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Trees woods and wildlife
Apple
Tart, tangy and crisp. The fruit of the apple tree is a firm favourite in the UK. And although they’re not native, we’ve been breeding them for centuries as eaters, cookers and to make cider.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Elm, English
Once growing to lofty heights, the elegant English elm used to dominate the landscape. Now this ancient symbol of melancholy and death is a rare sight, having been decimated by Dutch elm disease.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Alder buckthorn
A reputation for causing a bang. Alder buckthorn is used to make gunpowder, pigments and dyes. It’s a beloved plant of the brimstone butterfly.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Horse chestnut
Spiky cases, gleaming seeds, celebrated by children. Horse chestnuts, with their mahogany-bright conkers, are the very essence of autumn.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Lime, large-leaved
Towering, romantic, sticky. Large-leaved lime is a handsome broadleaf tree that is a rich home for wildlife. Find out more.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Rowan
Bane of witches, diviner of the future and producer of jam, rowan is an elegant tree with a mystical history. Its leaves and berries are a favourite for wildlife in woods and towns alike.
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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.
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Blog
12 rare wild flowers in the UK's woods
Woodlands are home to some of the UK's rarest wild flowers. From parasitic plants to alluring orchids, discover 12 rare woodland flowers and what makes them so uncommon.
Charlotte Varela • 13 May 2025
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Trees woods and wildlife
Sparrowhawk
With brilliant yellow eyes and long yellow talons, this small yet skilful predator swoops down to ambush its prey unawares. Strongly reliant on woodland, the sparrowhawk has been threatened in the past but is currently widespread throughout the UK.
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Blog
Feeding wild birds: what, how, when and why
Find out when and what to feed garden birds and welcome wildlife to your garden, yard or windowsill whatever the season.
Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter • 29 Apr 2025