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Trees woods and wildlife

Oriental chestnut gall wasp

This newly introduced pest is the only organism to produce galls on sweet chestnuts. If numbers grow, it could have a serious impact on our historic trees.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mammals

Explore UK mammals and get our tips on how to identify them, where to see them and why they're important.

Trees woods and wildlife

Fungi and lichens

A dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colours. Find out about fungi and lichens, from ancient taboos to magic and medicine. 

Blog

How to make a butterfly house: a step by step guide

Follow our easy guide to make your own butterfly house! It doesn't take long and supports your local pollinators.

Rachel Hoskins  •  12 Jul 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Dog rose

A familiar, scrambling beauty that adorns hedgerows with its pale pink flowers. Dog rose clasps on to other shrubs with curved spines to grow.

Trees woods and wildlife

Greater butterfly-orchid

Tall and glowing, the greater butterfly-orchid sways over unimproved grasslands and open woods. Though not so sweet-smelling as its lesser relative, keep a nose out for it in the early evening when it is at its most pungent.

Trees woods and wildlife

Primrose

Primroses are a cheerful sign of spring. They are one of the first woodland blooms and an important nectar source for butterflies. Look out for their friendly yellow in woodland clearings.

Video

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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