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Trees woods and wildlife

European Tree of The Year

The UK Tree of the Year, Wrexham's sweet chestnut, placed 10th in 2024's European Tree of the Year competition.

Trees woods and wildlife

Tree of the Year 2024

You voted in your thousands to help us crown this year's Tree of the Year and now we have our winner!

Press centre

Celebrations Beckon For Wrexham’s 'Party Tree' Crowned Tree of the Year 2023

Wrexham doubles down on city success as a 480-year-old sweet chestnut in Acton Park is crowned Tree of the Year in the Woodland Trust competition.

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How to plant a tree

Follow our guide to three of the most successful ways to plant.

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Urban focus takes centre stage as Woodland Trust reveals Tree of the Year candidates

An oak that survived a wartime bomb, the tree that shaded Queen Elizabeth I on summer picnics and one of the UK’s most famous elms are all in the running to be crowned Tree of the Year in the latest round of the competition organised by the Woodland Trust.

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Skipinnish Oak crowned UK Tree of the Year 2024

A centuries-old oak nestled in the heart of Lochaber, Scotland, has been dubbed ‘Tree of the Year’ in the Woodland Trust’s prestigious competition.

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Wrexham sweet chestnut in the running for European Tree of the Year

Hot on the heels of being crowned the UK’s Tree of the Year 2023, a 480-year old sweet chestnut tree in Wrexham’s Acton Park is in the running to be crowned European Tree of the Year. Public votes are now open.

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Tree guards: research into plastic-free alternatives

Our bold pledge to stop using new single-use plastic tree guards on our land in 2021 put us at the forefront of the movement to eradicate plastic from planting schemes UK-wide. We’re funding research to find viable alternatives and are now moving towards sustainable tree protection in other areas.

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Tree disease fighting fund

We're investing in hedgerows and trees to replace ash lost to dieback, and supporting tree nurseries to rely less on stock imported from overseas. But we need your help to do more.

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Free trees for schools and communities

We want to make sure everybody in the UK has the chance to plant a tree. So we’re giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to schools and communities.

Protecting trees and woods

Tree equity

Unequal distribution of trees in towns and cities is hitting those who could benefit most from urban greenery the hardest. This is where tree equity comes in.

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The power of trees - KS3 assembly

Inspire secondary students with this presentation about the incredible way trees benefit people and the planet. This assembly can also support your school's tree-planting activities.

Protecting trees and woods

Keep living legends alive

Most of our oldest trees are not legally protected. We're urging governments across the UK to change that. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Arkaig ospreys: behind the scenes of a nest camera in the Scottish Highlands

No wi-fi, no plug sockets, no film crew. Meet the people behind the camera and explore the set of the UK's most remote family drama.

Protecting trees and woods

Thank you for demanding a bold England Tree Strategy

The England Trees Action Plan determines how Government will protect, plant and restore woods and trees for years to come. 

Trees woods and wildlife

Chicken of the woods

Bright, bold and soft to the touch, chicken of the woods is easy to spot.

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Pepper Wood appeal, Worcestershire

On the northern edge of Pepper Wood is a piece of land waiting to become woodland once more. Thanks to your help it's now ours, doubling the size of one of our most treasured woods.

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Go green in 15

Help us celebrate 15 years of the Green Tree Schools Award by completing 15 eco challenges.

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Platinum projects

Unlock these special five-point challenges to complete the final stage of the Green Tree Schools Award.

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Try tree dressing

Celebrate a special tree with decorations made by your pupils.

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Couldoran appeal, West Highlands

With your support, we're working to transform a large chunk of land right next door to Ben Shieldaig into a thriving mountain haven for rare and iconic wildlife such as the golden eagle, pine marten, red squirrel and otter.

Trees woods and wildlife

Dutch elm disease

This now infamous tree disease has killed millions of elm trees in the UK over the last 50 years. It’s changed parts of our landscape forever and it’s still spreading north.

Blog

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

Privacy policy

Tree Charter privacy policy

Read our privacy policy for Tree Charter signatories and members of Tree Charter branches.

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Tree planting advice

Thinking of planting trees, but need some help? Explore advice on choosing the right tree species, location, how to plant and aftercare.

Video

The global movement for tree equity

Learn how, alongside American Forests and the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, we brought Tree Equity Score UK to towns and cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

00:05:18

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Discover your school's Tree Equity Score

Take action to help everyone access the benefits of trees.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ash dieback

Ash dieback will kill around 80% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.

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Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs

We're bringing life back to neglected and fragmented ancient woods in Sussex to boost biodiversity and revitalise woodland skills.

Blog

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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Donate your Nectar points

Fight climate change with 5,000 points to lock up around a tonne of carbon, or help grow the woods of the future with 2,000 to plant a tree.

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The Northern Forest

The North of England has significantly less woodland cover than the rest of the country, but not for much longer. With our partners we are planting 50 million trees and transforming the landscape of northern England.

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Life cycle of a tree: how trees grow

From seed to snag, the journey a tree takes to grow is pretty impressive! Find out more about the process.

Rachel Hoskins  •  24 Jun 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Identify trees with our Tree ID app

Download our free Tree ID app for Android and iPhone to identify the UK's native and non-native trees. It's an A-Z tree guide in your pocket.

Trees woods and wildlife

Rowan

Bane of witches, diviner of the future and producer of jam, rowan is an elegant tree with a mystical history. Its leaves and berries are a favourite for wildlife in woods and towns alike.

Protecting trees and woods

Street tree heroes: standing up for street trees

People across the UK are fighting for their street trees. They're planting the street trees of the future, rallying the support of their communities and influencing local planning policies.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hemlock, western

Dense and graceful, the western hemlock is a handsome tree with drooping branches of soft needles. Introduced in the 1800s, the tree casts such heavy shade that not much can live beneath it.

Press centre

Politicians plant six millionth tree of the Northern Forest

A host of dignitaries joined together to plant the six millionth tree of the Northern Forest, marking five years since the start of the ambitious project to link up Liverpool and Hull with trees.

Visiting woods

Ancient Tree Inventory

Ancient trees need special care and protection. There are thousands of ancient trees in the UK and we need your help to find out where they are.

Trees woods and wildlife

Plane, London

A real city slicker, the London plane is the capital’s most common tree. As a hybrid of American sycamore and Oriental plane, it was first discovered in the 17th century then widely planted in the 18th.

Trees woods and wildlife

Apple

Tart, tangy and crisp. The fruit of the apple tree is a firm favourite in the UK. And although they’re not native, we’ve been breeding them for centuries as eaters, cookers and to make cider.

Trees woods and wildlife

A-Z of British trees

Explore our simple A-Z identification guide to the trees of Britain, from natives to naturalised and widely planted non-native species. You'll find images, tree descriptions and information on where you're likely to find them.

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Charter for Trees, Woods and People

Discover the ten principles that set out the modern day relationship between people and trees and a vision for a future where we can be stronger together.

Protecting trees and woods

Tree Preservation Orders

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) protects specific trees or a particular woodland from deliberate damage and destruction. 

Video

Protect our Living Legends: A Legacy Beyond the Sycamore Gap

The heartbreaking felling of the Sycamore Gap tree one year ago is a reminder of the irreplaceable value and vulnerability of our ancient trees. Sign the petition to call for the legal protection they deserve.

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Meet some of our volunteers

Find out more about the roles of some of our volunteer award winners and nominees from the last few years.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine, Scots

Towering in the glen, the Scots pine is a truly stunning tree. It is one of only three native conifers, and our only native pine. It’s the perfect home for iconic Scottish wildlife, such as the red squirrel, capercaillie, Scottish crossbill and the Scottish wildcat.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wayfaring tree

A welcome sign you’re homeward bound, the wayfaring tree is so named because it grows close to paths. Look for them in hedges and woodland edges, with full bloom in the spring and heavy with berries in the autumn.

Trees woods and wildlife

Tree sparrow

Shy and sweet countryside-lovers. The tree sparrow is rarely seen around humans, but might be spotted in lowland farmland when there's some grain to snaffle.

Trees woods and wildlife

Horse chestnut leaf miner

The larvae of the horse chestnut leaf miner bores within horse chestnut leaves, eventually causing them to drop and harming the tree and leaving it vulnerable.

Plant trees

Securing England's future tree supply: growing diversity

The UK government aims to plant millions of trees in the coming decades. But where will all these trees come from? We're spearheading an initiative that will ensure a quality, native tree supply for the UK's green future.

Trees woods and wildlife

Alder

Swamp-dweller, water-lover. The wood of this tough tree doesn’t rot when waterlogged, instead turning stronger and harder.

Protecting trees and woods

Our work with The Climate Coalition

We're an active member of The Climate Coalition, a group of over 100 organisations dedicated to limiting the impact of climate change on the people, places and life we love.

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Types of woodland management

A detailed look at how and when to carry out the techniques of coppicing, pollarding, formative pruning and thinning.

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How to grow a tree from seed

Growing a tree from a seed needn't be tricky. Find out how to do just that with our simple instructions.

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UK’s first Agroforestry Show to explore the perks of farming with trees

Hundreds of farmers and foresters can discover the benefits of farming with trees for sustainable food production in the UK’s first Agroforestry Show.

Blog

Common symptoms of tree pests and diseases

Trees can suffer from pests and diseases at any time, here we explain the most common reasons why your tree could be struggling to thrive and what symptoms to look out for.

Matt Elliot  •  18 Aug 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Barnacle lichen

Looking like little barnacles growing on tree trunks, get to know barnacle lichen which you'll find on the bark of living trees in ancient wood.

Trees woods and wildlife

Western red cedar

A tree of strength and industry, western red cedar is grown in the UK for hedging and timber. Though less useful than our native trees, it provides food and shelter for wildlife.

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Trees for farms in the East Anglian Claylands

The landscape of the East Anglian Claylands is at the forefront of fighting tree disease, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We’re calling all farmers and landowners to help create a resilient landscape, where trees and woods thrive for farming and wildlife.

Trees woods and wildlife

Plum, cherry

Street tree, early spring flowerer and ancestor of the domestic plum. Cherry plum is one of the first trees to blossom in the UK.

Case study

Woodland restoration and the fight against tree disease

A case study examining the additional challenges the presence of tree disease can pose when restoring ancient woodland, and the measures required to tackle it.

PDF  (650 KB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak, English

The ruling majesty of the woods, the wise old English oak holds a special place in our culture, history, and hearts. It supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK; even its fallen leaves support biodiversity.

Trees woods and wildlife

Key tree pests and diseases

Increasing numbers of pests and diseases are attacking the UK's trees. Some with devastating consequences. Learn all about them here, with symptoms, outlook and how you can report them.

Blog

Signs of summer in nature

Discover the signs of the changing seasons – look for trees in full leaf, summer flowers blooming, butterflies, bats, grasshoppers and more.

Danielle Wesley  •  01 Jun 2019

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South West tree giveaway

We gave away more than 100,000 trees to farmers across the South West of England in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group.

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First World War Centenary Woods

One hundred years since the outbreak of the First World War, we marked the anniversary with one of our most ambitious planting projects to date. 

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What can rings and black lines in tree trunks tell us?

We take a fascinating look at tree anatomy and explore the appearance of tree rings and other black lines.

Julia Lock  •  29 Dec 2021

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My Tree, Our Forest

In partnership with the Welsh Government and Llais Y Goedwig, we are delighted to have given away tens of thousands of trees to be planted all over Wales, kick-starting a National Forest for Wales.  

Visiting woods

Discover woods in spring

While our woods are a pleasure to visit all year round, the jewel in the crown has got to be spring. Flowers bloom, bringing bursts of colour, and wildlife reawakens, turning the woodland into a hive of activity.

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Loch Arkaig Pine Forest appeal, Scottish Highlands

Old and gnarled Scots pines. Celebrated ospreys. Breathtaking loch-side views. Thanks to your generous support, some of Scotland’s finest and most fragile treasures now have the chance to thrive.

Trees woods and wildlife

European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus

The European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus attacks the leaves of rowan trees, leaving them weakened.

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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Lily-of-the-valley

Charming, sweetly scented and highly poisonous, lily-of-the-valley is a romantic woodland stunner.

Press centre

Tree equity map shows less affluent areas have less tree cover

People in less affluent areas have lower levels of tree cover and a higher risk of health problems from poor air quality, new online tree equity map reveals.

Trees woods and wildlife

Red deer

The majestic monarch of the glen. Our largest land mammal, red deer, are the royalty of UK woodland. 

Protecting trees and woods

Campaigns news archive

Explore the highlights of our major campaigns and success stories from the last few years.  

Trees woods and wildlife

Elm zig-zag sawfly

The newest threat to our already damaged elm populations, the larvae of the elm zig-zag sawfly can defoliate whole trees.

Video

Tree Charter in action - Sheffield

Find out how Green City Heritage have been bringing the Tree Charter to life in Sheffield after signing up as a Charter Branch.

00:02:05

Visiting woods

Discover woods in summer

Lush green landscapes, glorious sunshine, rainbows of wildflowers – a visit to the woods in summer time is not to be missed. The days are long and the nights are short, so make the most of the woods in the daylight, smell the flowers, watch wildlife or even enjoy a picnic.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ash

One of our most beloved trees. Ash is one of the most common trees in the UK, but as ash dieback sweeps through, is it set to be erased from our countryside?

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Green Tree Schools Award

Join more than 14,000 schools taking action to help the environment. Your pupils can take part in fun, hands-on projects while improving your grounds. They'll earn certificates in recognition of their achievements and a special plaque to display in your school.

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Snaizeholme: your questions answered

Our acquisition of Snaizeholme sparked the imagination and interest of thousands of Woodland Trust members and supporters who donated to the appeal and contacted us with questions. Here we answer some of the most common queries.

Protecting trees and woods

How we restore ancient woodland

Discover how we restore and maximise the ecological integrity and resilience of these incredibly special places.

Blog

Tree ID for kids

Help youngsters learn how to identify trees through the seasons with our tree-spotting activities.

Danielle Wesley  •  02 Mar 2020

Blog

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

About us

The Bunce survey

The Bunce survey brings together 50 years of data drawn from more than 100 woods across England, Scotland and Wales. What has changed in that time? Why? And how can we use the results to nurture healthier woodlands?

Plant trees

Which species to plant

Different trees have different purposes and needs. Choose your species according to the land you have and what you want from your trees.

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)

Plant trees

Tree pack FAQs

Got a question about our free tree packs? Take a look at our frequently asked questions.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hornet

The king of the wasps with a fearsome reputation, the hornet is actually much less aggressive than its smaller cousin, the common wasp.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wild service tree

A true springtime stunner, it’s not so long ago that you could find wild-service fruit at a market. These days it’s rare and hard to find but it’s still a favourite with wildlife like the wood pigeon, whose gut softens its seeds for propagation.