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Trees woods and wildlife

Bats

The UK is home to 18 species of bat. The only mammals that can fly, they also sleep upside down, navigate by echolocation and find food and shelter in woods and trees.

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

Why bats need woods and trees

The UK is home to 18 species of bats, all of which are protected by law. This protection extends to their breeding and resting places. Hedgerows, tree lines and watercourses are important to the roosting, foraging and navigation needs of bats.   

Practical guidance

Tree species handbook

Our guide to choosing the best tree species when creating new woodland, with profiles of 50 tree and shrub species and 18 woodland communities.

PDF  (13.70 MB)

Terms and conditions

Website terms and conditions

Website terms and conditions

Blog

Winter picnics: hot food ideas and recipes

Keep warm on a winter picnic with our recipes and food ideas, including mulled apple juice, hot dogs, chilli pitta pockets and jacket potatoes.

Danielle Wesley  •  05 Jan 2023

Trees woods and wildlife

Early purple orchid

One of the first orchids to arrive during spring, the early purple orchid is a sight to behold.

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.

Visiting woods

Discover woods in winter

See a different side to the woods. Wrap up warm for a walk amongst impressive icicles, frosted landscapes and glorious sunsets. Follow tantalising animal tracks in the snow and cosy up on a bench with a flask of something hot.

Blog

Farm diversification: ideas, grants and examples

In these days of pressurised farm incomes, trees and woods may offer a number of ways to help diversify farm income streams and bring cost savings too.

John Tucker  •  23 Jan 2018

Blog

30 baby names inspired by trees and woods

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

Danielle Wesley  •  09 Apr 2024

Blog

10 ways to help wildlife in spring

We can all make a difference for wildlife this season, from a single simple action to an ongoing commitment, at home or further afield. Read our ten top tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  01 Mar 2023

Support us

Tanio Arloesedd: her cadwraeth

Poeni am gadwraeth? Rydym yn chwilio am syniadau disgleiriaf y DU gan feddyliau ifanc.

About us

Our ambassadors

Our ambassadors help us stand up for trees. Find out all about them.

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Terms and conditions

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Goldcrest

A tiny bird with a big hairdo. The goldcrest is our smallest bird species, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in colour.

Blog

When to cut grass after winter

Are you unsure when to start cutting your lawn again after winter? Learn which factors affect your lawn, when to cut it and how this varies across the UK.

Lorienne Whittle  •  01 Feb 2022

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. 

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.

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Igniting Innovation: conservation challenge

We want to see young minds bring innovative conservation ideas to life. Start your journey to make your mark on climate change and the health of people, woods and wildlife.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hooded crow

A striking scavenger with a taste for carrion. The hooded crow was once considered to be the same species as the carrion crow, but is now recognised separately.

Plant trees

Rugby club plants for riverside wildlife

When trees were lost in stormy weather, South Wales' Blackwood RFC applied for a community tree pack to restore the wildlife habitat, soil stability and beauty that had been washed downriver.

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Individual fundraising terms and conditions

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

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Brynau Farm appeal, Neath

We’re helping the incredible ancient woodland at Brynau Farm to flourish, and we now have the chance to more than double the size of this site. Help us secure Cefn Morfudd to create a peaceful oasis for native wildlife. 

Press centre

High Alert installation takes public art into the woods

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is hosting a public art exhibition by Rob Hilken at three of its sites in August and September.

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Apêl Coed Brynau, Castell-nedd

Rydyn ni gam ar y blaen i adfer coetir hynafol a gwerthfawr Fferm Brynau. Erbyn hyn, mae gennym ni gyfle i fwy na dyblu maint y safle hwn. Helpwch ni i brynu Cefn Morfudd ac ehangu’r hafan dawel hon ar gyfer bywyd gwyllt brodorol.

About us

Scotland

Scotland's woodland heritage is vast and varied, from the rugged Caledonian pinewoods to the rare and fragile temperate rainforests. We work to protect, restore, and create woods for wildlife and people.

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Have a flutter

Play our raffle to be in with a chance to win a cash prize - all while supporting our work for woods and trees.

Video

Sibsey Wood volunteers

Find out more about the Sibsey Wood volunteers and why they were nominated for an award.

00:02:07

Blog

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Elm zig-zag sawfly

The newest threat to our already damaged elm populations, the larvae of the elm zig-zag sawfly can defoliate whole trees.