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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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Long-eared owl

Wise and regal, with an imposing stare and elusive nature. Our most nocturnal owl, with a penchant for recycling other bird’s old nests. It lives in dense woodland and is a skilful hunter.

Trees woods and wildlife

Long-tailed tit

Flying balls of fluff. These tiny woodland dwellers have a strong claim to be considered the UK’s cutest bird.

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 Sep 2019

Blog

8 steps to achieving long-term mindfulness with woods and trees

Explore some woodland activities that you can take part in to gain positive health benefits.

Julia Lock  •  22 Mar 2022

Blog

The oldest tree in the UK: how long do trees live?

Discover the oldest tree in the UK - and the world - and why ancient trees are so important.

Charlie Mellor  •  29 Jan 2024

About us

Our president

Clive Anderson has been our president for more than 10 years, having taken a long interest in the problems facing the natural world and trees in particular.

Trees woods and wildlife

St Mark’s fly

A long-legged fly you can tell the time by – well, the time of year. St Mark’s flies emerge en-masse around 25 April each year.

Trees woods and wildlife

Chestnut, sweet

Introduced by the Romans and a roasted winter treat. These long-lived giants, with their prickly-husks and deeply grooved bark, give us our classic Christmas nut.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mayfly

Known for its short adult life, the mayfly is here for a good time, not a long time. Emerging between May and August, it dances above freshwater rivers and lakes to find a mate.

Press centre

One year to go: a final Programme for Government

With a year to go until the next Scottish Parliament election, Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has announced that he plans to bring forward his Programme for Government.

Plant trees

Managing your new woodland

Woodland management requires long term planning. Learn about the observations and actions needed over a wood’s lifetime.

Blog

6 UK woods for stargazing

Escape light pollution and embrace the night sky to enjoy stargazing at a wood near you. Here are our favourite spots to see stars, plus handy stargazing tips.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  09 Feb 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Hedgehog

Sleepy, cute, truly iconic. These prickly critters rely on hedgerows and woodland edges for food and shelter.

Blog

Alternative charity gifts for Christmas

Our shop offers a huge variety of gifts with something for everyone for Christmas. Here are our top ideas for alternative charity gifts for the festive season.

Charlie Mellor  •  13 Dec 2024

Protecting trees and woods

Protect ancient woodland

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Wild service tree

A true springtime stunner, it’s not so long ago that you could find wild-service fruit at a market. These days it’s rare and hard to find but it’s still a favourite with wildlife like the wood pigeon, whose gut softens its seeds for propagation.

Support us

Dedications

Be it a single tree or an acre of woodland with a personalised bench, your dedication will provide a long-lasting tribute that can be visited time after time – and support local wildlife too.

Trees woods and wildlife

Otter

An elusive carnivore well-suited to land and water. With sweet-smelling spraint and a playful nature, otters are making a comeback. Find out what they eat, where they live and how to spot them.

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.

Blog

Top 10 green gifts for gardeners

Looking for eco-friendly inspiration for your favourite gardening guru or want to encourage a beginner? From windowsill pots to established veg plots, our green gift guide has got you covered.

Charlie Mellor  •  11 Oct 2024

Press centre

Woodland Trust report: £1 billion to save England’s 'forgotten woods and wildlife'

The Woodland Trust has produced and costed a £1 billion five-year plan to rescue nature in England’s threatened ancient woods.

Blog

Autumn trees for your garden: best native trees for seasonal colour

Our guide to the best UK native trees to plant in your garden for a splash of seasonal colour, from fiery foliage to bright, bold berries.

Helen Keating  •  19 Oct 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Why are trees important for biodiversity?

Woodland is home to a wealth of wildlife. If we don't protect what we have left and work to create woodlands of the future, we stand to lose more than just trees.

Blog

Summer holidays: outdoor activities for kids

Discover fun things to do at home and on days out with our outdoor activity guide for the summer holidays. Spot wildlife, try yoga, compete in the forest Olympics and much more.

Danielle Wesley  •  21 Jul 2022

Blog

Wildflowers for bees: how to attract bees to your garden

Wild bees and other pollinators are in decline. But there are things you can do in your garden to help reverse this trend including increasing food and habitat. Includes our top nine bee-friendly wildflowers to plant in your garden.

Helen Keating  •  18 Mar 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Devil’s coach horse beetle

Jet-black with an even darker reputation. The devil’s coach horse has long been associated with sinister forces. In reality, it is only other invertebrates that have cause to fear this voracious predator.

Video

Growing partnerships for impact

partnership video page

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