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Where to see red squirrels: 7 woods for wildlife watching
Wondering where to see red squirrels in the UK? Here are seven of the best woods to spot these rare mammals - as well as lots of other wildlife!
Chris Britt-Searle • 05 Aug 2024
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Venomous animals in the UK
From secretive snakes to furry shrews, find out more about the UK’s venomous species that pack a potent punch.
Annabel Kemp • 31 Jul 2024
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Woodland wildlife Olympics quiz
Test your nature knowledge as we pit fur against feather in an imaginary woodland Olympics. Some of the results might surprise you!
Charlie Mellor • 10 Jul 2024
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Elephant hawk-moth: caterpillar, lifecycle and is it poisonous?
Elephant hawk-moths are big, bright and very, very beautiful. But what do elephant hawk-moth caterpillars look like, where does their name come from, and are they poisonous?
Charlotte Varela • 08 Jul 2024
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Why are plants important? 7 reasons why we need them
Plants are essential for people, wildlife and the environment. Explore how they provide for pollinators, boost mental health, fight climate change and more.
Chris Britt-Searle • 28 Jun 2024
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Why does sap rise in spring?
Pruning deciduous trees should be avoided during spring because the sap is rising – but what does this actually mean?
Charlotte Varela • 20 May 2024
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11 must-know facts about woods and forests in the UK
Woods and forests are mysterious, beautiful and fascinating places. Here are 11 amazing must-know facts about our woods and forests in the UK.
Chris Britt-Searle • 02 May 2024
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Environmentally-friendly gardening: 10 top tips
Work with nature to make your garden eco-friendly and cut your environmental impact. Check out our 10 easy tips that are good for wildlife and your wallet too!
Charlie Mellor • 16 Apr 2024
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30 baby names inspired by trees and woods
Looking for a tree-themed baby name to inspire a love for nature? Discover our favourite tree names for girls and boys, plus gender-neutral options.
Danielle Wesley • 09 Apr 2024
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7 woods with surprising stories
From poetry and paintings to books, films and TV, check out these seven woods with surprising connections to the UK’s rich history and culture.
Chris Britt-Searle • 05 Apr 2024
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Eco-friendly travel: 10 woods to visit by train
Head off on an eco-friendly woodland adventure that starts with a romantic rail journey.
Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter • 02 Apr 2024
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Frodsham Woods, Cheshire
Join us for a planting day at Frodsham Woods where a former golf course is transforming into a space for people to enjoy, to fight climate change and help wildlife thrive.
Adam Shaw • 28 Mar 2024
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How to attract frogs to your garden
They’re fascinating, they control pests and they’re under threat – but how do you attract frogs to your garden? Read our top tips.
Charlotte Varela • 19 Mar 2024
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What do hedgehogs eat? And how to feed them
Hedgehogs need our help and you can make a difference. Check out our guide to what food hedgehogs eat, when you should feed them and other useful tips.
Charlie Mellor • 15 Mar 2024
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How big is a queen wasp? And where to see one
Have you ever seen a giant wasp when out working in the garden or visiting the woods? If so, it's likely you'll have spotted a queen wasp. Find out how big they are, where to spot them and more.
Charlotte Varela • 12 Mar 2024
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Broadleaf spring issue: a burst of new life
After a soggy start to spring, the world is at last alive with birdsong, bright yellow daffodils and the first flurry of puff-white blossom. Bring on the bluebells!
Elisabeth Crump • 11 Mar 2024
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13 hardy plants for your garden
Our pick of hardy plants and trees perfect for any outdoor space. From pretty annual flowers to hard-working, long-lasting evergreens, they're all hardy to at least -15C.
Charlie Mellor • 07 Mar 2024
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Wander through history: fascinating ruins and relics in 10 UK woods
Walk back in time and discover heritage sites and historical ruins in some of the UK’s most enthralling woodlands, from ramparts and barrows to abandoned buildings and bomb shelters.
Chris Britt-Searle • 01 Mar 2024
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What is the difference between a frog and a toad?
Find out the difference between our two favourite amphibians, the frog and the toad.
Charlotte Varela • 23 Feb 2024
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Sheffield's tree story
At Sheffield's Endcliffe Park, discover how nature and the city have shaped each other over the centuries and why local people are so passionate about trees.
Adam Shaw • 22 Feb 2024
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Dedicate in memory: remember a loved one with trees and woodland
Dedicating a tree or woodland provides a living, growing memorial to a loved one and a poignant way of remembering them. Dedications are available in Woodland Trust woods across the UK.
Charlie Mellor • 14 Feb 2024
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Bird song identification: songs and calls for beginners
How many birds can you identify by sound alone? Learn to tell some of the UK's most familiar and distinct bird songs apart with our handy guide.
Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter • 13 Feb 2024
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Animal mating rituals: 12 eye-opening breeding habits
Discover the extraordinary mating behaviours of 12 wild animals, including hares, stag beetles, newts and snakes!
Danielle Wesley • 12 Feb 2024
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6 UK woods for stargazing
Escape light pollution and embrace the night sky to enjoy stargazing at a wood near you. Here are our favourite spots to see stars, plus handy stargazing tips.
Chris Britt-Searle • 09 Feb 2024
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7 reasons to feel optimistic about February
The darkest days of winter are now behind us and nature is quietly waking up. Here are seven reasons to smile and wave winter woes goodbye.
Helen Keating • 01 Feb 2024
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The oldest tree in the UK: how long do trees live?
Discover the oldest tree in the UK - and the world - and why ancient trees are so important.
Charlie Mellor • 29 Jan 2024
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How to identify UK owl calls
Heard a screech in the night or a hoot in the woods? One of the UK's five resident owl species could be at large. Learn how to identify owl calls, from tawny owl to barn owl.
Charlotte Varela • 21 Dec 2023
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Alternative charity gifts for Christmas
Our shop offers a huge variety of gifts with something for everyone for Christmas. Here are our top ideas for alternative charity gifts for the festive season.
Charlie Mellor • 19 Dec 2023
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10 ways to help wildlife in winter
Wildlife will appreciate a helping hand in winter. From practical outdoor activities to the comfort of your armchair, check out our ten top tips to make a difference this season.
Charlie Mellor • 07 Dec 2023
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Create a cosy winter wonderland: 7 ideas for sustainable and foraged home decor
Discover how to transform your home into a magical winter wonderland. Forage responsibly and intertwine nature and the wild with the warmth of your home.
Helen Keating • 30 Nov 2023
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8 handmade Christmas card ideas
Add a personal touch with homemade Christmas cards that are eco-friendly and budget-friendly too. Check out our best ideas that adults and kids can make.
Charlie Mellor • 27 Nov 2023
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UK winter wildlife quiz: true or false?
How much do you know about what wildlife gets up to in winter? Test your knowledge with our fun quiz.
Charlie Mellor • 20 Nov 2023
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10 best winter woodland walks
Embrace the simpler things in life with a winter woodland walk, when spectacular frosty landscapes and leafless trees reveal hidden history and elusive wildlife. Check out 10 of our favourite woods for inspiration.
Charlie Mellor • 16 Nov 2023
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Tring Park, Hertfordshire
Join us for an autumnal tour of Tring Park to discover fascinating historic features, important trees and the Rothschild's famous exotic animal collection!
Adam Shaw • 03 Nov 2023
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Top 10 nature gifts for kids
Nurture a love of nature from an early age with our specially selected range of gifts. From tots to teens, messy to mindful, indoors or out, our green gift guide has something for all the kids on your list.
Charlie Mellor • 26 Oct 2023
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7 homemade gift ideas for Christmas
Take a look at our ideas for homemade Christmas gifts that are thoughtful, affordable and easy-to-make.
Charlie Mellor • 12 Oct 2023
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Insect identification: common UK insects
There are a staggering 27,000 types of insect in the UK. Let's take a look at some of our most common insect groups and how you can identify them.
Charlotte Varela • 09 Oct 2023
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How invasive non-native species threaten our woods
Invasive species impact our environment and wildlife, are costly to the economy, and can even pose a risk to our health. Find out what you can do to help.
Sally Bavin • 05 Oct 2023
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13 Halloween nature crafts and activities for kids
Get set for spooky season with leaf ghosts, conker pumpkins, twig wands and a thrilling Halloween scavenger hunt!
Danielle Wesley • 04 Oct 2023
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Top 10 eco-friendly Christmas gift wrapping ideas
Make Christmas more sustainable with our 10 eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas.
Charlotte Varela • 02 Oct 2023
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Tree seed identification: seven common UK tree seeds
If someone showed you a seed from a common UK tree, could you tell which tree it was from? Find out more about seven common UK tree seeds.
Charlotte Varela • 30 Sep 2023
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Martin Hügi, the 'Tree Pilgrim'
Martin Hügi, the 'Tree Pilgrim', is walking from Land's End to John O'Groats to visit amazing ancient trees. We meet him on day 79 to hear his experience so far.
Adam Shaw • 29 Sep 2023
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Top 10 green gifts for gardeners
Looking for eco-friendly inspiration for your favourite gardening guru or want to encourage a beginner? From windowsill pots to established veg plots, our green gift guide has got you covered.
Charlie Mellor • 26 Sep 2023
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Broadleaf autumn issue: crunch time!
Our latest members' mag includes seed-seekers hunting for forgotten species, climate change experiments in our woods, wild boar, pine martens, Kate Humble and more.
Elisabeth Crump • 22 Sep 2023
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Rare woodland animals and where to find them
Discover some of the UK's rarest woodland animals and where to spot them in the wild.
Annabel Kemp • 21 Sep 2023
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Wildlife mythbusting: fact or fiction?
Is there any truth to these popular beliefs about UK plants and animals? From stinging bees to talking trees, the answers might surprise you. Test your knowledge with our ten questions.
Charlie Mellor • 06 Sep 2023
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Osprey migration: facts and map
After breeding season winds up at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest, our osprey family flies south for winter. But why do ospreys take this long, dangerous trip between two homes? Here’s everything you need to know about osprey migration.
George Anderson • 30 Aug 2023
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Priory Grove, Monmouth
Discover the fascinating ancient art of coppicing as we visit Priory Grove in the Wye Valley, where the technique is still practised to benefit people and wildlife.
Adam Shaw • 25 Aug 2023
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British caterpillars: how to identify 10 common species
Learn how to identify 10 common British caterpillars, find out what they eat and when to see them.
Charlotte Varela • 11 Aug 2023
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10 camping activities for kids who love wildlife
Discover 10 wildlife-themed activities for kids and families to enjoy on a camping trip.
Danielle Wesley • 02 Aug 2023
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Types of bee in the UK: how to tell the difference
From fluffy bumblebees to pint-sized mining bees, we take a look at the key characteristics of some of our most common species.
Charlotte Varela • 31 Jul 2023
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Hollow tree trunks: what are they good for?
Take a step inside a hollow tree and you take a step back through history. A hollowing trunk is a natural process and has benefits for the tree and the creatures that live in them.
Sally Bavin • 28 Jul 2023
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What is the difference between butterflies and moths?
When the two look so similar, is there actually a difference between a butterfly and a moth? Find out how to separate the two and discover the truth behind some common myths about moths.
Charlotte Varela • 21 Jul 2023
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw and Kate Humble
Kate Humble guides us through magical ancient woodland in the Wye Valley. She talks all things wildlife, her career and planting trees at home with the Woodland Trust.
Adam Shaw • 04 Jul 2023
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10 easy butterfly crafts for kids
Discover 10 colourful butterfly crafts for kids, from simple symmetry paintings to fun mosaic art.
Danielle Wesley • 03 Jul 2023
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9 carnivorous plants to spot in the UK
Did you know there are carnivorous plants in the UK? Take a look at some of the predatory and parasitic plants you could spot in our woods and wetlands.
Charlotte Varela • 28 Jun 2023
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Broadleaf summer issue: let the sunshine in
Our latest members' mag includes a leafy exploration of gorgeous Heartwood in St Albans, a hike into the Highlands and treetop hideouts with actress Charity Wakefield.
Elisabeth Crump • 26 Jun 2023
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10 ways to help wildlife in summer
We can all make a difference for wildlife this season, from a single simple action to an ongoing commitment, at home or further afield. Read our ten top tips.
Charlie Mellor • 12 Jun 2023
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What is the difference between a bug and a beetle?
The words 'bug' and 'beetle' are often used interchangeably, but there’s actually a big difference between bugs and beetles. Learn how to tell them apart.
Charlotte Varela • 06 Jun 2023
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Minibeast hunt – top tips for finding bugs
Go on a minibeast hunt with your kids and see how many creepy crawlies you can find. Plus get tips on what to pack in your bug hunting kit.
Danielle Wesley • 26 May 2023
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw - Yonder Oak Wood, Devon
Join us to discover how this landscape will be transformed to fight climate change and benefit people and wildlife, and what designing a new wood involves.
Adam Shaw • 26 May 2023
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Best native hedge plants: choose the right hedges
Autumn and winter are the best times to plant a hedge. To get you started, here are our top 10 recommendations for the best native hedge plants and the amazing benefits they'll bring.
Helen Keating • 23 May 2023
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10 best trees to attract birds and other wildlife
Native trees offer birds and other animals vital food and shelter all year round. Boost biodiversity with our top 10 trees suited to small gardens and larger spaces.
Charlie Mellor • 02 May 2023
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How to make felt animals: easy step-by-step guide
Follow our simple guide to make your own stuffed woodland animals. This fun craft is ideal for kids and grown-ups alike!
Becca Smith • 28 Apr 2023
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Foraging in April: edible wild plants to harvest
April is the time to look out for fresh new greens and herbs to give your food a seasonal springtime boost. Here are seven easy-to-identify edible herbs and plants to look out for.
Helen Keating • 27 Apr 2023
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Why are bees important? And how you can help them
Bees are important for wildlife, for woods and trees, and even for our own lives. Find out why, discover why bees are in trouble and learn how you can help them.
Charlotte Varela • 26 Apr 2023
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Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw and Tristan Gooley
In our latest episode, natural navigator Tristan Gooley teaches us how clues and signs in nature can tell us about the land, water and animals around us.
Adam Shaw • 21 Apr 2023
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How to increase biodiversity in your garden
Every garden has the potential to be a haven for wildlife. From planting for pollinators to embracing a little mess, here are some easy ways to increase biodiversity in your garden.
Charlotte Varela • 07 Apr 2023
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How to tell male and female ospreys apart
How do you tell male and female ospreys apart? And how can you tell the difference between our resident Loch Arkaig pair, Louis and Dorcha, and other local birds?
George Anderson • 05 Apr 2023
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Broadleaf spring issue: bring on the blossom
Our latest members' mag includes boosting productivity and tackling climate change with trees on farms, the pollinators' relationship with blossom, Alan Titchmarsh and much more.
Elisabeth Crump • 22 Mar 2023
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Why do hares box? And other hare facts
Find out why brown hares can be seen boxing in fields during the month of March, earning them their 'mad March' name, along with other top hare facts.
Helen Keating • 08 Mar 2023
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10 ways to help wildlife in spring
We can all make a difference for wildlife this season, from a single simple action to an ongoing commitment, at home or further afield. Read our ten top tips.
Charlie Mellor • 01 Mar 2023
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6 woods in the Domesday Book and other centuries-old UK woods
Ancient woods are centuries old, irreplaceable wildlife homes and carbon-crunchers, packed with fascinating history. Discover some of our amazing ancient woods in the UK, why they’re so special and how you can help protect them.
Charlie Mellor • 27 Feb 2023
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7 half-term ideas for families
Enjoy wildlife spotting, tree ID and nature crafts on a half-term hike in the woods.
Danielle Wesley • 02 Feb 2023
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7 funny fungi names to help mushroom identification
The UK's 15,000 different fungi have a rich collection of fascinating, descriptive and hilarious names. Let’s take a look at some of the more eyebrow-raising.
Charlotte Varela • 06 Jan 2023
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Winter picnics: hot food ideas and recipes
Keep warm on a winter picnic with our recipes and food ideas, including mulled apple juice, hot dogs, chilli pitta pockets and jacket potatoes.
Danielle Wesley • 05 Jan 2023
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Christmas nature quiz
Test your knowledge of the plants and animals connected with our festive traditions.
Charlie Mellor • 13 Dec 2022
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Foraging for natural Christmas decorations
Transform your home into a woodland wonderland this Christmas with our easy ideas for festive, foraged home decor.
Helen Keating • 05 Dec 2022
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Where do bees go in winter?
Ever wondered where bees go in winter? Find out where different species of bee go when the weather gets cold, and when to spot them emerging.
Charlotte Varela • 18 Nov 2022
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10 eco-friendly gifts for under £10
On a budget this Christmas? We’ve handpicked 10 affordable eco-friendly gifts that show you care for your loved ones and the environment too.
Charlie Mellor • 11 Nov 2022
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7 reasons to gift a tree for Christmas
Want to give something unique and meaningful to your loved ones while keeping costs low this Christmas? Trees are the perfect gift, whether you pick out a perfect sapling to plant, or dedicate a tree in a woodland close to their heart.
Becca Smith • 08 Nov 2022
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10 ways to use fallen autumn leaves
Fallen leaves can be put to great use in the garden, or turned into beautiful decorations as autumnal craft projects. Here are our top 10 things to do with autumn leaves.
Charlie Mellor • 03 Nov 2022
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Poisonous mushrooms: 8 most dangerous UK mushrooms
Your guide to 8 of the most poisonous mushrooms in the UK, including the terrifyingly named death cap, destroying angel and funeral bell. Find out where they grow, how to identify them and why you should steer clear!
Helen Keating • 27 Oct 2022
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10 ways to help wildlife in autumn
We can all take small actions to help wildlife this autumn. From your balcony or workplace to the local woods and beyond, here are our ten top tips.
Charlie Mellor • 19 Oct 2022
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Combat climate change at home: 6 UK native trees to plant in small gardens
Small garden, big impact – here’s a list of UK native trees to help combat global warming from home, without taking up too much space.
Becca Smith • 07 Oct 2022
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The best elderberry recipes
Make the most of dark, fragrant elderberries while they’re in season. Try our favourite elderberry recipes.
Helen Keating • 28 Sep 2022
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How we take care of ancient and veteran trees
Protecting ancient trees is one of our top priorities. Discover how we design and manage our woods around them and how you can help.
Naomi Tilley • 26 Sep 2022
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Trimming and maintaining native hedges
Whether they're in your garden or in the wider landscape, native hedgerows are important features that offer food and shelter for wildlife. Explore when and how you should manage a native hedge.
Julia Lock • 22 Sep 2022
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What does fox poo look like? And other animal poo identification tips
It may be messy and a little bit smelly, but animal poo can tell us a lot about the wildlife in our woods and gardens.
Charlotte Varela • 20 Sep 2022
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Why do spiders make webs, and other spider web facts
Spider webs are incredible feats of engineering, but why do spiders make webs in the first place? And how do they do it?
Charlotte Varela • 05 Sep 2022
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How do heatwaves affect wildlife?
As the UK experiences extreme heat and drought, we take a look at the potentially catastrophic effects of heatwaves on wildlife from early fruit ripening to a false autumn.
Fritha West • 10 Aug 2022
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Summer holidays: outdoor activities for kids
Discover fun things to do at home and on days out with our outdoor activity guide for the summer holidays. Spot wildlife, try yoga, compete in the forest Olympics and much more.
Danielle Wesley • 21 Jul 2022
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7 amazing woodland wildlife walks in Scotland
From otters and ospreys to fascinating fungi and flowers, Scotland's wildlife and scenery are spectacular. Check out 7 of our favourite woods for wildlife walks.
Charlie Mellor • 15 Jul 2022
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6 rare moths that depend on UK trees
The UK is home to a number of moths that depend on trees. Explore moth species that you'd be lucky to encounter on a woodland walk.
Julia Lock • 12 Jul 2022
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Giant hogweed: the facts
How common is giant hogweed in the UK and is it really that dangerous? We've distilled the facts to give you the low-down on giant hogweed.
Helen Keating • 29 Jun 2022
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Ancient tree quiz: test your knowledge
How much do you know about old and ancient trees in the UK? How long do they live and where can you find them? Take the quiz.
Helen Keating • 14 Jun 2022
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Four examples of how UK wildlife camouflages
Find out how animals in the UK use camouflage to hide in plain sight. In this blog, we explore four types of camouflage and why it is important for animals.
Julia Lock • 23 May 2022
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What do moths eat? Feeding, life cycle and other facts
Explore how some of the 2,500 species of UK moth develop and what they eat.
Julia Lock • 09 May 2022
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Swifts, swallows and martins: easy ID guide
When swifts, swallows and martins appear you know spring has arrived too! Find how to tell them apart and when to see them with our top identification tips.
Fritha West • 05 May 2022
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Bird song identification: UK warblers
Every spring, trees and shrubs across the land burst into a riot of song from a famously musical group of birds - the warblers. Here we get to grips with their songs and how to tell them apart by sound alone.
Amy Lewis • 11 Apr 2022
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Foraging at Easter: make a wreath and other home decorations
Brighten up your home and bring spring indoors with these easy ideas for Easter decorations using wild foraged plants.
Helen Keating • 07 Apr 2022
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9 outdoor Easter activities for families
Get outdoors in the Easter holidays and enjoy our fun nature activities for kids - try nest building, go on a scavenger hunt and nibble on an Easter-themed picnic!
Danielle Wesley • 04 Apr 2022
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Our top five woods to hear nightingales
The famous song of the nightingale is one of the wonders of the natural world, but to have a chance of hearing it you'll need to know where to listen. Here we share top tips for tracking down a serenade, plus some of our woods to try for a lucky encounter.
Amy Lewis • 01 Apr 2022
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House mouse or field mouse? Easy guide to types of UK mice, voles and shrews
Are you curious about what mouse or vole you saw in your garden or out on a walk? Or did your cat bring one in and you wondered what it was? Here's a quick guide to the more common mice, voles and shrews of the UK.
Helen Keating • 28 Mar 2022
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What is the difference between a newt and a lizard?
Found a small, brown, cold-blooded animal and not sure what it might be? You're not alone! Our guide looks at the telltale signs for separating your newts from your lizards.
Amy Lewis • 25 Mar 2022
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8 steps to achieving long-term mindfulness with woods and trees
Explore some woodland activities that you can take part in to gain positive health benefits.
Julia Lock • 22 Mar 2022
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When do bluebells flower?
Mark your calendars! Find out when bluebells flower, plus more bluebell facts including where to see them, what they smell like and how they're protected.
Lorienne Whittle • 21 Mar 2022
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7 blossom crafts and activities for kids
Discover fun blossom crafts and activities to enjoy with your children this spring.
Danielle Wesley • 11 Mar 2022
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Empty bird nests: 7 to identify in the garden
Who nested here? Learn which clues point to the previous occupants of old bird nests with our photographic guide.
Amy Lewis • 16 Feb 2022
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When to cut grass after winter
Are you unsure when to start cutting your lawn again after winter? Learn which factors affect your lawn, when to cut it and how this varies across the UK.
Lorienne Whittle • 01 Feb 2022