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Trees woods and wildlife
Whitebeam
Charming and domestic, the whitebeam’s fruit is a favourite of garden birds. It’s rarely found in the wild but is a popular ornamental tree in parks and gardens, with lovely blossom and russet autumn leaves.
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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
Peacock
Big. Bold. Beautiful. This stunning showstopper is instantly recognisable, with its captivating azure ‘eyes’ and orange-brown wings. Widespread and common throughout the UK, it is one of our most-loved butterflies.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Devil’s coach horse beetle
Jet-black with an even darker reputation. The devil’s coach horse has long been associated with sinister forces. In reality, it is only other invertebrates that have cause to fear this voracious predator.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Flat-backed millipede
Many-legged leaf eaters that live a secretive life hidden among the forest floor.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Fine streaked bugkin
Lover of oak and hawthorn, this bug is pretty unmistakeable. Look out for its bright and bold markings as it basks on bark and leaves.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Common wasp
These picnic ruiners might not be the UK's most popular invertebrate, but they are efficient pollinators.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Cuckoo
A cunning master of misdirection, the cuckoo’s reputation precedes it. These brood parasites spook woodland birds from their nests, then lay their own eggs in them to be brought up by the host.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Common lizard
Timid, lightning-quick and sun-worshipping. The common lizard basks in the warmth of the sun along woodland edges, sunny glades and rides. It stays close to dense cover so it can quickly hide among twigs, logs and leaves.
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Blog
The best woodland walks in London
You don't have to leave London to enjoy the sights and sounds of a woodland walk. Here is our pick of the best places for a stroll in the city.
James Martin • 28 Jan 2019