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Blog

Bird of prey calls and identification

Learn how to identify the UK's birds of prey with our quick guide to their calls, key features and likely hangouts. 

Amy Lewis  •  10 Sep 2021

Blog

House mouse or field mouse? Easy guide to types of UK mice, voles, rats and shrews

Are you curious about what mouse or vole you saw in your garden or out on a walk? Or did your cat bring one in and you wondered what it was? Here's a quick guide to the more common mice, voles, rats and shrews of the UK.

Helen Keating  •  28 Mar 2022

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.

About us

Northern Ireland

We’re helping wildlife thrive in the beautiful Faughan Valley. We’re campaigning to protect Northern Ireland’s last remnants of ancient woodland. And we look after 50 woods across the north of the Emerald Isle.

Support us

Meet some of our volunteers

Find out more about the roles of some of our volunteer award winners and nominees from the last few years.

Support us

Pepper Wood appeal, Worcestershire

On the northern edge of Pepper Wood is a piece of land waiting to become woodland once more. Thanks to your help it's now ours, doubling the size of one of our most treasured woods.

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  (18.10 MB)

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

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.

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 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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Lily-of-the-valley

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

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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Tree of the Year 2024

You voted in your thousands to help us crown this year's Tree of the Year and now we have our winner!

Trees woods and wildlife

Chicken of the woods

Bright, bold and soft to the touch, chicken of the woods is easy to spot.

Video

Stornoway Football Club 

See how free tree packs have helped create valuable shelter for a local football club on the Isle of Lewis.

00:02:37

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. 

Research report

The economic benefits of woodland

A report setting out the case for the economic benefits of woodland, from flood mitigation to health and wellbeing, thought to be worth over £270 billion.

PDF  (2.48 MB)

Research report

The state of Scotland’s rainforest

A research report by the Atlantic Woodland Alliance reviewing the latest evidence on the condition of and threats to Scotland’s temperate rainforest woodlands.

PDF  (3.86 MB)

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

Video

The state of Wales’ rainforests

Discover the beauty of our rainforests and why the Alliance for Wales’ Rainforests is asking the Welsh government to do more to protect them.

00:02:05

Research report

Impacts of nearby development on ancient woodland

A review of the research and evidence available that demonstrates the impacts of nearby development on the ecology of ancient woodland.

PDF  (640 KB)

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.

Journal

Wood Wise – seeds of hope

The autumn 2016 issue of Wood Wise explores genetic diversity in native trees and shrubs, and how to safeguard genetic resources for the future.

PDF  (1.83 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Orange-tip

Subtle, delicate and well-disguised – that is until the male flashes a splash of bright orange. Orange-tips are a butterfly of grassland and woodland edges.

Blog

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

Journal

Wood Wise – secrets of the soil

The spring 2016 issue of Wood Wise delves into woodland soil, its function, its species, the threats to its health, and ways to manage it for the future.

PDF  (1.39 MB)

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.

Research report

Impacts of nearby development on ancient woodland - addendum

A review of further work published since the release of the 2008 Woodland Trust report on the impacts of nearby development on the ecology of ancient woodland.

PDF  (8.52 MB)

Press centre

Woodland Trust highlights ‘ticking threat’ of uncontrollable wildfires

An increasing threat of wildfires amid rising temperatures and Met Office warnings could have a "devastating" impact, according to the UK's largest woodland conservation charity.

Research report

State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2021

This State of the UK’s Woods and Trees report is the first to present important facts and trends focusing predominantly on our native woods and trees.

PDF  (27.62 MB)

Practical guidance

The role of trees in arable farming

Native trees and hedges on arable farms can improve productivity and landscape resilience, increase product diversity, and provide environmental value.

PDF  (2.35 MB)

Case study

Benefits of tree shelter for livestock farming

Livestock farmers explain the benefits of having trees in their sheep and beef farming systems, such as providing shelter, browsing and field boundaries.

PDF  (150 KB)

Research report

The role of trees outside woods - their ecological and landscape benefits

A report on the many ecological and landscape benefits offered by copses, hedgerows, lone trees and orchards in the UK, and why their protection is so important.

PDF  (1.36 MB)

Research report

The current state of ancient woodland restoration

A report drawing together evidence on the progress and challenges associated with restoring damaged ancient woodlands across the UK.

PDF  (1.76 MB)

About us

Where do our trees come from?

With increasing numbers of tree pests and diseases in the UK, it's important we have confidence in the trees we plant. Find out more about how our trees are sourced and grown.

Blog

Where to see red squirrels: 7 woods for wildlife watching

Wondering where to see red squirrels in the UK? Here are seven of the best woods to spot these rare mammals - as well as lots of other wildlife!

Chris Britt-Searle  •  05 Aug 2024

Protecting trees and woods

Kent quarry extension is one of the biggest threats of the 21st century

Having destroyed 32ha of ancient wood in 2013, new quarry plans threaten at least another 50ha. 

Blog

Four examples of how UK wildlife camouflages

Find out how animals in the UK use camouflage to hide in plain sight. In this blog, we explore four types of camouflage and why it is important for animals.

Julia Lock  •  23 May 2022

Research report

Evaluating the use and benefits of trees on dairy farms

A research report on how tree planting supports dairy farms and animal welfare through mitigating pollution runoff, protecting water and providing shelter.

PDF  (1.19 MB)

Plant trees

How to plant a tree

Follow our guide to three of the most successful ways to plant.

Blog

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

Research report

The benefits of integrating trees on arable farms

A research report on how tree planting supports farm production through reduced soil erosion, water conservation and climate change resilience.

PDF  (1.27 MB)

Research report

The benefits to people of trees outside woods

A research report on the ecosystem services, natural capital and other benefits trees outside woods provide, whether cultural, environmental or economic.

PDF  (1.48 MB)

Support us

Couldoran appeal, West Highlands

With your support, we're working to transform a large chunk of land right next door to Ben Shieldaig into a thriving mountain haven for rare and iconic wildlife such as the golden eagle, pine marten, red squirrel and otter.

Video

Meet the people behind our work: Friends of Belvoir Wood

Hard graft. Passionate people. Expertise and skill. There's more to our woods than just trees. See for yourself what makes Friends of Belvoir Wood so special, and what it takes to keep it that way.

00:02:08

Research report

The benefits of integrating trees on livestock farms

A research report on how tree planting supports livestock farms and animal welfare by improving water quality, preventing soil erosion and providing shelter.

PDF  (9.10 MB)

Visiting woods

Take a virtual tour of our woods

You don't have to travel to experience the incredible sights and sounds of some of our most beautiful woods. Our 360 tours let you explore the history and natural spectacles of these special places from home.

Press centre

Hundreds of trees planted by Kate Humble with support from Welsh Woodland Trust

Kate Humble has planted hundreds of trees on her property with support from Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales.

Event

Month of Remembrance walk at Langley Vale Wood

Join us at Langley Vale Wood - our First World War Centenary Wood for England - for a guided walk during the Month of Remembrance.

Sun 02 Nov 2025  •  Langley Vale Wood, Langley Vale

Blog

Types of mushroom in the UK: common identification guide

Mushrooms (or toadstools) is a term given to the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies that certain fungi produce. Here are nine common mushrooms that you may come across.

Helen Keating  •  31 Aug 2017

Press centre

Skipinnish Oak crowned UK Tree of the Year 2024

A centuries-old oak nestled in the heart of Lochaber, Scotland, has been dubbed ‘Tree of the Year’ in the Woodland Trust’s prestigious competition.

Press centre

Early signs of spring becoming the new norm, says the Woodland Trust

Earlier signs of spring – such as the first leafing of trees or the first sightings of butterflies – could be here to stay, says the Woodland Trust.

Protecting trees and woods

What urban trees do for us

They green our cities. They clean our air. They fight the effects of climate change. They even increase the value of our houses. Urban woods and trees do so much for people, wildlife and our economy.

About us

Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs

We're bringing life back to neglected and fragmented ancient woods in Sussex to boost biodiversity and revitalise woodland skills.

Support us

The power of trees - KS3 assembly

Inspire secondary students with this presentation about the incredible way trees benefit people and the planet. This assembly can also support your school's tree-planting activities.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Walnut

Food of the gods, medicine for the people. Walnut was first introduced by the Romans who, like much of our native wildlife, valued its nuts.

Practical guidance

Benefits of woods and trees for local authorities

This document provides guidance and advice for local government to better achieve its environmental ambitions.

PDF  (549 KB)

Support us

Plant more trees

We're on a mission to grow millions of healthy, native trees across the UK to help protect us from the effects of climate change.

Plant trees

Tree planting advice

Thinking of planting trees, but need some help? Explore advice on choosing the right tree species, location, how to plant and aftercare.

Protecting trees and woods

Keep living legends alive

Most of our oldest trees are not legally protected. We're urging governments across the UK to change that. 

Blog

Types of moss in the UK: what they are and where to find them

Moss is marvellous! Find out why and see some common species to spot.

Kate Lewthwaite  •  30 Jul 2018

Support us

Improve wellbeing in school

Use the power of nature to boost the health of your students.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ash dieback

Ash dieback will kill around 80% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.

Trees woods and wildlife

Cherry, wild

Beautiful blossom and a bounty of bright red fruits. Wild cherry , one of the prettiest native trees, is relished by gardeners and wildlife.

Video

Clearing Runtington Wood of invasive plants

Elsa Godfrey, owner of Runtington Wood in Sussex, explains the steps she has taken to clear her ancient woodland of rhododendron with the help of volunteers and the Woodland Trust.

00:02:40

Plant trees

Why plant trees?

Whatever your reason for planting, trees have far-reaching benefits for all of us.

Practical guidance

The role of trees in free range poultry farming

Trees provide cover, shelter and shade, encouraging poultry to range and exhibit natural behaviours. This in turn improves bird health, welfare and production.

PDF  (7.77 MB)

Blog

How we take care of ancient and veteran trees

Protecting ancient trees is one of our top priorities. Discover how we design and manage our woods around them and how you can help.

Naomi Tilley  •  26 Sep 2022

Practical guidance

The role of trees in sheep farming

Planting trees for shelter can boost production and improve animal health and welfare. This guide provides practical guidance on integrating trees on sheep farms.

PDF  (15.85 MB)

Press centre

Farmers share tales of 'living legends' and nature on their land

From an ancient oak which survived a hit from a Lancaster Bomber in World War Two to a 150-year-old pear tree – classically taken portraits tell a story of how farmers are helping to protect ancient and veteran trees.

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.

Policy paper

The Woodland Trust's approach to managing its estate

The Woodland Trust owns more than 1,000 woods across the UK. This is how we manage them for people and wildlife in the face of climate change and other threats.

PDF  (1.21 MB)

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.

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

Protect ancient woodland

One of the UK’s most important wildlife habitats is disappearing before our eyes.

Press centre

How can we fund new woodland against a backdrop of cuts?

A 41% cut to anything is a big deal. But when it amounts to £32,000,000, it’s a massive deal. That’s the scale of the cut that the 2024-25 Scottish Budget imposes on woodland grants.

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration - recovery of the wider ecosystem

Practical guidance on restoring the wider woodland ecosystem, transforming plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) through gradual and more rapid approaches, managing young stands, and operational considerations and constraints.

PDF  (4.76 MB)

Protecting trees and woods

Restoring ancient woodland

Ancient woodland restoration encourages these precious habitats to recover and reverse years of decline. Find out why it's important and what's involved.

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.

Plant trees

MOREwoods site plan guide

For us to consider your project we need an initial indication of the area(s) you are considering planting.

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.

About us

Croft Woodlands

Growing trees in the north and west of Scotland presents both unique challenges and benefits. Our Croft Woodlands advisory team helps crofters, smallholders and common grazings to create and manage woodlands that will flourish.

Trees woods and wildlife

Yew

Ancient, morbid, toxic. The yew is one of the longest-lived native species in Europe. This has made it a symbol of death and doom, but it provides food and shelter for woodland animals.

Plant trees

MOREhedges site plan guide

For us to consider your project we need an initial indication of the area(s) where you are considering planting hedgerows.

Plant trees

Woodland Carbon

Get paid for planting new woodland for areas of over 5 hectares with our Woodland Carbon scheme. Your new woodland will be assessed for its carbon-locking potential and you'll be paid in Woodland Carbon Units with associated costs covered, too.

Support us

Become a member

There's no better way to protect the trees we all need than by becoming a member of the Woodland Trust.

Policy paper

Funding nature recovery in England

Creating a healthy, resilient natural environment will require billions of pounds of investment. We outline what needs to happen to fund nature recovery in England.

PDF  (1.64 MB)

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Cedar

Stately, aromatic, gigantic. Find out more about one of the most majestic of all planted trees.

Protecting trees and woods

Our work with The Climate Coalition

We're an active member of The Climate Coalition, a group of over 100 organisations dedicated to limiting the impact of climate change on the people, places and life we love.

Support us

Get involved

You can help in lots of ways, indoors and out. Make a difference for woods and trees, now and for the future.

Trees woods and wildlife

Alder buckthorn

A reputation for causing a bang. Alder buckthorn is used to make gunpowder, pigments and dyes. It’s a beloved plant of the brimstone butterfly.

About us

Saving Scotland's rainforest

We're working to ensure Scotland’s rainforests thrive once again. As part of the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest, we're on a mission to protect and enhance this globally important habitat for the special wildlife that depends upon it.

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

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.

Support us

First World War Centenary Woods

One hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War, we marked the anniversary with one of our most ambitious planting projects to date. 

Support us

Donate your Nectar points

Fight climate change with 5,000 points to lock up around a tonne of carbon, or help grow the woods of the future with 2,000 to plant a tree.

Support us

Ben Shieldaig appeal, West Highlands

This breathtaking slice of Caledonian pine forest – part of Scotland's rainforest and our first ever mountain – now has a bright future.

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.

About us

The Northern Forest

The North of England has significantly less woodland cover than the rest of the country, but not for much longer. With our partners we are planting 50 million trees and transforming the landscape of northern England.

Trees woods and wildlife

Beefsteak fungus

Sticky and gruesome, beefsteak is a woodland fungus with the disconcerting appearance of a raw cut of meat. 

Video

Celebrating 20 years of 'Woods on Your Doorstep'

20 years of "Woods on Your Doorstep". Creating woodlands within walking distance of cities, towns, and villages across Northern Ireland. Find out how these natural spaces have benefitted the community.

00:01:10

Trees woods and wildlife

Loch Arkaig osprey cam

Follow the story of our Loch Arkaig ospreys, live from the heart of an ancient Caledonian pine forest. 

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Alder

Swamp-dweller, water-lover. The wood of this tough tree doesn’t rot when waterlogged, instead turning stronger and harder.

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.

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

Support us

Woodland Trust youth council

Meet the Woodland Trust youth council: a dedicated team of brilliant young volunteers aged 16-25 who are helping shape the future of woods and trees.

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

Willow, white

Silvery leaved, waterside and fenland dweller. White willow feeds and shelters native wildlife and has been a source of natural remedies for centuries.

Protecting trees and woods

The Environment Act 2021

The story of how thousands of people shaped a new law that will determine how the natural world is governed for years to come.

Trees woods and wildlife

Red deer

The majestic monarch of the glen. Our largest land mammal, red deer, are the royalty of UK woodland. 

Press centre

Research shows only 12% of local authorities have an action plan for nature recovery

The Woodland Trust is urging local authorities to declare a nature emergency and take steps to restore severely depleted wildlife and green spaces in their communities.

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.

Protecting trees and woods

Threats to woods and trees

Threats to woodland, wildlife and the wider environment are growing. Our trees and woods face a challenging combination of pressures, from humans, pests and diseases.

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

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

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

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.

Video

Dave Gurnett, mid Wales partner of the Woodland Trust

Dave Gurnett explains how the Woodland Trust has been a good partner and how working with a trusted individual on the ground is important to achieve conservation and nature recovery at scale.

00:01:17

Trees woods and wildlife

Hazel

Catkins resembling lambs tails, and late-summer nuts. Hazel is one of the most useful trees for its bendy stems and as a conservation saviour. And its nuts are loved by people, squirrels and hazel dormice.

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

Apple

Tart, tangy and crisp. The fruit of the apple tree is a firm favourite in the UK. And although they’re not native, we’ve been breeding them for centuries as eaters, cookers and to make cider.

Blog

9 of the UKs rarest animals

Much of our beloved wildlife is in decline. Find out about nine of the rarest species in the UK right now, and what we are doing to help save these precious creatures.

Hannah Vickers  •  15 Apr 2019

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.

Protecting trees and woods

Campaigns news archive

Explore the highlights of our major campaigns and success stories from the last few years.  

Visiting woods

Discover woods in spring

While our woods are a pleasure to visit all year round, the jewel in the crown has got to be spring. Flowers bloom, bringing bursts of colour, and wildlife reawakens, turning the woodland into a hive of activity.