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Trees woods and wildlife

Bristle mosses

Bristly, spongy, and very sensitive to pollution, the bristle mosses are true tree lovers. Whereas most woodland mosses grow on the ground, look for these on tree trunks, branches and twigs.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hazel

Catkins resembling lambs tails, and late-summer nuts. Hazel is one of the most useful trees for its bendy stems and as a conservation saviour. And its nuts are loved by people, squirrels and hazel dormice.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak, red

Fiery, fast and spiked, the red oak is a fast-growing tree native to North America. It is often planted as an ornamental tree for its flaming autumn colour. Although it isn’t as valuable to wildlife as our native oaks, it’s popular with nesting birds and pollinators.

Trees woods and wildlife

Dutch elm disease

This now infamous tree disease has killed millions of elm trees in the UK over the last 50 years. It’s changed parts of our landscape forever and it’s still spreading north.

Video

A new wood full of potential for business and nature

In 2021, Chelsea Wills and Phil Johncock planted a spectacular six-acre nature reserve above Lee Bay, North Devon with MOREwoods. Just three years later, they're holding woodland yoga sessions and have plans to coppice trees for their artisan woodworking business.

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Practical guidance

Integrating trees on farms and crofts in Scotland

It's time to manage land in a way that addresses ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agroforestry and woodland expansion projects in Scotland are key for integrating tree cover and agricultural land to complement farming systems, including crofting. 

PDF  (1.38 MB)

Press centre

Could Glasgow’s ‘defiant giant’ be crowned European Tree of the Year?

The Argyle Street Ash, which topped the Woodland Trust’s UK Tree of the Year competition, is now in the running for the European title – and it needs your vote.

Trees woods and wildlife

Horse chestnut bleeding canker

Huge horse chestnut trees are icons in our parks and gardens, but they are under threat from two invaders: a bacterium and a leaf miner.

Visiting woods

Mourne Park

Thanks to your generous support, Mourne Park’s gates are open to all. Experience the wonder of Northern Ireland’s ancient woodlands, with scenic views, trails and rich wildlife waiting to be discovered. We invite you to be part of its story.