Publications
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Featured publications
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Policy paper
Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Scotland
This report shows the central role that native woods and trees must play in restoring nature in Scotland, and how the government and local authorities can help.
PDF (3.03 MB)
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Journal
Report and accounts 2022–2023
Produced annually, our report and accounts summarises our achievements, fundraising activity and expenditure between 1 June 2022 and 31 May 2023. It also outlines our governance, reports back on our environmental impact, and lays out our ambitions for the coming months.
PDF (4.77 MB)
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Policy paper
Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Northern Ireland
This report outlines the critical role that native natural and semi-natural woods and trees must play in restoring nature, and how the government and local authorities can ensure nature’s recovery is embedded in local plans.
PDF (2.58 MB)
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Policy paper
Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in Wales
This report shows the central role that native natural and semi-natural woods and trees must play in restoring nature in Wales, and how the government and local authorities can help.
PDF (18.56 MB)
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Policy paper
Coed a choedwigoedd: wrth galon adferiad byd natur yng Nghymru
Mae’r adroddiad hwn yn dangos y rôl ganolog y mae’n rhaid i goedwigoedd a choed naturiol a lled-naturiol brodorol ei chwarae wrth adfer natur yng Nghymru, a sut y gall y llywodraeth ac awdurdodau lleol helpu.
PDF (18.60 MB)
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Position statement
Trees and peat in the nature and climate crises - the Woodland Trust's view
We're taking steps to ensure we protect and prevent the degradation of valuable peatlands for the climate and nature recovery.
PDF (2.04 MB)
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Policy paper
Trees and woods: at the heart of nature recovery in England
This report shows the central role that native natural and semi-natural woods and trees must play in restoring nature, and how the government and local authorities can embed nature's recovery in local plans.
PDF (4.96 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – nature-positive economy
Read the summer 2023 issue of Wood Wise, which explores the new narrative of a nature-positive economy.
PDF (8.89 MB)
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Practical guidance
Site Assessment Handbook
This handbook will help you gather information on your site to help you create your own woodland. It guides you through four assessment stages and offers advice on growing the right trees in the right place.
PDF (4.65 MB)
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Journal
Report and Accounts 2021-2022
Produced annually, our report and accounts summarises our achievements, fundraising activity, and expenditure between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022. It also outlines our governance, reports back on our environmental impact, and lays out our ambitions for the coming months.
PDF (4.76 MB)
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Practical guidance
Trees for the Crofting Community
Our Croft Woodlands advisory team helps crofters, smallholders, and common grazings to create and manage woodlands that will flourish. Get more information on the project, funding and read case studies showing how trees can benefit your croft.
PDF (1.81 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – nature recovery at scale
Read the autumn 2022 issue of Wood Wise, which explores how we can drive nature recovery on a landscape scale.
PDF (5.81 MB)
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Policy paper
Farming for the future: agroforestry benefits for nature and climate
This report assesses the benefits of agroforestry on a large scale on farmland in England. It considers how agroforestry systems are already being deployed, and sets out recommendations on how to increase the number of trees in our agricultural environment and make changes in land use a reality.
PDF (5.19 MB)
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Position statement
Forest certification – the Woodland Trust's position
The Woodland Trust practises sustainable forestry and is committed to supporting initiatives which assist others in accessing forest certification.
PDF (395 KB)
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Practical guidance
Ancient and veteran trees: An Assessment Guide
This guide describes our approach to conserving veteran trees, wherever they are. Covering a series of steps that you can follow as an adviser, advocate, landowner, or manager.
PDF (4.82 MB)
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Practical guidance
Integrating trees on farms and crofts in Scotland
It's time to manage land in a way that addresses ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agroforesty and woodland expansion projects in Scotland are key for integrating tree cover and agricultural land to complement farming systems, including crofting.
PDF (1.38 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – trees for water
Read the spring 2022 issue of Wood Wise, which explores the relationship between trees and water.
PDF (4.90 MB)
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Practical guidance
Tree charter toolkit
The Charter for Trees, Woods and People (the Tree Charter) sets out the principles for a society in which people and trees can stand stronger together. How can we all meaningfully give something back in return for fresh air, food, resources, shelter, careers and inspiration? We hope this toolkit offers you a starting point.
PDF (2.43 MB)
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Practical guidance
Tree species handbook
Our guide to choosing the best tree species when creating new woodland, with profiles of 50 tree and shrub species and 18 woodland communities.
PDF (13.70 MB)
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Practical guidance
Woodland creation guide
The Woodland Trust’s approach to woodland creation for people and wildlife.
PDF (42.34 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise - creating tomorrow's woods
Read the autumn 2021 issue of Wood Wise, all about how to create healthy woods for the future.
PDF (2.83 MB)
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Policy paper
Reducing rhododendron in Scotland's rainforest
Without action, invasive rhododendron will increasingly dominate Scotland's rainforest. We're asking for a Rainforest Action Fund to tackle the issue.
PDF (7.41 MB)
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Practical guidance
Practical guidance on restoring your ancient woodland
An introductory summary of training modules by the Woodland Trust for restoring ancient woodland.
PDF (582 KB)
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Practical guidance
Ancient and veteran trees: Caring for special trees on farms
This guide helps identify ancient and veteran trees on farming land, and highlights their importance. It provides information on how to protect trees and secure their future.
PDF (2.28 MB)
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Practical guidance
Ancient woodland restoration - recovery of the wider ecosystem
Practical guidance on restoring the wider woodland ecosystem, transforming plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) through gradual and more rapid approaches, managing young stands, and operational considerations and constraints.
PDF (4.76 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise - evidence for action
This issue of Wood Wise delves deeper into some of the issues highlighted in our landmark State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2021 report.
PDF (6.94 MB)
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Research report
State of the UK's Woods and Trees 2021
This State of the UK’s Woods and Trees report is the first to present important facts and trends focusing predominantly on our native woods and trees.
PDF (27.62 MB)
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Discussion paper
Manifesto for the Welsh Parliament elections
Our manifesto outlines how trees can play a vital role in addressing the nature and climate crisis. They can help us rebuild an economy that's resilient to climate change, good for our wellbeing and nature-rich - one that's fit for present, and future generations.
PDF (4.78 MB)
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Discussion paper
Maniffesto ar gyfer Etholiadau Senedd Cymru 2021
Yn ein manifesto rydyn ni’n dangos sut gall coed ein helpu yr adeg yma i fynd i’r afael a’r argyfwng natur a hinsawdd ac adeiladu economi sy’n gydnerth o ran yr hinsawdd a chymdeithas lle mae natur yn gyforiog, un sy’n addas i genedlaethau’r presennol a’r dyfodol.
PDF (4.77 MB)
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Discussion paper
Manifesto for the 2021 Scottish Parliament election
Woods and trees offer solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing our society. Good stewardship of the nation’s native woodlands will reap huge rewards. But the needs of our woods and trees must be in the minds of the next Government.
PDF (3.55 MB)
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Practical guidance
Ancient woodland restoration - maximising ecological integrity
Practical guidance on accumulating more old growth characteristics, better space and dynamism, water and air quality, reintroductions and the integrity of wider landscapes.
PDF (8.97 MB)
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Position statement
Tree provenance in a changing climate
The Woodland Trust’s approach to resilience in the face of climate change focuses on utilising seed sourced from appropriate local provenances which the evidence shows will be best adapted to local conditions into the future.
PDF (353 KB)
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Journal
Wood Wise - woods in waiting
Read the autumn 2020 issue of Wood Wise, our tree and woodland conservation magazine, which discusses the importance of natural regeneration for expanding tree and woodland cover in the UK.
PDF (5.28 MB)
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Research briefing
Trees on hen ranges are a haven for wildlife
This briefing highlights how various wildlife species benefit from trees on hen ranges using findings from surveys across nine sites in Cumbria from 2016-2019.
PDF (702 KB)
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Journal
Wood Wise - trees for good
Read the spring 2020 issue of Wood Wise, all about how trees can simultaneously tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
PDF (3.05 MB)
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Policy paper
The Woodland Trust's approach to managing its estate
The Woodland Trust owns more than 1,000 woods across the UK. This is how we manage them for people and wildlife in the face of climate change and other threats.
PDF (1.21 MB)
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Practical guidance
Ancient woodland restoration management principles
An introductory guide to ancient woodland restoration management, the value of this special habitat, and why we should protect and restore it.
PDF (3.21 MB)
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Position statement
Deer management - the Woodland Trust's position
The Woodland Trust monitors and manages deer numbers on its estate where over-grazing poses a significant threat to vulnerable habitats and conservation outcomes.
PDF (70 KB)
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Policy paper
Emergency Tree Plan for the UK
How to increase tree cover and address the nature and climate emergency. We set out key recommendations for the UK's national and local governments.
PDF (9.63 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – life in deadwood
The autumn 2019 issue of Wood Wise dispels any myths about deadwood and raises awareness of its importance to people and wildlife.
PDF (4.01 MB)
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Research briefing
Tree leaves as supplementary feed for ruminant livestock
We look at the value of different species of tree leaves as mineral supplements for livestock. Willow in particular is identified as a potentially valuable source of cobalt and zinc.
PDF (161 KB)
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Technical note
How we manage ash dieback on Woodland Trust sites
Ash was once one of the most widespread tree species in Europe. Now it's threatened by ash dieback. Here we explain how we manage ash dieback on our estate.
PDF (133 KB)
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Research report
Woodland indicators by parliamentary constituency
A research report comparing parliamentary constituencies on percentage woodland cover, accessible woodland figures and threats to woodland from development.
PDF (2.69 MB)
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Position statement
Climate change – the Woodland Trust's position
The Woodland Trust protects and restores woodland, increasing the resilience of natural ecosystems in the face of challenges posed by climate change.
PDF (243 KB)
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Position statement
Ash dieback – the Woodland Trust's position
Ash dieback, caused by the non-native invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, presents a major threat to the UK’s treescape on a scale not seen since the Dutch elm disease epidemic of the 1970s.
PDF (333 KB)
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Practical guidance
Planners' manual for ancient woodland and veteran trees
Practical guidance for planners on embedding ancient woodland and veteran trees in decision making, recognising their value, and avoiding damage from development.
PDF (3.34 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – iconic oak
The summer 2019 issue of Wood Wise tells the story of oak – of its role in British culture, as a haven for wildlife, and the threats it faces.
PDF (4.47 MB)
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Research report
The state of Scotland’s rainforest
A research report by the Atlantic Woodland Alliance reviewing the latest evidence on the condition of and threats to Scotland’s temperate rainforest woodlands.
PDF (3.86 MB)
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Practical guidance
Assessing ammonia impacts on ancient woodland
A technical advice note on assessing the impact of new developments on nearby ancient woodland in terms of ammonia air pollution and nitrogen deposition.
PDF (2.08 MB)
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Research report
Agroforestry for pest control and pollination
A PhD research project, supported by the Woodland Trust, is investigating how insects and other wildlife in agroforestry affect pest control and pollination.
PDF (1.79 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – future forests
The spring 2019 issue of Wood Wise focuses on what needs to be done to manage the UK’s woods to nurture healthy, resilient wooded landscapes of the future.
PDF (5.78 MB)
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Practical guidance
Ancient woodland restoration survey and assessment
Practical guidance on surveying and assessment when restoring ancient woodland, including why we need to assess remnant features, threats, prioritising action and monitoring.
PDF (3.24 MB)
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Practical guidance
Ancient woodland restoration – halting further decline
Practical guidance on halting further decline when beginning ancient woodland restoration, including first aid techniques for the most critically threatened areas.
PDF (4.70 MB)
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Practical guidance
Residential developments and trees guide for planners and developers
A guide for developers and planners on the importance of trees and green spaces in housing developments and how to integrate them into the design process.
PDF (1.89 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – reintroducing lost species
The autumn 2018 issue of Wood Wise looks at the species reintroductions for conservation, focusing on a number of projects happening across the UK.
PDF (2.57 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – EU-exit impacts
The summer 2018 issue of Wood Wise looks at key areas of UK environmental legislation and protection that will be affected by leaving the EU.
PDF (6.56 MB)
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Practical guidance
The role of trees in sheep farming
Planting trees for shelter can boost production and improve animal health and welfare. This guide provides practical guidance on integrating trees on sheep farms.
PDF (15.85 MB)
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Research report
The current state of ancient woodland restoration
A report drawing together evidence on the progress and challenges associated with restoring damaged ancient woodlands across the UK.
PDF (1.76 MB)
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Case study
Natural flood management using washland restoration
A Sussex Flow Initiative case study demonstrating natural flood management through washland restoration on an organic farm in the River Ouse catchment.
PDF (773 KB)
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Case study
Natural flood management using leaky dams
A Sussex Flow Initiative case study demonstrating natural flood management by using leaky dams in woodland to intercept, slow and divert flood waters.
PDF (880 KB)
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Case study
Natural flood management by planting trees
A Sussex Flow Initiative case study demonstrating natural flood management by planting hedgerows and woodland to intercept rainfall and improve soil infiltration.
PDF (570 KB)
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Practical guidance
Rôl coed mewn ffermio defaid - integreiddio coed i hybu cynhyrchiant a gwella iechyd anifeiliaid
Fe all plannu coed ar gyfer cysgod hybu cynhyrchiant a gwella iechyd a lles anifeiliaid. Mae'r llyfryn hwn yn darparu arweiniad ymarferol ar integreiddio coed ar ffermydd defaid.
PDF (3.52 MB)
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Research report
The benefits to people of trees outside woods
A research report on the ecosystem services, natural capital and other benefits trees outside woods provide, whether cultural, environmental or economic.
PDF (1.48 MB)
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Policy paper
Agroforestry in England: benefits and barriers
Examining the benefits and opportunities trees on farms can offer, including increased productivity, environmental protection and agricultural resilience.
PDF (1.47 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – forest flora
The spring 2018 issue of Wood Wise focuses on woodland ground flora – the wildflowers and plants that need protection and sensitive management.
PDF (2.82 MB)
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Policy paper
Rheoli tir yn gynaliadwy – rhoi coed a choetir yng nghanol polisi rheoli tir newydd
Mae’r papur polisi hwn yn esbonio safiad Coed Cadw ar bwysigrwydd datblygu polisi rheoli tir cynaliadwy ar ôl Brexit.
PDF (8.89 MB)
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Policy paper
Planting 50 million trees for a new Northern Forest
Our plan to plant 50 million trees across the North of England, transforming the landscape to make it more resilient, beautiful and prosperous.
PDF (3.95 MB)
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Policy paper
Our conservation principles and approach
A policy paper outlining the Woodland Trust’s six key principles for conservation in our own woods, when we work with others, and across all our activities.
PDF (2.67 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – nature inspires education
The autumn 2017 issue of Wood Wise focuses on how connecting with nature can educate and inspire the environmental guardians and conservationists of the future.
PDF (1.87 MB)
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Case study
Timber products from ancient woodland restoration
A case study demonstrating how one woodland owner is making restoration pay its way – by using extracted timber for flooring in a factory renovation project.
PDF (732 KB)
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Case study
O lawr y goedwig i lawr y tŷ - cynhyrchu defnyddiau coed trwy adfer coetir hynafol
Mae Ray a Jeannie Turner wedi bod yn berchen ar Goed y Galchog a hynny ers 11 mlynedd. Heb gymorth grantiau, mae rhaid i dirfeddianwyr edrych am ffyrdd mwy creadigol i sicrhau fod adfer coetir yn talu amdano’i hun.
PDF (732 KB)
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Research report
The role of trees outside woods - their ecological and landscape benefits
A report on the many ecological and landscape benefits offered by copses, hedgerows, lone trees and orchards in the UK, and why their protection is so important.
PDF (1.36 MB)
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Practical guidance
Benefits of woods and trees for local authorities
This document provides guidance and advice for local government to better achieve its environmental ambitions.
PDF (549 KB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – beguiling beetles
The summer 2017 issue of Wood Wise celebrates the UK’s tree-associated beetles, looking at their ecological requirements and their relationship with tree diseases.
PDF (4.85 MB)
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Position statement
Tree health: biosecurity and plant imports
The Woodland Trust believes it is far more practical and cost-effective to prevent tree pest and diseases from entering the UK than to deal with an outbreak.
PDF (5.06 MB)
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Case study
Tree planting for severe flooding on a lowland farm
A study investigating the impact and cost of severe annual flooding on a lowland farm and the role of tree planting as a management technique.
PDF (718 KB)
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Position statement
Rewilding – the Woodland Trust's position
The Woodland Trust advocates the use of natural processes and species reintroduction to promote the conservation and expansion of wildlife.
PDF (1.49 MB)
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Case study
Mob grazing and creating new hedgerows for livestock shelter
A case study demonstrating the productivity and welfare improvements achieved by mob (rotational) grazing and smaller paddocks with hedges for shelter.
PDF (2.94 MB)
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Case study
Planting trees to improve economic returns
A case study demonstrating the benefits of agroforestry on an arable farm, including crop diversification, enhanced biodiversity and reduced wind erosion.
PDF (142 KB)
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Case study
Shelterbelts can protect soil against erosion
A case study demonstrating the protection strategically placed shelterbelts can offer topsoil against wind and rain erosion, improving the productivity of a farm.
PDF (695 KB)
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Case study
Agroforestry for timber, coppice and nuts
A case study of a mixed farm planting trees to improve low soil fertility, increase wildlife and provide woodfuel and cobnuts, diversifying their produce.
PDF (220 KB)
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Case study
Benefits of tree shelter for livestock farming
Livestock farmers explain the benefits of having trees in their sheep and beef farming systems, such as providing shelter, browsing and field boundaries.
PDF (150 KB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – beyond the woods
The spring 2017 issue of Wood Wise explores the importance of trees outside woods for people, wildlife and the environment, as well as the threats they face.
PDF (1.94 MB)
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Position statement
Ancient woodland – the Woodland Trust's position
Ancient woods are irreplaceable, yet they cover just 2% of the UK and are still disappearing. The Woodland Trust believes there should be no further loss.
PDF (193 KB)
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Case study
Harvesting woodfuel from ancient woodland restoration
A case study demonstrating how ancient woodland owners in Wales have funded restoration work through the Renewable Heat Incentive, using timber for woodfuel.
PDF (5.11 MB)
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Research report
The economic benefits of woodland
A report setting out the case for the economic benefits of woodland, from flood mitigation to health and wellbeing, thought to be worth over £270 billion.
PDF (2.48 MB)
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Case study
Ancient woodland restoration for dormice
Find out how the rare hazel dormouse is benefiting from our groundbreaking restoration techniques in ancient Fingle Woods in Devon.
PDF (1.51 MB)
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Case study
Cynaeafu coed tân trwy adfer coetir hynafol
Gan nad oes llawer ar gael o ran cymorth grant o’r llywodraeth, mae angen arloesi weithiau er mwyn adfer coetir hynafol. Fe edrychodd perchnogion Barling’s Barn, busnes gwyliau hunanarlwyo ger Llanbrynmair yng Nghanolbarth Cymru, at gynhaeaf cynaliadwy o danwydd coed. Mae'r canlyniadau wedi bod yn wych.
PDF (5.11 MB)
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Position statement
Use of the Welsh language – the Woodland Trust's position
The Woodland Trust is committed to using the Welsh language alongside English where appropriate and making everyone welcome, no matter their preferred language.
PDF (131 KB)
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Policy paper
Defnydd o’r Iaith Gymraeg – Safbwynt Coed Cadw
Lle bo’n briodol, mae defnyddio’r Gymraeg ochr yn ochr â’r Saesneg yn ein galluogi i gyfathrebu’n fwy effeithiol â phobl yng Nghymru.
PDF (131 KB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – seeds of hope
The autumn 2016 issue of Wood Wise explores genetic diversity in native trees and shrubs, and how to safeguard genetic resources for the future.
PDF (1.83 MB)
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Case study
Trees planting on farms without affecting subsidies
A partnership trial to demonstrate how grazing and trees can work together, and to secure new policy which allows farmers to plant without being penalised.
PDF (134 KB)
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Case study
Adding value to timber from sustainably managed woods
The removal of non-native conifers is key to ancient woodland restoration. Timber extraction can also generate revenue for landowners, as this case study shows.
PDF (2.21 MB)
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Case study
Improving woodland management in the South Downs
A case study demonstrating the benefits of active forest management, including boosting the local economy and providing an educational resource for communities.
PDF (384 KB)
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Case study
Restoring ancient woodland in mid Wales
A case study demonstrating the restoration of ancient woodland in Mid Wales, including the extraction of timber using horse logging techniques.
PDF (347 KB)
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Case study
Restoring an ancient woodland in community ownership
A case study on the restoration of Aigas Woods – an ancient woodland owned by the local community which is providing income from the removal of non-native trees.
PDF (370 KB)
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Case study
Trees aid natural flood risk management in Sussex
A case study demonstrating the effectiveness of floodplain woodland and hedgerows for slowing and storing water in a lowland river catchment.
PDF (1.02 MB)
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Case study
Trees enhance poultry health for premium products
A case study demonstrating the benefits of enriching a poultry farm with trees, resulting in higher chicken welfare and marketable woodland products.
PDF (586 KB)
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Practical guidance
Natural flood management guidance for woody dams
Practical guidance on the use of woody debris to improve river health, hold back flood water, store sediments and create habitat for spawning fish and other wildlife.
PDF (1.03 MB)
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Policy paper
Local authority tree strategies - suggested policy
The Woodland Trust calls all local authorities to produce Trees and Woodland Strategy as part of their Local Plan. Here we present a suggested policy to meet statutory biodiversity obligations, by giving best practice guidance and examples.
PDF (508 KB)