Search our site

Trees woods and wildlife

Phytophthora ramorum

Phytophthora ramorum is a fungal-like organism that causes the death of a wide range of trees and shrubs. The greatest impact so far has been on larch plantations, leading to thousands of hectares of felling around the UK.

Blog

Can you eat conkers? And other conker facts

Learn more about conkers with our fascinating facts. What are they? Can you eat them? And what’s the difference between conkers and chestnuts?

Danielle Wesley  •  25 Sep 2019

Blog

Bracket fungi identification: 10 common UK species for beginners

Bracket fungi, also known as shelf or polypore fungi, grow on both dead and living trees. Here we list some of the UK's more common and easily distinguished types to get to grips with.

Amy Lewis  •  21 Oct 2021

Blog

Best woods near 10 UK cities

Here's our pick of great woods in and around the UK's busiest cities for sanctuary seekers, wildlife watchers, fitness fans and history hounds alike.

Charlie Mellor  •  04 Nov 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Horse chestnut

Spiky cases, gleaming seeds, celebrated by children. Horse chestnuts, with their mahogany-bright conkers, are the very essence of autumn.

Trees woods and wildlife

Whitebeam, Arran

Rare, rugged, isolated. Arran whitebeam is one of the rarest and most endangered trees in the world. It is a hybrid of rowan and rock whitebeam which has stayed on the Isle of Arran since the last glaciers were formed.

Trees woods and wildlife

Whitebeam

Charming and domestic, the whitebeam’s fruit is a favourite of garden birds. It’s rarely found in the wild but is a popular ornamental tree in parks and gardens, with lovely blossom and russet autumn leaves.