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Research briefing

Trees on hen ranges are a haven for wildlife

This briefing highlights how various wildlife species benefit from trees on hen ranges using findings from surveys across nine sites in Cumbria from 2016-2019.

PDF  (702 KB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Ash dieback

Ash dieback will kill around 80% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.

Blog

Garden bird quiz: 10 British birds to spot 

How well do you know the birds visiting your outdoor space? Test your knowledge and learn some new species with our garden bird ID quiz.

Charlie Mellor  •  02 Apr 2026

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.

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.

Video

Clearing Runtington Wood of invasive plants

Elsa Godfrey, owner of Runtington Wood in Sussex, explains the steps she has taken to clear her ancient woodland of rhododendron with the help of volunteers and the Woodland Trust.

00:02:40

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

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.

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.

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.