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Are caterpillars insects? And other caterpillar facts

Curious about caterpillars? Find out if they’re insects, what they eat and learn about their fascinating life cycle.

Danielle Wesley  •  15 May 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Elm, wych

Decimated by Dutch elm disease, the sweeping and majestic wych elm is a much rarer sight these days. Its loss goes hand-in-hand with the decline of the elusive white-letter hairstreak butterfly, whose caterpillars rely on elm leaves.

Trees woods and wildlife

Red campion

These flashy woodland guardians have strong links to myths and mysticism. They are favourites of plenty of woodland insects – and fairies – and bloom a cheerful pink soon after the bluebell has finished flowering.

Trees woods and wildlife

Porcelain fungus

A glistening white, translucent beauty which fights off its rivals with its own fungicide. It is associated with beech trees and is edible – but only once the off-putting mucus is washed off.

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Safeguarding our woods with FSC® certification

Most of our woods are certified by FSC against the UKWAS standard. Find out what this means for our estate, and how we manage our woods sustainably.

Trees woods and wildlife

Black hairstreak

One of the rarest butterflies in the UK and the rarest hairstreak, the black hairstreak is beautiful but elusive.

Trees woods and wildlife

Temperate rainforest

Also known as Atlantic or Celtic rainforest, this special habitat is incredibly rare. Its lush conditions are perfect for scarce plants, lichens and fungi, as well as a number of unusual animals.