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Trees woods and wildlife

Rook

Raucous relative of the crow. After a day foraging in the fields, rooks head to the trees en masse; a noisy congregation settling down for a good night’s sleep among the branches.

Case study

Improving woodland management in the South Downs

A case study demonstrating the benefits of active forest management, including boosting the local economy and providing an educational resource for communities.

PDF  (384 KB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Bearded tooth fungus

Tufty and beard-like, this rare and legally protected fungus has a reputation for easing dementia.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hemlock, western

Dense and graceful, the western hemlock is a handsome tree with drooping branches of soft needles. Introduced in the 1800s, the tree casts such heavy shade that not much can live beneath it.

Trees woods and wildlife

Slow worm

Legless lizards which are often mistaken for snakes. These sleek and subtle creatures are a common sight in UK woodland.

Protecting trees and woods

Creating a neighbourhood plan

Our tips and resources for sourcing and compiling evidence to support your neighbourhood plan.

Trees woods and wildlife

Scaly male fern

Poised, damp-loving, hardy. The scaly male fern is a tough old specimen that thrives in damp woodland, as well as on open heaths and hillsides.

Press centre

One little word makes a huge difference for Scotland’s dwindling ancient woods

Campaigners are celebrating a major victory as new policy bars developments damaging ancient woods and trees.

Trees woods and wildlife

Great spotted woodpecker

Not afraid to make itself heard. The great spotted woodpecker is equipped with a toolkit that makes it a true woodland specialist. Its strong beak and shock-absorbing skull are perfect for finding food and making its home among the trees.

Trees woods and wildlife

Willow, crack

Scruffy and loud, the crack willow is named after its habit of splitting with cracks and fissures, and how noisy its branches are when they break. It’s one of the largest willows and its leaves are popular with moth caterpillars.