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E.ON Next

See how our partnership with E.ON Next is helping breathe new life into ancient woods under threat.

Ancient woods are irreplaceable homes for special and often rare plants and animals.

Credit: Jordan Mansfield / WTML

What we're looking to achieve

Ancient woodlands are unique havens for wildlife and crucial carbon sinks, yet our remaining ancient woods cover just 2.5% of the UK and what's left is damaged by non-native trees or threatened by development. Our partnership with the energy supplier, E.ON Next, will help us continue our fight to protect and restore them.

Simply choose one of the E.ON Next fixed-term tariffs, and a one-off donation will be made to support our work on the ground in the UK's precious ancient woodlands.

We care about helping to protect the environment and know our customers do too. Our new partnership with the Woodland Trust further cements our role as playmakers in the energy transition and, together with our customers, we’re proud to be able to support the safeguarding of ancient woodlands across the UK, helping improve these vital havens for wildlife and biodiversity.

Julian Lennertz
Chief commercial officer at E.ON Next

Credit: Richard Becker / WTML

What does ancient woodland restoration involve?

Just 2.5% of the UK's ancient woodland remains, and much of this tiny fragment is under threat. Conifer plantations, overgrazing and the spread of invasive species like rhododendron and Himalayan balsam have left many of them damaged and struggling to sustain the vibrant life they once supported.

Ancient woodland restoration is the careful process of removing these threats and nurturing the wood back to health. This can involve removing invasive plants and felling plantation trees; gradually thinning the canopy so more light reaches the woodland floor; and even reintroducing species and processes that will bring harmony back to the ancient woodland ecosystem.

Credit: Alex Hyde / naturepl.com

Why do we need to restore ancient woodland?

Ancient woods have stood for hundreds of years, and as a result have formed unique and complex communities of plants, animals and other creatures. Our ancient woods are home to more threatened species than any other habitat, but also harbour fascinating links to history and are carbon-eating machines. They're irreplaceable.

Credit: Alastair Hotchkiss / WTML

How will E.ON Next help us restore ancient woodland?

Ancient woodland restoration is a slow and careful process, and E.ON Next's donations will help us get more boots on the ground to carry out initial surveys in damaged ancient woods, carry out the work that will revive them, and continue monitoring their progress into the future.

"We're thrilled to announce this groundbreaking partnership with E.ON Next," says Dr Darren Moorcroft, chief executive of the Woodland Trust. "Together, we'll harness the power of innovation in the energy sector to create a greener future. This collaboration will be instrumental in the restoration of ancient woodlands, which once lost, are irreplaceable.

"E.ON Next's support in bringing these vital habitats back from the brink demonstrates their commitment to UK native woods and trees, and the benefits they have for people and planet. We believe that by combining E.ON Next's expertise with the Woodland Trust's dedication to UK woodlands, we can make a significant and lasting difference for our environment."

Let's talk

Partner with us and your business can bring the benefits of trees to people, wildlife and the planet.

Call us on 0330 333 5306 or email partners@woodlandtrust.org.uk to found out how we can work together.

Find out more about ancient woodland