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Blog
How invasive non-native species threaten our woods
Invasive species impact our environment and wildlife, are costly to the economy, and can even pose a risk to our health. Find out what you can do to help.
Sally Bavin • 05 Oct 2023
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Journal
Wood Wise – invasive species management in woodland habitats
The spring 2013 issue of Wood Wise focuses on invasive species and the threat they pose to the health of our woods, the economy and human health.
PDF (3.64 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – reintroducing lost species
The autumn 2018 issue of Wood Wise looks at the species reintroductions for conservation, focusing on a number of projects happening across the UK.
PDF (2.57 MB)
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Press centre
Rhododendron is destroying our native wildlife
Popular for its pretty flowers, Rhododendron ponticum is an invasive non-native species and is damaging native woods and wildlife.
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Plant trees
Which species to plant
Different trees have different purposes and needs. Choose your species according to the land you have and what you want from your trees.
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Blog
Reintroducing lost species
Species reintroductions are becoming increasingly important in restoring lost parts of an ecosystem. We discuss the issues, considerations and opportunities.
Karen Hornigold • 29 Jan 2019
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Journal
Wood Wise – woodland management for protected species
The summer 2012 issue of Wood Wise looks at how sensitive woodland management is being used to support red squirrels, stag beetles, Scottish wildcats and more.
PDF (3.54 MB)
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Blog
UK moth identification and facts: 12 common species for beginners
There are more than 870 species of large moth in the UK, many of which can be tricky for beginners to tell apart. Get to know some of the UK's most familiar and easily-identified species with our quick guide.
Amy Lewis • 02 Jun 2021
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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.
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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)
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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
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Blog
Hawk-moth caterpillar identification: eight UK species
Hawk-moth caterpillars have one thing in common: they're pretty impressive. Usually large, distinctively marked and with a characteristic horn at the tail end, they're a good group to get to grips with when learning who's who.
Amy Lewis • 21 Jul 2021
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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.
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Policy paper
Reducing rhododendron in Scotland's rainforest
Without action, invasive rhododendron will increasingly dominate Scotland's rainforest. We're asking for a Rainforest Action Fund to tackle the issue.
PDF (7.41 MB)
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Trees woods and wildlife
Ancient woodland
Home to myth and legend, where folk tales began. It fuelled our ancestors and still houses thousands of species. Ancient woodland has grown and adapted with native wildlife, yet what remains only covers 2.5% of the UK.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Dunnock
More than just a little brown job. Dunnocks may not be the most glamorous of birds, but there is more to this species than meets the eye, especially when it comes to mating.
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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
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Trees woods and wildlife
Sika deer
Not as grumpy as it looks, the sika deer’s furrowed brow sets it apart from other deer species. Introduced to the UK in 1860, it is rapidly increasing in numbers.
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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.
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Video
Explore the mysterious world of Britain's rainforests
Take a glimpse into Britain's beautiful and fragile temperate rainforests and discover more about the rare and globally important species that live there.
00:03:47
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Press centre
Secret seed sources sought for Scotland’s wee trees
Woodland conservationists are seeking to flush out secret seed sources for some of the country’s rarest and smallest mountain tree species.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Oak trees and wildlife
Our fantastic oaks support more life than any other UK native tree. Discover which species live and feed on oak, from foxes and fungi to bats and beetles.
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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.
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Blog
UK spider identification: 10 common species
Don't wait until spider season to appreciate these misunderstood creatures. Take a look at our guide to some of the most common spiders in the UK and learn how to identify them.
Charlotte Varela • 30 Oct 2024
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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
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Blog
6 rare moths that depend on UK trees
The UK is home to a number of moths that depend on trees. Explore moth species that you'd be lucky to encounter on a woodland walk.
Julia Lock • 12 Jul 2022
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Blog
British newts: an identification guide
Learn to tell the difference between the UK's three newt species with our quick and easy identification guide.
Amy Lewis • 19 Feb 2020
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Trees woods and wildlife
Soprano pipistrelle bat
The soprano pipistrelle bat is a widespread species that hunts close to water and can be found in woods and gardens.
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Blog
Venomous animals in the UK
From secretive snakes to furry shrews, find out more about the UK’s venomous species that pack a potent punch.
Annabel Kemp • 31 Jul 2024
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Blog
Why are native woods important for biodiversity?
Native woods and trees support an incredible diversity of life. Find out why protecting and creating native woodland is the best way to recover nature and secure the future of our woodland species.
Karen Hornigold • 21 Jul 2020
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Blog
What is habitat fragmentation and what does it mean for our wildlife?
Did you know that habitat fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to wildlife globally? Find out what it means and how it affects UK species like the dormouse.
James Martin • 16 Aug 2018
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Blog
British woodpeckers: identification guide and calls
Learn to tell the difference between Britain's three resident woodpecker species with our quick guide to their appearance, sounds and behaviour.
Amy Lewis • 30 Sept 2021
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Blog
Forest animals: 9 animals adapted to forest life
From scampering squirrels to beautiful butterflies, discover how our woodland species are perfectly adapted to a life among the trees.
Charlotte Varela • 09 May 2019
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Blog
Endangered trees: a guide to 7 rare trees in the UK
A guide to seven threatened tree species with photos and information on where they live, what they look like, conservation efforts and how you can help.
Chris Britt-Searle • 10 Sept 2024
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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.
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Blog
How long do spiders live? And other spider facts
Discover more about spiders like how long they live, how many eyes they have, how big UK species can grow and more.
Rachel Hoskins • 09 Sept 2019
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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.
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Blog
Hawthorn and blackthorn: what’s the difference?
Hawthorn and blackthorn are two of the most easily confused species, so here’s a closer look at their differences to help you tell them apart.
Charlie Mellor • 09 Apr 2019
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Trees woods and wildlife
Phytophthora lateralis
A fatal fungus-like species that attacks Lawson cypress, Phytophthora lateralis stops trees from transporting vital nutrients.
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Blog
What do caterpillars eat?
Ever wondered what caterpillars eat? Find out what five of the most common caterpillar food plants are, and which species eat them.
Charlotte Varela • 01 Jul 2019
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Blog
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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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
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Journal
Wood Wise – open space habitats in woodland
The spring 2012 issue of Wood Wise looks at the importance of open space in woodland and the species that rely on the special conditions they provide.
PDF (4.43 MB)
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Press centre
Survival of rare shrill carder bumblebee given hope in Kent
The survival of one of the UK’s rarest bumblebees – the shrill carder bee – has been boosted as conservation techniques see Woodland Trust site given special “champion status” for the species.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Yorkshire fog grass
Beautiful but unpalatable, Yorkshire fog grass glows a gentle purple in meadows and wasteland alike. It’s not a favourite with livestock, but is eaten by the caterpillars of the small skipper.
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Blog
11 types of day-flying moth in the UK: an identification guide
The UK is home to a number of moths that are active during the day, many of which rival butterflies for colour and beauty. Which species might you encounter on a summer's walk?
Amy Lewis • 23 Apr 2021
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Blog
Which birds migrate? Who you can spot this summer
Swallows, swifts and martins aren’t our only summer migrants – keep your eyes peeled for these species and record your sightings through Nature’s Calendar.
Charlotte Varela • 12 May 2018
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Blog
When do hedgehogs hibernate? And other animals that hibernate
As temperatures start to fall, wildlife turns its attentions to surviving the winter. But where do hedgehogs and other species go in the worst weather?
Charlie Mellor • 18 Sept 2020
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Blog
Helicopter seeds: which trees do they come from?
Four tree species produce ‘helicopter seeds’ in the UK. Find out more with our ID guides, spotting tips and interesting facts.
Charlie Mellor • 30 May 2019
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Blog
Shieldbug identification: 10 common UK shieldbugs
There are a number of shieldbug species in the UK, characterised by their flat, often triangular bodies and distinctive, shield-like shapes on their backs. Learn to tell which is which with our quick and easy guide to some of Britain's most familiar types.
Amy Lewis • 14 May 2021