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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

Oyster mushroom

Carnivorous and oyster-like in appearance, these large, fleshy mushrooms are common throughout the UK's woodlands. They have a signature fan-shaped cap and are edible with a slight odour similar to aniseed.

Trees woods and wildlife

Penny bun

Weighty, fat and delicious with a cap like a crusty, well-baked bun. Penny buns, or ceps, are prized for their taste and benefits to woodland, tree and human health.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wood blewit

Pastel-toned and edible with a magical twist. Wood blewit has a blue to violet-tinged cap and gills when young, with pale pink spores. It sometimes grows in circles called ‘fairy rings’, which can appear overnight and were once thought to indicate that magic was at work.

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Resources and activities for schools

All of our KS1, KS2 and KS3 resources can be found in Tree Tools for Schools – our online learning hub. Tried and tested by teachers, these activities include tree planting, wildlife identification, nature crafts and lots more.

Press centre

Tree equity map shows less affluent areas have less tree cover

People in less affluent areas have lower levels of tree cover and a higher risk of health problems from poor air quality, new online tree equity map reveals.

Blog

What is a Root Protection Area and what does it mean?

Healthy and adequate rooting space is essential for trees to thrive. How does a root protection area help, how is it calculated and who needs to use it?

Emma Gilmartin  •  06 Apr 2021

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

Oakbug milkcap

Stinky and unimpressive. Oakbug milkcap is a dull-looking fungus that is easily missed in woodland among its more spectacular cousins. It is edible, though is not to everyone’s taste, and is said to have an oily smell, similar to bed bugs. Yum.

Blog

Poisonous mushrooms: 8 most dangerous UK mushrooms

Your guide to 8 of the most poisonous mushrooms in the UK, including the terrifyingly named deathcap, destroying angel and funeral bell. Find out where they grow, how to identify them and why you should steer clear!

Hanako Shimada  •  19 Feb 2025

Trees woods and wildlife

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

Brown roll-rim

The brown roll-rim might look innocent enough, but it’s a deadly fungus of birch woodland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common inkcap

Sticky and useful, inkcaps were used as a source of ink for important documents to guard against forgeries.

Trees woods and wildlife

Porcelain fungus

A glistening white, translucent beauty which fights off its rivals with its own fungicide. It is associated with beech trees and is edible – but only once the off-putting mucus is washed off.

Practical guidance

Practical guidance on restoring your ancient woodland

An introductory summary of training modules by the Woodland Trust for restoring ancient woodland.

PDF  (582 KB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Charcoal burner

Crumbly, tasty and ruddy, the charcoal burner is a favourite with chefs.

Blog

Foraging in October: which wild mushrooms can you eat?

Explore the world of foraging with these top wild fungi picking and cooking tips. Here are five edible fungi that are easy to identify.

Helen Keating  •  29 Oct 2018

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How to pay in funds raised

Finished your fundraising and ready to send in what you've raised? Find out how to get it to us.

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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

Trees woods and wildlife

Stinkhorn

Pungent and a little indecent, some Victorians were so embarrassed by these fungi that they would attack them with cudgels lest any impressionable young ladies might see them.

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Collect Nectar points with Woodland Trust membership

Collect up to 20,000 Nectar points when you join the Woodland Trust. And if you're already a member, you can also get bonus points when you buy woodland products at Sainsbury's. Link up your membership to start collecting.  

Trees woods and wildlife

Morel

Highly prized and easily recognised, the morel is a favourite edible mushroom. It has a strong, nutty flavour and a pleasant, earthy smell and grows in a variety of habitats, including well-drained woodland. But beware, it is poisonous when raw.

Blog

How to attract bullfinches to your garden

Have you always wanted to see a bullfinch in your garden? Learn how to increase your chances of attracting these beautiful but shy birds.

James Martin  •  18 Feb 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Blue tit

The blue tit might be famed for its bright, bold plumage, but it’s much more than just a pretty face. Spot it performing acrobatic displays while on the hunt for juicy caterpillars.

Trees woods and wildlife

Shaggy parasol

Elegant and shabby-chic. Good to eat – unless you’re one of the one in 25 people whose stomach can’t tolerate it.

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Complete our school survey

Teacher feedback helps us improve our resources and projects for schools, so tell us what you think.

Video

Suzie Harvey - volunteer Tree Charter social media champion

Find out more about Suzie's volunteering and why she was nominated for an award.

00:02:39

Press centre

Campaign launched to support next generation of lone trees

Woodland Trust Scotland has launched a campaign to raise the next generation of lone trees and micro woods on farms and crofts.

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Fundraising FAQs

Advice on fundraising for the Woodland Trust, getting your money to us, and on how we spend your money.

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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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Chanterelle

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

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Our commitment to safeguarding

Keeping everyone safe is our top priority. That's why we follow the highest standards of good practice and have clear policies in place to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults whenever we work together.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Scarlet elf cup

Mystical and cheery, the scarlet elf cup grows on decaying sticks and branches in damp spots and beneath leaf litter on the woodland floor. Their bright pops of colour brighten up even the darkest winter day.

Trees woods and wildlife

Chaffinch

Colourful characters. The chaffinch is one of our most common birds, but that doesn’t detract from its beauty.