it’s a good idea to read this with a parent, carer or another adult you trust. 

Visiting woods

Commercial dog walking in our woods

Find out how to apply for a licence for commercial dog walking in some of our woodlands. 

Visiting woods

Woodland Walks podcast

Explore our incredible woods with host Adam Shaw as he chats to the dedicated people behind these special places and meets nature-loving celebrities.

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

Video

How gifts in wills have made a difference: Smithills Estate

A third of all the work we do is made possible by gifts in wills. The Woodland Trust's Tracey Garrett explains how important this support is to help our work at places like Smithills Estate - a landscape we're restoring to benefit both wildlife and local people. 

00:02:12

Trees woods and wildlife

Collared earthstar

The star of the show in broadleaf woodland, this charming fungus would look at home at the bottom of the sea..

Trees woods and wildlife

Scaly male fern

Poised, damp-loving, hardy. The scaly male fern is a tough old specimen that thrives in damp woodland, as well as on open heaths and hillsides.

Trees woods and wildlife

Plane wilt

A serious fungal disease of plane, plane wilt is usually fatal and can kill trees within two to five years.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pendulous sedge

Attractive, strong, damp-lover. Spot pendulous sedge swooning in damp woodland and river banks. It’s useful in a pinch, with edible seeds and strong leaves that can be made into rope and matting.

Trees woods and wildlife

Beechwood sickener

Toxic, brittle, red-capped. Beechwood sickener is only found in beech woodland and help beech trees take up nutrients from the soil.

Trees woods and wildlife

Great spotted woodpecker

Not afraid to make itself heard. The great spotted woodpecker is equipped with a toolkit that makes it a true woodland specialist. Its strong beak and shock-absorbing skull are perfect for finding food and making its home among the trees.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brambling

Winter visitors with a taste for nuts. Flocks of brambling head to the UK each year, escaping the Scandinavian snow and taking advantage of the food on offer in our woods.

Trees woods and wildlife

Holly blue

A delicate holly-lover with some unsavoury tastes. Find the holly blue on its foodplant in woodland, or feeding on juices from rotting fruit or carrion.

Trees woods and wildlife

White-lipped snail

These slimy damp-lovers are a familiar sight, but there’s more than meets the eye to the white-lipped snail. Look out for them munching their way through woodland, grassland and gardens.

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.

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Ausewell Wood appeal, Dartmoor

With its dramatic rocky outcrops, raw and rugged beauty, and precious, endangered wildlife, Ausewell Wood is the lost world that needs your help.

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Do bats hibernate in winter? And more bat facts

What do British bats do when winter is coming? Find out more about six UK bat species and what you can do to help them.

Joe Bates  •  03 Dec 2018

Press centre

Coed Cadw welcomes Senedd support for 'Amazing Trees'

Coed Cadw welcomes Senedd support for 'Amazing Trees' and calls for public & community support to plant thousands more

Trees woods and wildlife

A-Z of British trees

Explore our simple A-Z identification guide to the trees of Britain, from natives to naturalised and widely planted non-native species. You'll find images, tree descriptions and information on where you're likely to find them.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oriental chestnut gall wasp

This newly introduced pest is the only organism to produce galls on sweet chestnuts. If numbers grow, it could have a serious impact on our historic trees.

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What do owls eat? And other owl facts

Find out all about what our feathered friends the owls eat, along with other interesting owl facts.

The Woodland Trust  •  18 Jan 2019

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Types of bee in the UK: how to tell the difference

From fluffy bumblebees to pint-sized mining bees, we take a look at the key characteristics of some of our most common species.

Charlotte Varela  •  31 Jul 2023

Trees woods and wildlife

Capercaillie

The world’s largest grouse, the capercaillie is an impressive bird which has roamed pine forests for thousands of years. Made extinct in the mid-18^th century, it has since made a comeback, but is under threat of extinction in the UK once more.

Trees woods and wildlife

Great spruce bark beetle

The great spruce bark beetle damages spruce trees by tunnelling into the bark. This pest was accidentally introduced into the UK in 1982 and now has become established in Western England, Wales and Southern Scotland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Holly

Festive, neat and prickly. Holly is a well-loved shrub that shelters birds and gives hedgehogs a cosy place to hibernate.

Trees woods and wildlife

Fungi and lichens

A dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colours. Find out about fungi and lichens, from ancient taboos to magic and medicine. 

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Feather identification: common feathers in the UK

Collecting nature finds is a lovely way to feel closer to the wildlife on your doorstep. Some of the most abundant of these treasures are feathers, and you can find them almost anywhere. But which bird left them behind?

Charlotte Varela  •  15 Apr 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Dog rose

A familiar, scrambling beauty that adorns hedgerows with its pale pink flowers. Dog rose clasps on to other shrubs with curved spines to grow.

Trees woods and wildlife

Greater butterfly-orchid

Tall and glowing, the greater butterfly-orchid sways over unimproved grasslands and open woods. Though not so sweet-smelling as its lesser relative, keep a nose out for it in the early evening when it is at its most pungent.

Trees woods and wildlife

Honeysuckle

Twining, scented woodland stunner. This trumpet-like flower is a paradise for wildlife, with its sweet, heady fragrance calling to nearby species, particularly on warm summer evenings.

Press centre

New report reveals serious threat to Welsh woods and trees

A Woodland Trust report provides evidence of multiple threats that pose catastrophic consequences for woods and trees across the UK.

Trees woods and wildlife

Swallow

Symbol of summer and aerial acrobat. A bird with an instantly recognisable silhouette, the speedy swallow can out-fly most predators.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lily-of-the-valley

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Wheatear

These migratory birds are seasoned travellers, embarking on an epic journey from Africa to the UK each spring. They favour upland habitats and nest in cavities between rocks.

Trees woods and wildlife

Primrose

Primroses are a cheerful sign of spring. They are one of the first woodland blooms and an important nectar source for butterflies. Look out for their friendly yellow in woodland clearings.

Trees woods and wildlife

Nightingale

Nightingales are relatively dull in colour but they are famed for their rich and distinctive song.

Trees woods and wildlife

Sweet violet

Romantic and showy, sweet violet grows on woodland edges, its flowers providing nectar for butterflies in early spring.

Trees woods and wildlife

Blackbird

Garden stalwarts. Famous songsters. Familiar friends. These sun-worshipping earthworm feasters are regular visitors to British gardens. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Why woods are good for our health and wellbeing

Along with improving our quality of life, woods and green spaces can help make us physically and mentally healthier. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Phytophthora ramorum

Phytophthora ramorum is a fungal-like organism that causes the death of a wide range of trees and shrubs. The greatest impact so far has been on larch plantations, leading to thousands of hectares of felling around the UK.

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Can you eat conkers? And other conker facts

Learn more about conkers with our fascinating facts. What are they? Can you eat them? And what’s the difference between conkers and chestnuts?

Danielle Wesley  •  25 Sep 2019

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Bracket fungi identification: 10 common UK species for beginners

Bracket fungi, also known as shelf or polypore fungi, grow on both dead and living trees. Here we list some of the UK's more common and easily distinguished types to get to grips with.

Amy Lewis  •  21 Oct 2021

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Best woods near 10 UK cities

Here's our pick of great woods in and around the UK's busiest cities for sanctuary seekers, wildlife watchers, fitness fans and history hounds alike.

Charlie Mellor  •  04 Nov 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Cherry, sour

Acidic fruits that are adored by birds. This tree gives astonishing displays of blossom in spring along hedgerows and woods.

Blog

What is the difference between a newt and a lizard?

Found a small, brown, cold-blooded animal and not sure what it might be? You're not alone! Our guide looks at the telltale signs for separating your newts from your lizards.

Amy Lewis  •  25 Mar 2022

Trees woods and wildlife

Birch, downy

Soft on the outside. Tough on the inside. On a global scale, this tree, with its fuzzy leaf stalks, shoots and twigs, grows further north than any other broadleaf species.

Trees woods and wildlife

Horse chestnut

Spiky cases, gleaming seeds, celebrated by children. Horse chestnuts, with their mahogany-bright conkers, are the very essence of autumn.

Trees woods and wildlife

Poplar, black

Imposing, elegant, rare. The black poplar was once a staple of Britain’s landscape but these days, the trees are few and far between.

Trees woods and wildlife

Walnut, black

A handsome healer, the black walnut is both ornamental and medicinally valuable. It’s a favourite with squirrels, and its timber is extra pricey.

Trees woods and wildlife

Maple, field

Pollution fighter, autumn stunner, syrup maker. The field maple is a sturdy broadleaf, which supports caterpillars, aphids, and all their predators, all while resisting air pollution.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine, black

Looming, handsome, graveyard-dweller. The black pine is common in shelterbelts, gardens and timber yards alike. Despite being huge, this non-native conifer isn’t a favourite with wildlife, though birds do enjoy its seeds.

Trees woods and wildlife

Whitebeam, Arran

Rare, rugged, isolated. Arran whitebeam is one of the rarest and most endangered trees in the world. It is a hybrid of rowan and rock whitebeam which has stayed on the Isle of Arran since the last glaciers were formed.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common striated feather-moss

Cushions of feathery green moss strewn nonchalantly over the woodland floor, common striated feather-moss is one cool customer. It brings colour to shady places and it is a characteristic of old ash woodlands in particular.

Trees woods and wildlife

Whitebeam

Charming and domestic, the whitebeam’s fruit is a favourite of garden birds. It’s rarely found in the wild but is a popular ornamental tree in parks and gardens, with lovely blossom and russet autumn leaves.

Trees woods and wildlife

Stag beetle

Impressive, heavily armed and a formidable fighter. The stag beetle depends on trees and woods for its survival. Its fat larvae feed on the decaying wood of old broadleaved trees. Loss of its woodland habitat means that the stag beetle is now a nationally scarce species.

Trees woods and wildlife

Peacock

Big. Bold. Beautiful. This stunning showstopper is instantly recognisable, with its captivating azure ‘eyes’ and orange-brown wings. Widespread and common throughout the UK, it is one of our most-loved butterflies.

Trees woods and wildlife

Devil’s coach horse beetle

Jet-black with an even darker reputation. The devil’s coach horse has long been associated with sinister forces. In reality, it is only other invertebrates that have cause to fear this voracious predator.

Trees woods and wildlife

Flat-backed millipede

Many-legged leaf eaters that live a secretive life hidden among the forest floor.

Trees woods and wildlife

Fine streaked bugkin

Lover of oak and hawthorn, this bug is pretty unmistakeable. Look out for its bright and bold markings as it basks on bark and leaves.

Trees woods and wildlife

Cuckoo

A cunning master of misdirection, the cuckoo’s reputation precedes it. These brood parasites spook woodland birds from their nests, then lay their own eggs in them to be brought up by the host.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common lizard

Timid, lightning-quick and sun-worshipping. The common lizard basks in the warmth of the sun along woodland edges, sunny glades and rides. It stays close to dense cover so it can quickly hide among twigs, logs and leaves.

Trees woods and wildlife

Atlantic salmon

A fish with a harsh life and epic journey. They’ve long been a favoured seafood, but over-fishing and pollution have seriously impacted populations.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Willow, osier

Strong, neat and bendy, osier willow is the best of the best for basket weaving. It’s not only a source of food and shelter for native wildlife, it can even decontaminate soils it is planted on!

Trees woods and wildlife

Cypress, Leyland

At the centre of many neighbour wars, Leyland cypress can reach great heights very quickly. It’s one of the fastest growing conifers and often towers over houses and gardens.

Trees woods and wildlife

Sweet chestnut blight

This fungus infects trees through fissures or wounds, and it has the potential to have a significant impact on our historic sweet chestnut woods.

Trees woods and wildlife

Poplar, white

Hardy, pale, magical. White poplar might not be native, but it is naturalised in the UK. It supports early pollinators and is an excellent coastal windbreaker, tolerating salty winds and exposure.

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Beaver

Architects of the animal world, beavers are back in the UK’s rivers after centuries away. These dam-building rodents can transform their local environment by creating new wetland habitats.

Trees woods and wildlife

Bechstein's bat

This elusive tree lover hunts, mates, and lives in woodland, relying on old trees for roosting sites. Loss of habitat means this once common species is now one of our rarer bats.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hazel gloves fungus

An Atlantic rainforest specialist and a clue that points to a wood's ancient origins. It makes its home almost exclusively on old hazel trees and is a sure sign of clean air.

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Yonder Oak Wood Appeal

Devon is where it all began for us. Now, 50 years on, thanks to your generous support, we're celebrating the creation of Yonder Oak Wood - a vast wooded landscape in east Devon.

Press centre

Explore autumn’s beauty in native woodlands near you

Autumn has officially arrived, and the Woodland Trust has highlighted a list of woods to visit across Northern Ireland where you can see the stunning change in season.

Trees woods and wildlife

Woodland wildflowers

From the dazzling bluebells that cover ancient woodland in the spring to the bright meadows bursting with buttercups in the summer, wild flowers are what make our woods so beautiful, while providing precious nectar for invertebrates. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Nuthatch

Scuttling tree climbers. Look for these woodland specialists hurrying up and down tree trunks in search of food.

Trees woods and wildlife

Red kite

A majestic scavenger, the red kite searches for food in almost any environment, then returns to nest in broadleaved woodland. Look out for them wheeling high in the air, or nesting up in the canopy.

Trees woods and wildlife

Robin

Feisty. Iconic. A Christmas card favourite and a gardener’s best friend. It’s no wonder this fiery little fella is one of Britain’s most-loved birds, frequenting the UK’s gardens in search of worms.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lesser spotted woodpecker

Secretive tree-top dweller. The lesser spotted is our smallest, and rarest, woodpecker. These woodland specialists are one of the UK’s fastest-declining bird species.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mayfly

Known for its short adult life, the mayfly is here for a good time, not a long time. Emerging between May and August, it dances above freshwater rivers and lakes to find a mate.

Trees woods and wildlife

Starling

Social songsters with shiny feathers and common garden visitors. These gregarious birds are probably most famed for their stunning murmuration displays.

Trees woods and wildlife

Traveller's joy

Also known as old man’s beard, this woody member of the buttercup family is often seen scrambling over hedgerows.

Trees woods and wildlife

Greater stitchwort

Pretty, star-like and abundant along hedgerows. These plants have an explosive seed-dispersal mechanism. Disturb a large patch of them in summer and they go off like fireworks.

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Press centre

Tree planting progress ‘near glacial' as Government releases new figures

Government tree planting figures published today show that targets to create new woodland in England have been missed again.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brown rat

A contentious character but as resourceful as they come, the brown rat arrived in the UK in the 18th century and has been a crafty resident of our towns, cities and woods ever since.

Trees woods and wildlife

Noctule bat

Often seen flying high above the tree-tops, the noctule bat is the largest bat in the UK. This species relies on tree holes to roost in and is often confused for a swift when on the wing.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wood mouse

Despite being one of our most common woodland mammals, the small, sweet and secretive wood mouse is hard to spot. They feast on nuts, seeds and invertebrates and are an important food source for larger mammals and birds of prey.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wood anemone

Sun-loving, gentle, a mark of the old. Wood anemone is one of the first spring blooms, arriving to take in the light through the leafless canopy in broadleaf woodland. Look for them in old and ancient woodland that suits their slow growth.

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

Cow parsley

A true roadside stunner, cow parsley is a familiar sight in the UK. It’s a hardy plant which is popular with pollinators and grows just about anywhere.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common wasp

These picnic ruiners might not be the UK's most popular invertebrate, but they are efficient pollinators.

Press centre

Over 900 Insect Species Identified at “Commando” Wood in the Scottish Highlands

Ecologist Ian Strachan discovers 946 invertebrate species in Scotland's Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, highlighting its rich biodiversity and historical significance.

Plant trees

Boosting biodiversity at RAF Benson Primary School

Teaching assistant Adèle explains why the school’s free tree pack is great news for pupils, wildlife and the environment.

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Seven edible weeds: foraging in your garden

If you're a fan of foraging but missing roaming the woods and hedgerows right now, go in search of some edible plants that are closer to home. Here are seven edible garden weeds to look out for.

Helen Keating  •  23 Apr 2020

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First signs of autumn

Discover when autumn starts and the signs of the season – look for leaves changing colour, autumn fruits and seeds, migrating birds, ivy flowering and incredible fungi.

Danielle Wesley  •  31 Aug 2019

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

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

Dothistroma needle blight

This fungal disease can have a serious impact on our native Scots pines. It could spell trouble for our rare, ecologically invaluable Caledonian pine forests.