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Trees woods and wildlife
Noctule bat
Often seen flying high above the tree-tops, the noctule bat is the largest bat in the UK. This species relies on tree holes to roost in and is often confused for a swift when on the wing.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Bechstein's bat
This elusive tree lover hunts, mates, and lives in woodland, relying on old trees for roosting sites. Loss of habitat means this once common species is now one of our rarer bats.
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Blog
Rare UK animals quiz: how well do you know our endangered wildlife?
We all love wildlife, but did you know we live in one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth? Take our quiz to see if you recognise rare and endangered species, plus find out what we’re doing to change things and how you can help make a difference.
Charlie Mellor • 07 May 2025
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Trees woods and wildlife
Honeysuckle
Twining, scented woodland stunner. This trumpet-like flower is a paradise for wildlife, with its sweet, heady fragrance calling to nearby species, particularly on warm summer evenings.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Ivy
Clingy, luscious, misunderstood. Ivy has long been accused of strangling trees, but it doesn’t harm the tree at all, and even supports at least 50 species of wildlife.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Stag beetle
Impressive, heavily armed and a formidable fighter. The stag beetle depends on trees and woods for its survival. Its fat larvae feed on the decaying wood of old broadleaved trees. Loss of its woodland habitat means that the stag beetle is now a nationally scarce species.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Grass snake
Stealthy slitherers. Grass snakes are lethal hunters of frogs, toads and other small creatures, but will rush for cover at the first sound of humans approaching.
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Practical guidance
Keeping rivers cool: shade for climate change adaptation
Practical guidance on using trees to shade rivers, helping freshwater habitats and species such as trout and salmon withstand the effects of climate change.
PDF (4.41 MB)
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Trees woods and wildlife
Green woodpecker
A colourful character with a taste for ants. The laughing cry of the green woodpecker is one of the defining sounds of British woodland.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Common striated feather-moss
Cushions of feathery green moss strewn nonchalantly over the woodland floor, common striated feather-moss is one cool customer. It brings colour to shady places and it is a characteristic of old ash woodlands in particular.