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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.

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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

Event

Woodland creation and management guided walk at Heartwood Forest

Discover the story of Heartwood Forest from beginning to now, 18 years since we started planting and restoring this thriving woodland.

Sat 11 Jul 2026  •  Heartwood Forest, Sandridge

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

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)

Blog

British trees and shrubs to plant: 14 native garden trees

British trees pack a big punch in your garden. Make space for one or two you’ll have year-round interest and be supporting wildlife too. Here's our top 14 native trees to plant in your garden.

Helen Keating  •  08 Nov 2021

Press centre

11 weird and wonderful wildlife of our rainforests

From a stinky fish-smelling lichen to one which looks like a dragon’s skin, to the world’s largest slug with the strangest mating ritual – the weird and wonderful wildlife of our rainforests.

Blog

10 best trees to attract birds and other wildlife

Native trees offer birds and other animals vital food and shelter all year round. Boost biodiversity with our top 10 trees suited to small gardens and larger spaces.

Charlie Mellor  •  02 May 2023

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

Blog

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

Press centre

Commercial and conservation sectors condemn Forest Grant Scheme cuts

Enormous cuts to the woodland grant budget will torpedo Scotland’s chances of meeting climate and nature targets.

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

Press centre

Young people's climate anxiety is soaring due to lack of access to green space

One in three young people in Britain are scared (33%), sad (34%) or pessimistic (34%) about climate change, with 28% feeling “overwhelmed”, according to a YouGov poll.

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Tanio Arloesedd: her cadwraeth

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

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Membership terms and conditions

When you become a member of the Woodland Trust, you accept the terms and conditions set out here.

Plant trees

Woodland Carbon

Get paid for planting new woodland for areas of over 5 hectares with our Woodland Carbon scheme. Your new woodland will be assessed for its carbon-locking potential and you'll be paid in Woodland Carbon Units with associated costs covered, too.

Terms and conditions

Website terms and conditions

Website terms and conditions

About us

Reconnecting Grantham to its historic landscape

We've worked with the National Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to link Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount, the eastern part of the Belton House estate. The project has united accessible green space on the edge of Grantham to help more people experience nature on their doorstep.

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.

Press centre

Farming with trees is key to net zero, new research shows

A new Woodland Trust report shows how increasing agroforestry – farming with trees - in England is essential to meet nature and climate targets

Press centre

Coedwigoedd a choed Cymru 'dan fygythiad difrifol' yn ol adroddiad newydd 

Mae adroddiad newydd gan y Woodland Trust yn darparu tystiolaeth o ganlyniadau peri-fygythiol niferus i goedwigoedd a choed ledled y DU.

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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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Arkaig ospreys: your questions answered

We answer your questions about our Loch Arkaig ospreys, the nest cameras and their forest home.

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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.

Blog

SSSI definition: what is it and what does it mean for conservation and development?

A Site of Special Scientific Interest is a formal conservation designation. Learn how they are determined, why we have them and where to see them in the UK.

Laura Cottam  •  01 Mar 2019

Plant trees

East Anglia tree giveaway: terms and conditions

East Anglia tree giveaway: terms and conditions

Plant trees

South West tree giveaway: terms and conditions

South West tree giveaway: terms and conditions

Plant trees

Leicestershire tree giveaway: terms and conditions

Leicestershire tree giveaway: terms and conditions

About us

Our ambassadors

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

Privacy policy

Supporters – children and young people

This is our privacy policy made especially for children and young people. If you’re under 12, it’s a good idea to read this with a parent, carer or another adult you trust. 

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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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak, Turkey

A pretender to the throne, the Turkey oak was introduced to the UK in the 1700s and is now impacting our native oak populations. It’s less valuable to wildlife, but much faster growing and a host of the knopper oak gall wasp.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine marten reintroduction: how we're helping and where to find them

Once persecuted to extinction, find out how we're helping pine martens make a welcome return to the UK's woods.

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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. 

About us

Our trustees

We, like every other UK charity, are governed by a group of trustees who make up the Board. Learn more about them and their work with the Trust.

Press centre

Over 40% of new road schemes across England impact irreplaceable ancient woods 

With 43% of major new road schemes across England causing huge damage to both ancient woodland and veteran trees, planned changes to the Government’s transport policy don’t go nearly far enough.

Video

Suzie Harvey - volunteer Tree Charter social media champion

Find out more about Suzie's volunteering and why she was nominated for an award.

00:02:39

Press centre

Northern Ireland must increase tree planting urgently

The State of Woods and Trees 2025: Northern Ireland report reveals that Northern Ireland not only has the lowest woodland cover in the UK and Ireland, but is also failing to meet its own tree planting targets.

About us

Strong Roots: Growing British Tree Nurseries

To meet future planting targets, we need a thriving tree production sector. The Strong Roots project explored the challenges and opportunities and made recommendations to boost tree production in the UK.

Press centre

Crunch time for trees as petition calling for new protection laws is handed in

A petition calling for stronger laws to protect iconic trees has been handed to the government, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has confirmed.

Video

Sibsey Wood volunteers

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

00:02:07

Press centre

Politicians plant six millionth tree of the Northern Forest

A host of dignitaries joined together to plant the six millionth tree of the Northern Forest, marking five years since the start of the ambitious project to link up Liverpool and Hull with trees.

Blog

Common UK ladybird identification and facts

There are 26 types of ladybird in the UK, many of which can be spotted in gardens and woodland. Learn to tell who's who with our quick and easy guide to the some of the most commonly encountered species.

Amy Lewis  •  31 Mar 2021

Press centre

300,000 households given new access to nature, new study of Northern Forest shows

More than 300,000 households have been given access to nature they previously didn’t have, a new Northern Forest study shows.

Press centre

New report reveals serious threat to Welsh woods and trees

A Woodland Trust report provides evidence of multiple threats that pose catastrophic consequences for woods and trees across the UK.

Press centre

Tree equity map shows less affluent areas have less tree cover

People in less affluent areas have lower levels of tree cover and a higher risk of health problems from poor air quality, new online tree equity map reveals.

Blog

Our Forgotten Forests Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026

Our garden will have visual impact as well as a crucial message about the urgent need to protect and restore our precious ancient woods. Discover what the garden will look like, the story behind it and how you can get involved.

Ashleigh Aylett  •  05 Jan 2026

Press centre

DAERA's Forests for our Future programme fails to meet planting targets for Northern Ireland

At the programme’s halfway point, less than a quarter of new woodland have been created – well below the level required to meet the target.

Press centre

Bugs on planes: volunteers hunt for new insect threat to iconic trees

Hardy volunteers are scouring trees across the UK in search of a hitchhiking bug that has made its way to our shores.

Press centre

Woodland Trust expresses shock at London ancient oak tree felling

Police are looking into the mysterious felling of one of London’s largest and most significant ancient trees at Whitewebbs Park in Enfield.

Blog

9 rare and beautiful wild UK orchids

Orchids are some of the most beautiful and unique wild plants you'll see in the UK. They are rare but well worth finding if you are up for the challenge.

Laura Cottam  •  29 May 2019

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Terms and conditions

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

Blog

Broadleaf autumn issue: it packs a crunch!

The latest Broadleaf is full of surprises, as we travel from the busy streets of Belfast to the remote foothills of Ben Nevis in search of inspiring stories about trees.

Vincent Crump  •  22 Sept 2025

Blog

Foraging in October: berries and nuts to find this autumn

Discover our top foraging finds for October with tips on where to find the best wild foods, when and how to use them.

Rory Morrow  •  06 Oct 2025

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.

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.

Blog

House mouse or field mouse? Easy guide to types of UK mice, voles, rats and shrews

Are you curious about what mouse or vole you saw in your garden or out on a walk? Or did your cat bring one in and you wondered what it was? Here's a quick guide to the more common mice, voles, rats and shrews of the UK.

Helen Keating  •  28 Mar 2022

Protecting trees and woods

Campaigns news

Discover the latest challenges and successes for woods and trees and find out how you can make a difference.

Support us

Individual fundraising terms and conditions

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

Protecting trees and woods

All-Party Parliamentary Group for Woods and Trees

The APPG meets several times a year to discuss steps to protect, restore and expand woods and trees in a time of climate and nature crises.  

Visiting woods

Spring's vital signs report 2025 

Find out about how frogspawn, blackthorn and song thrush are affected by a changing climate. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Great spruce bark beetle

The great spruce bark beetle damages spruce trees by tunnelling into the bark. This pest was accidentally introduced into the UK in 1982 and now has become established in Western England, Wales and Southern Scotland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hazel dormouse

Sleepy, charming, undeniably cute. This minute mammal needs trees to survive and is seriously endangered.

Privacy policy

Volunteers

The privacy policy applies to applicants for volunteer roles, current and former volunteers, about whom we collect, store and use personal information.

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.