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Trees woods and wildlife

Lynx

These solitary, stealthy hunters are currently extinct in the UK, but some advocates of rewilding would like to see them return.

Blog

Giant hogweed: the facts

How common is giant hogweed in the UK and is it really that dangerous? We've distilled the facts to give you the low-down on giant hogweed.

Helen Keating  •  29 Jun 2022

Blog

Ancient yew trees: the UK's oldest yews

Often associated with immortality, a yew tree can live for thousands of years. Here are some of the oldest yews in the UK.

Rory Morrow  •  27 Aug 2025

Trees woods and wildlife

Shaggy parasol

Elegant and shabby-chic. Good to eat – unless you’re one of the one in 25 people whose stomach can’t tolerate it.

Trees woods and wildlife

Cowslip

Simple yet lovely, cowslips are synonymous with spring and Easter. Find them in woods and meadows during springtime.

Trees woods and wildlife

Early purple orchid

One of the first orchids to arrive during spring, the early purple orchid is a sight to behold.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hard fern

An evergreen beauty with not one, but two types of frond. Its medicinal qualities have helped treat ailments for centuries, while its leaves have been used to subdue hunger and thirst.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hart's tongue fern

Exotic looking and incredibly useful. The hart’s tongue fern is the only native fern that hasn’t got divided leaves. Spot it in damp, shady areas woodland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Fir, Douglas

A fragrant home for wildlife, the Douglas fir isn’t just for Christmas. First introduced in the 1800s, it’s been a valuable timber source and provided homes for the likes of red squirrels and pine martens.