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Trees woods and wildlife
Elder
Feared by the devil. Favoured by foragers. Find out all you need to know about why elder is the very essence of summer.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Roe deer
Nimble and fleet of foot. The roe is our most widely distributed deer, found in woods across the country. Look out for its white rump flashing as it acrobatically bounds through the trees.
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Blog
Nature scavenger hunts for kids
Discover ideas for nature-based scavenger hunts and add some fun to your family walks in the woods.
Danielle Wesley • 17 Jan 2020
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Support us
Smithills Estate appeal, Bolton
The largest English site we've ever acquired is now being restored to its full glory thanks to your donations.
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Blog
When to pick sloes and how to make sloe gin
It's traditional to make sloe gin in autumn, ready for the coming winter. Here's an easy and delicious recipe for you to try, with our top sloe picking tips. It takes a couple of months to mature, so if you make it soon it'll be ready by Christmas.
Helen Keating • 15 Sep 2020
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Trees woods and wildlife
Song thrush
Famous for smashing open snails and for the sweet song which gives this bird its name. The song thrush was once a common sight in UK woodland, but is sadly in decline.
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Blog
The best elderberry recipes
Make the most of dark, fragrant elderberries while they’re in season. Try our favourite elderberry recipes.
Helen Keating • 28 Sep 2022
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Trees woods and wildlife
Lime, large-leaved
Towering, romantic, sticky. Large-leaved lime is a handsome broadleaf tree that is a rich home for wildlife. Find out more.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Willow, white
Silvery leaved, waterside and fenland dweller. White willow feeds and shelters native wildlife and has been a source of natural remedies for centuries.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Apple
Tart, tangy and crisp. The fruit of the apple tree is a firm favourite in the UK. And although they’re not native, we’ve been breeding them for centuries as eaters, cookers and to make cider.