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Protecting trees and woods
Kent quarry extension is one of the biggest threats of the 21st century
Having destroyed 32ha of ancient wood in 2013, new quarry plans threaten at least another 50ha.
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Protecting trees and woods
Threats to woods and trees
Threats to woodland, wildlife and the wider environment are growing. Our trees and woods face a challenging combination of pressures, from humans, pests and diseases.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Primrose
Primroses are a cheerful sign of spring. They are one of the first woodland blooms and an important nectar source for butterflies. Look out for their friendly yellow in woodland clearings.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Deadly nightshade
Attractive, psychoactive, dangerous. Found in scrub and woodland, the deadly nightshade lives up to its name. Though highly poisonous, it feeds woodland animals and even has medicinal properties.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Silver-washed fritillary
These flashy butterflies are strong fliers with a flair for the dramatic. Spot the silver-washed fritillary charging through the air along woodland rides in search of a mate, or the caterpillars munching on their favourite flowers: violets.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Cowslip
Simple yet lovely, cowslips are synonymous with spring and Easter. Find them in woods and meadows during springtime.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Orange-tip
Subtle, delicate and well-disguised – that is until the male flashes a splash of bright orange. Orange-tips are a butterfly of grassland and woodland edges.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Cow parsley
A true roadside stunner, cow parsley is a familiar sight in the UK. It’s a hardy plant which is popular with pollinators and grows just about anywhere.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Gatekeeper
Named for its rigorous patrol of hedges and woodland rides, the gatekeeper butterfly is a prime pollinator. Look for them sipping nectar on sunny days in the summer.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Pendulous sedge
Attractive, strong, damp-lover. Spot pendulous sedge swooning in damp woodland and river banks. It’s useful in a pinch, with edible seeds and strong leaves that can be made into rope and matting.