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Trees woods and wildlife

Bluebell

Enchanting and iconic, bluebells are a favourite with the fairies and a sure sign spring is in full swing. The violet glow of a bluebell wood is an incredible wildflower spectacle. 

Visiting woods

Best bluebell woods

See a stunning sea of blue this spring. Discover our best woods for bluebells.

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Visit the Woodland Trust's bluebell woods in full bloom

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland wants to welcome visitors to sites throughout the region to enjoy the spectacular springtime sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland.

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When do bluebells flower?

Mark your calendars! Find out when bluebells flower, plus more bluebell facts including where to see them, what they smell like and how they're protected.

Lorienne Whittle  •  21 Mar 2022

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Are bluebells poisonous? And more bluebell facts

Find out all about bluebells, including if they’re poisonous, when to see them and lots of other bluebell facts. 

Hannah Vickers  •  06 Apr 2020

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How to grow native bluebells in your garden

Why not try growing bluebells in your garden? Here are six good reasons why, along with our top bluebell growing tips.

Kate Lewthwaite  •  28 Mar 2019

Visiting woods

Bluebell woods in Northern Ireland

Indulge in some quiet time and visit one of Northern Ireland's most stunning bluebell woods this spring.  

Visiting woods

Bluebell woods in Wales

Lose yourself in a sea of colour this spring in one of Wales' most beautiful bluebell woods.

Visiting woods

Bluebell woods in England

Take some time away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a tranquil springtime walk through one of England's most beautiful bluebell woods.

Visiting woods

Bluebell woods in Scotland

Explore the wild this spring and discover some of Scotland's most stunning bluebell woods.  

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Starling murmurations: what they are and where to see

They're one of the wonders of the natural world, and they're often right on our doorstep. Find a flock of sky-dancing starlings to watch for yourself this autumn.

Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter  •  16 Dec 2024

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The Northern Forest

Watch our video on the Northern Forest and find out all the benefits this planting project will bring.

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Torriano Primary School tackles climate change with Lauren Child

Watch the London school plant free trees with Charlie and Lola author, Lauren Child, to make a change for the better.

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How to plant a hedge

Watch our simple guide to creating a new hedge, from marking out to planting and protecting your young saplings. 

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Visiting woods

Discover woods in summer

Lush green landscapes, glorious sunshine, rainbows of wildflowers – a visit to the woods in summer time is not to be missed. The days are long and the nights are short, so make the most of the woods in the daylight, smell the flowers, watch wildlife or even enjoy a picnic.

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Woodland Carbon planting scheme: overview

Watch our film to find out more about our groundbreaking woodland carbon scheme, the support we provide and the far-reaching benefits for both you and the planet.

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Unboxing your trees

Watch our unboxing video to see what will arrive when you order trees from our shop. All saplings are delivered for free, carefully packed and ready to plant.

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5 spring flower crafts for kids

Take a look at 5 fantastic spring flower crafts that kids will love, including tissue paper bluebells and finger-painted blossom.

Hannah Vickers  •  19 May 2021

Visiting woods

Discover woods in spring

While our woods are a pleasure to visit all year round, the jewel in the crown has got to be spring. Flowers bloom, bringing bursts of colour, and wildlife reawakens, turning the woodland into a hive of activity.

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Lionel Knobbs - volunteer warden

Find out more about Lionel's volunteering role and why he was nominated for an award.

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Bishop's Knoll Wood volunteers

Find out more about Bishop's Knoll Wood's volunteer group and why they were nominated for an award.

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David Griffith - volunteer Observatree tree health surveyor

Find out more about David's volunteering and why he was nominated for an award.

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Support us

Meet some of our volunteers

Find out more about the roles of some of our volunteer award winners and nominees from the last few years.

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Where and when to see snowdrops

Snowdrops are a symbol of hope and a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way. Find out when to see them and the best places to look for them.

Judith Garforth  •  04 Jan 2022

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First signs of spring in nature

Spring is a glorious time in nature with new leaves, bright blooms and thriving wildlife. But when does spring really start and what are the key signs to look for?

Charlie Mellor  •  19 Feb 2021

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11 waterfall walks to visit in our woods

From gently tumbling streams to powerful cascades, waterfalls are mesmerising. Check out the best waterfall walks in and around our woods across the UK.

Charlie Mellor  •  15 Jan 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Red campion

These flashy woodland guardians have strong links to myths and mysticism. They are favourites of plenty of woodland insects – and fairies – and bloom a cheerful pink soon after the bluebell has finished flowering.

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7 amazing woodland wildlife walks in Scotland

From otters and ospreys to fascinating fungi and flowers, Scotland's wildlife and scenery are spectacular. Check out 7 of our favourite woods for wildlife walks.

Charlie Mellor  •  15 Jul 2022

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Best woods near 10 UK cities

Here's our pick of great woods in and around the UK's busiest cities for sanctuary seekers, wildlife watchers, fitness fans and history hounds alike.

Charlie Mellor  •  04 Nov 2021

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10 eco-friendly gifts for under £10

On a budget this Christmas? We’ve handpicked 10 affordable eco-friendly gifts that show you care for your loved ones and the environment too.

Charlie Mellor  •  23 Oct 2024

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How to attract butterflies to your garden

Learn how to encourage butterflies into your garden with butterfly-friendly plants, butterfly feeders and more.

Danielle Wesley  •  13 Mar 2020

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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

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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

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8 enchanting rainforests to explore in the UK

UK rainforests are even rarer than their tropical counterparts, and just as beautiful. Brimming with wildlife, entwined with local history and overflowing with magic, here are eight of the best to explore.

Charlotte Varela  •  12 Mar 2025

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How to make a fairy door and more magical ideas

Learn how to make a fairy door with your kids, plus more enchanting forest ideas such as magic wands, woodland potions and fairy tea parties.

Danielle Wesley  •  22 Apr 2019

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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

Trees woods and wildlife

Peacock

Big. Bold. Beautiful. This stunning showstopper is instantly recognisable, with its captivating azure ‘eyes’ and orange-brown wings. Widespread and common throughout the UK, it is one of our most-loved butterflies.

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Winter wildlife watching: what, where and when to spot

The winter weather might be frightful, but nature is always delightful. Here are our top tips on what wildlife to look out for, where and when on your winter walks.

Rory Morrow  •  13 Jan 2025