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Trees woods and wildlife
Elm, wych
Decimated by Dutch elm disease, the sweeping and majestic wych elm is a much rarer sight these days. Its loss goes hand-in-hand with the decline of the elusive white-letter hairstreak butterfly, whose caterpillars rely on elm leaves.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Yew, Irish
A mutant favourite with wildlife, the Irish yew is thought to have developed from the common yew. All Irish yews descended from cuttings of one tree found in County Fermanagh in the 1700s. Nowadays, it provides food and shelter for native animals.
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Blog
What is the difference between butterflies and moths?
When the two look so similar, is there actually a difference between a butterfly and a moth? Find out how to separate the two and discover the truth behind some common myths about moths.
Charlotte Varela • 21 Jul 2023
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Blog
When do hedgehogs hibernate? And other animals that hibernate
As temperatures start to fall, wildlife turns its attentions to surviving the winter. But where do hedgehogs and other species go in the worst weather?
Charlie Mellor • 18 Sep 2020
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Trees woods and wildlife
Crab apple
A symbol of fertility and a forager's delight. Crab apple trees are associated with love and marriage and its small, hard fruits make an exquisite, jewel-coloured jelly.
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Press centre
Groundbreaking scientific research project at Snaizeholme will tackle the impacts of extreme weather
One of the biggest pieces of scientific research ever undertaken in the English uplands will tackle the impacts of extreme weather.
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Press centre
Deer in Scotland: a way forward?
Deer numbers in Scotland have doubled since 1990, posing a growing barrier to woodland creation and restoration.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Peacock
Big. Bold. Beautiful. This stunning showstopper is instantly recognisable, with its captivating azure ‘eyes’ and orange-brown wings. Widespread and common throughout the UK, it is one of our most-loved butterflies.
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Blog
Swifts, swallows and martins: easy ID guide
When swifts, swallows and martins appear you know spring has arrived too! Find how to tell them apart and when to see them with our top identification tips.
Fritha West • 05 May 2022
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Trees woods and wildlife
Hawthorn
Named after the month in which it blooms and a sign that spring is turning to summer. The pale green leaves of this hedgerow staple are often the first to appear in spring, with an explosion of pretty pale-pink blossom in May. It simply teems with wildlife from bugs to birds.