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Trees woods and wildlife

Wayfaring tree

A welcome sign you’re homeward bound, the wayfaring tree is so named because it grows close to paths. Look for them in hedges and woodland edges, with full bloom in the spring and heavy with berries in the autumn.

Trees woods and wildlife

Chiffchaff

A dainty warbler named after its song. Chiffchaffs are increasingly taking advantage of the UK’s warming climate by staying here all year long.

Video

David Griffith - volunteer Observatree tree health surveyor

Find out more about David's volunteering and why he was nominated for an award.

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Trees woods and wildlife

Sparrowhawk

With brilliant yellow eyes and long yellow talons, this small yet skilful predator swoops down to ambush its prey unawares. Strongly reliant on woodland, the sparrowhawk has been threatened in the past but is currently widespread throughout the UK.

Trees woods and wildlife

Garden spider

A patient predator and web-spinning extraordinaire. Garden spiders are a common sight across the UK, devouring the flying insects that fall victim to their webs.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oxlip

A rare, charming flower. If you’re in East Anglia, look for them blooming in woodland in the spring.

Video

How trees capture and store carbon

Photosynthesis is made simple as you take a journey into the leaf of a tree with our animation and discover how trees capture and store carbon.   

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Trees woods and wildlife

Lemon slug

Slimy, secretive and quite the picky eater. The fungus-loving lemon slug relies on ancient woodland to survive.

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Our evaluation process

We assess research proposals against a number of eligibility criteria before shortlisting. Grant applications are then scored on how well they meet scientific review criteria. Here we outline the process.