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    • Summer tree identification: can you name these nine trees?

      Helen Keating  •  13 Jul 2020

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    • What woodland wildlife is doing in June

      Charlie Mellor  •  02 Jun 2022

    • Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood, Leics

      Adam Shaw  •  01 Jun 2022

    • Four examples of how UK wildlife camouflages

      Julia Lock  •  23 May 2022

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Ferns

Lush, ancient and primitive, ferns are magnificent non-flowering plants that reproduce via spores. They are a common sight in woods, as many species are shade tolerant and can grow year round, bringing some welcome green to cooler months.

  • Trees woods and wildlife

    Bracken

    Huge, widespread, ancient. Bracken is thought to be the most common plant in the world and is found on all continents except Antarctica. In the UK, they thrive in woodland.

  • Trees woods and wildlife

    Hard fern

    An evergreen beauty with not one, but two types of frond. Its medicinal qualities have helped treat ailments for centuries, while its leaves have been used to subdue hunger and thirst.

  • Trees woods and wildlife

    Hart's tongue fern

    Exotic looking and incredibly useful. The hart’s tongue fern is the only native fern that hasn’t got divided leaves. Spot it in damp, shady areas woodland.

  • Trees woods and wildlife

    Scaly male fern

    Poised, damp-loving, hardy. The scaly male fern is a tough old specimen that thrives in damp woodland, as well as on open heaths and hillsides.

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.

Learn more about the UK's rainforest
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The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885).  A non-profit-making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1982873.

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