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Trees woods and wildlife

Yew

Ancient, morbid, toxic. The yew is one of the longest-lived native species in Europe. This has made it a symbol of death and doom, but it provides food and shelter for woodland animals.

Blog

Rainy day activities for kids: mud kitchens and pies

Don’t get stuck indoors when the weather’s wet. Try our rainy outdoor activities including mud kitchens, mud pies, leaf boats and puddle jumping.

Danielle Wesley  •  01 Apr 2019

Blog

What is lichen? Seven types of lichen found on trees

Lichen can be very visible on branches and bark at this time of year. They can be really difficult to identify, but here are seven common lichens that grow on trees.

Kylie Harrison Mellor  •  24 Apr 2019

Blog

Do conkers keep spiders away? And other conker facts and uses

Do conkers keep spiders away? Do they deter moths? Can you eat conkers? Check out our top six facts and debunked myths.

Rachel Hoskins  •  30 Aug 2019

Blog

How to identify UK owl calls

Heard a screech in the night or a hoot in the woods? One of the UK's five resident owl species could be at large. Learn how to identify owl calls, from tawny owl to barn owl.

Charlotte Varela  •  21 Dec 2023

Blog

Common symptoms of tree pests and diseases

Trees can suffer from pests and diseases at any time, here we explain the most common reasons why your tree could be struggling to thrive and what symptoms to look out for.

Matt Elliot  •  18 Aug 2020

Blog

When are conkers ready? Plus, tips for how to play

Discover the best time to collect conkers and how to prepare them for a conker fight.

Danielle Wesley  •  27 Sep 2021

Plant trees

MOREhedges application guidance

Find out more about the MOREhedges scheme, for hedges over 100 metres with a large tree every six metres.