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Protecting trees and woods

How to object to a planning application

If you are opposing a development threat to a wood or tree, you will need to make an objection in writing to the local planning authority.

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

Phytophthora lateralis

A fatal fungus-like species that attacks Lawson cypress, Phytophthora lateralis stops trees from transporting vital nutrients.

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.

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.

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.

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Fundraise as an individual

Set your own challenge, or arrange an event for friends and family to raise money for woods and trees.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brown long-eared bat

Known as the 'whispering' bat for its almost silent echolocation noises, this little bat's huge ears make it an expert woodland insect hunter.

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Have a tree party

Celebrate the UK’s incredible trees and woods with an outdoor party or picnic.

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.

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)

Protecting trees and woods

Advice and support

If you own or manage an ancient wood, we can guide you through the restoration process.

Trees woods and wildlife

Identify trees with our Tree ID app

Download our free Tree ID app for Android and iPhone to identify the UK's native and non-native trees. It's an A-Z tree guide in your pocket.

Journal

Wood Wise – wood pasture restoration and creation

The winter 2012 issue of Wood Wise looks at wood pasture, an ancient and diverse habitat that supports a number of species, veteran trees and grazing animals.

PDF  (4.25 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – conservation grazing in woodland management

The autumn 2012 issue of Wood Wise examines the value of grazing for woodland management, including the impacts difference grazers can have.

PDF  (3.39 MB)

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Get inspired by William Shakespeare

Discover the trees and plants in William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Journal

Wood Wise – EU-exit impacts

The summer 2018 issue of Wood Wise looks at key areas of UK environmental legislation and protection that will be affected by leaving the EU.

PDF  (6.56 MB)

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Campaign with your school

Young people have powerful voices. Encourage students to start an environmental campaign to inspire positive change for trees and woods.

Protecting trees and woods

Report a threat

Have you found a possible threat from development to an ancient wood or tree? Your ear to the ground could be the difference between survival and destruction. Let us know - we could help.

Blog

Ideas for an outdoor birthday party for kids

Plan an outdoor party for kids with our ideas for fun woodland games and activities, nature-themed party bags and animal cakes.

Danielle Wesley  •  15 May 2019

Protecting trees and woods

Don't let Government ditch its environment protection promise

After months of uncertainty about Government’s commitment to protect and restore nature, we still need answers. Abandoning nature is not an option.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Acute oak decline

Our native oaks are under pressure like never before. They are declining at an unprecedented rate due to drought, flooding, pollution, pests and diseases.

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Support an appeal

We safeguard woodland across the UK. But we can’t do this without you. Your support is vital to save woods for future generations, protect the wildlife that calls them home, and restore them to their thriving best.

Support us

Llennyrch appeal, Snowdonia

Unexplored, mysterious and precious. This strip of scarce Celtic rainforest will survive for years to come thanks to an amazing response from our members and supporters.

Visiting woods

Things to do in the woods

Go on an adventure. Get closer to nature. Uncover history. Discover ways to explore the UK's woods whatever the season. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Hedgerows

Small but mighty, hedges are an essential refuge for wildlife, clean our air, capture carbon, reduce flooding and give clues to historic land management. Find out more.

Plant trees

Creating a woodland: planning and design

Growing a wood from scratch is an ambitious undertaking, but thorough planning will put you on the path to success.

Practical guidance

Ancient and veteran trees: An Assessment Guide

This guide describes our approach to conserving veteran trees, wherever they are. Covering a series of steps that you can follow as an adviser, advocate, landowner, or manager.

PDF  (4.82 MB)

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.

Case study

Restoring an ancient woodland in community ownership

A case study on the restoration of Aigas Woods – an ancient woodland owned by the local community which is providing income from the removal of non-native trees.

PDF  (370 KB)

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Daubenton’s bat

A flying mammal with an aquatic edge. These bats are drawn to water, snatching insects from the surface of rivers and lakes.

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

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

Red squirrel

Bouncing bundles of bushy-tailed energy. The flash of a red squirrel leaping from branch to branch is an unforgettable, but increasingly rare sight in the UK’s woods. These charismatic creatures depend on woodland to survive.