Search our site

Blog

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

Press centre

Continued disruption of seasonal weather is causing spring activities in autumn

After a year of weather extremes, UK wildlife may be starting to confuse seasonal activities as spring sightings are reported in October says the Woodland Trust.

Blog

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

Blog

Rainy day activities for kids: mud kitchens and pies

Don’t get stuck indoors when the weather’s wet. Try our rainy outdoor activities including mud kitchens, mud pies, leaf boats and puddle jumping.

Danielle Wesley  •  01 Apr 2019

Blog

Outdoor Christmas activities for families

Get out into nature this Christmas and enjoy some festive activities with your family on a woodland walk.

Danielle Wesley  •  13 Dec 2021

Blog

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

Blog

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

Blog

Stick crafts and activities for kids

Sticks have endless possibilities! From Poohsticks to twig towers and journey sticks to stick men, we've got plenty of ideas for your family to try on your next woodland walk.

Danielle Wesley  •  04 Nov 2019

Blog

Minibeast activities and crafts

Our arts and crafts are ideal for nature-loving kids. Make a butterfly symmetry painting, minibeast masks, rock bugs, ladybird potato stamps and more.

Danielle Wesley  •  10 Jun 2019

Blog

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

Christmas

Christmas

Our activities, top tips and gifts have got you covered this Christmas, from eco-friendly present ideas and our favourite winter walks to last minute virtual gifts and recycling after the big day.

Blog

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

Support us

Resources and activities for schools

All of our KS1, KS2 and KS3 resources can be found in Tree Tools for Schools – our online learning hub. Tried and tested by teachers, these activities include tree planting, wildlife identification, nature crafts and lots more.

Blog

Conker crafts and activities

Discover creative and fun ways to use conkers in autumn. From simple crafts to activities and games the whole family can enjoy together.

Danielle Wesley  •  23 Sep 2019

Blog

Nature Detectives activities and resources

Inspire youngsters about trees and woods with our educational materials and Nature Detectives activities for children.

Richard Cooper  •  16 Mar 2020

About us

Modern slavery and human trafficking statement

We're committed to ensuring that modern slavery and human trafficking don't exist anywhere in our organisation, corporate activities or supply chain.

Blog

Autumn outdoor activities for kids

Take a look at our autumn activities for kids and families to enjoy outside in the crisp autumn air. 

Hannah Vickers  •  01 Oct 2020

Blog

How to make a bird feeder: easy homemade feeders

Attract birds to your garden with these simple feeder ideas. Turn pine cones into seed balls, repurpose old juice cartons or make your own squirrel baffle. They're cheap, easy and great activities to do with kids.

Amy Lewis  •  15 Jan 2019

Blog

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

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

Ideas for an outdoor birthday party for kids

Plan an outdoor party for kids with our ideas for fun woodland games and activities, nature-themed party bags and animal cakes.

Danielle Wesley  •  15 May 2019

Support us

The Man Who Planted Trees - KS2 assembly

Inspire your pupils with this thought-provoking tale that shows how one person's actions can make a lasting difference. This assembly can also support your school's tree-planting activities.

Trees woods and wildlife

Grassland

From woodland glades and wildflower meadows, to pasture and sports fields, grassland covers large areas of the UK. They can be diverse wildlife havens and many have developed from human activities.

Blog

11 autumn leaf crafts - simple ideas and activities for kids

Get creative with the kids this autumn. Make your own leaf animal pictures, leaf rubbings, leaf prints and superhero leaf masks.

Danielle Wesley  •  09 Oct 2020

Visiting woods

Woodland activities for children and families

Spot wildlife. Craft with nature. Go on scavenger hunts. We've got plenty of ideas to help families enjoy woods and the great outdoors all year round.

Blog

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

Support us

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.

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)

Blog

Animal tracking: prints and poo identification for kids

Many animals can be hard to spot in the wild, but they leave plenty of clues behind. Learn how to identify animal tracks, poo and other signs.

Danielle Wesley  •  17 Feb 2020

Blog

Nature scavenger hunts for kids

Discover ideas for nature-based scavenger hunts and add some fun to your family walks in the woods.

Danielle Wesley  •  17 Jan 2020

Support us

Platinum projects

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

About us

Faughan Valley Woodlands: from fragments to thriving forests

The Faughan Valley Woodlands project aims to reconnect pockets of ancient woodland, allowing them to become more resilient and thrive in the future. 

Blog

What can I do about climate change?

Climate change can feel overwhelming. But there's plenty you can do to have an impact. We've put together seven top tips for fighting back.

Helen Keating  •  12 Nov 2021

Support us

Smithills Estate appeal, Bolton

The largest English site we've ever acquired is now being restored to its full glory thanks to your donations.

About us

Our people

The passionate and committed people who work here are the roots of everything we do as the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.

Press centre

Children's author Michael Morpurgo backs project bringing city children into nature and farming

The Woodland Trust is working with Farms for City Children, a charity founded by Michael and Clare Morpurgo to connect city children with nature and farming.

About us

How we are run

We were established in 1972 and we are now the UK's largest woodland conservation charity. 

Press centre

Bugs on planes: volunteers hunt for new insect threat to iconic trees

Hardy volunteers are scouring trees across the UK in search of a hitchhiking bug that has made its way to our shores.

Press centre

Young people celebrate creating a forest in three years

In 2019, the Woodland Trust led young people and the local community on a mission to plant 250,000 trees and transform a Derbyshire site into the nation’s first Young People’s Forest.

Support us

Save nature's heroes

Nature's heroes are under threat, but with your help, we can preserve the unmissable drama of our woods. Become a member today.

Privacy policy

Volunteers

The privacy policy applies to applicants for volunteer roles, current and former volunteers, about whom we collect, store and use personal information.

Blog

Outdoor learning at forest school

Forest school is lots of fun, and besides the educational value, contributes to children’s personal, social and emotional development.

Frances Harris  •  06 Feb 2018

Blog

Pine martens: where they live, what they eat and other facts

They may look cute and cuddly, but with fierce teeth and claws and an appetite for small mammals, the elusive pine marten is anything but! Learn more about this iconic woodland species and how we're helping to secure its future.

Charlie Mellor  •  14 Jun 2018

Video

Faughan Valley: Creating a resilient woodland

Find out how the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland woodland creation team is working with landowners to create new woods in the Faughan Valley.

00:05:43

Plant trees

Acquiring your community wood

Getting serious about a community wood? Here's our guidance on acquiring one, from buying to leasing.    

Protecting trees and woods

How to set up a local group

You might want some support to campaign against development or changes to your local woods.

Blog

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

Video

Alison Stewart - volunteer woods under threat detector

Find out more about Alison's volunteering role and why she was nominated for an award.

00:02:08

Press centre

Lauren Child helps children smile with free trees

Much-loved children’s author Lauren Child has urged schools and community groups across the UK to take advantage of the Woodland Trust’s free trees scheme.

Support us

Hedley Hall appeal, Tyne & Wear

Your donations saved this angel in the north - and the ancient woodland, rare plants and wildlife that call it home.

Blog

Farm diversification: ideas, grants and examples

In these days of pressurised farm incomes, trees and woods may offer a number of ways to help diversify farm income streams and bring cost savings too.

John Tucker  •  23 Jan 2018

Privacy policy

Tree Charter privacy policy

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

Support us

Mead appeal, Derbyshire

With your help we can achieve our vision for Derbyshire's Young People's Forest and begin to realise its amazing potential.

Newsletter

Let’s stay connected

Get our latest news straight to your inbox, including inspirational stories, fascinating facts, activity ideas and how you can help make a difference.

Trees woods and wildlife

Why woods are good for our health and wellbeing

Along with improving our quality of life, woods and green spaces can help make us physically and mentally healthier. 

Press centre

Rhododendron is destroying our native wildlife

Popular for its pretty flowers, Rhododendron ponticum is an invasive non-native species and is damaging native woods and wildlife.

Video

BBC Community Life Appeal supports Woodland Trust Northern Ireland

Tune into BBC NI this September to find out from the Woodland Trust how you can play your part in the fight against climate change.

00:04:03

About us

Our fundraising with the vulnerable or those lacking capacity policy

Our fundraising with the vulnerable policy.

Press centre

Woodland Trust buys ancient woodland in Kingdom of Mourne

The Trust has taken ownership of 156 hectares of Northern Ireland's Mourne Park estate with ambitions to restore ancient woodland and open it to the public.

Video

Growing Partnerships for impact

partnership video page

00:11:33

Privacy policy

Privacy policy

We respect the privacy of our supporters and visitors to our websites. Our privacy policy is concerned with how we collect information, what we do with it and what control you have over it.    

Support us

Go green in 15

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

About us

Research and evidence

We use research and scientific evidence to underpin our conservation work, whether to understand the impact of climate change on woods and trees, or to support campaigns to save ancient woodland.

About us

Creating a UK rich in woods and trees: the environmental impact

We’re committed to working as sustainably as possible, both in our woods and in our offices. Take a look at our vision for 2030 and how we'll get there.

Support us

Become a School Woodland Ambassador

Become a School Woodland Ambassador. Share your enthusiasm for trees and spread the word that woods are good!

Support us

Your school

Inspire your pupils while helping the environment. We offer free resources, a national award scheme and free tree packs for schools to help you deliver exciting outdoor learning.

Video

Restoration techniques at Raincliffe Woods

We're working with Raincliffe Community Woodland Enterprise to restore ancient woodland at Raincliffe Woods, near Scarborough. Site manager Mark Feather addresses some of the common concerns and explains the techniques being used at the site.

00:06:58

Plant trees

Funding a community wood

Our advice on how to seek funding for your community wood, from buying the site and trees to on-going maintenance. 

Plant trees

Help us create more river woodland

Find out how river woodland planting can increase river health, help prevent flooding and boost biodiversity.

Plant trees

Morewoods agreement

Morewoods agreement

Support us

Visit a wood with your school

Breathe in the fresh air. Build dens. Learn about trees and wildlife. Make your next class trip unforgettable and explore a fascinating woodland habitat.

About us

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

We believe everyone, no matter their background or circumstance, deserves to benefit from trees and woods.

Blog

5 fun Easter crafts for kids

Take a look at five fun Easter crafts for kids to do over the Easter break, from chocolate nests to egg carton flower wreaths. 

Hannah Vickers  •  30 Mar 2021

Support us

Our commitment to safeguarding

Keeping everyone safe is our top priority. That's why we follow the highest standards of good practice and have clear policies in place to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults whenever we work together.

About us

Reconnecting Grantham to its historic landscape

We've worked with the National Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to link Londonthorpe Woods and Bellmount, the eastern part of the Belton House estate. The project has united accessible green space on the edge of Grantham to help more people experience nature on their doorstep.

About us

Glen Finglas: a 25 year transformation

As we celebrate a milestone for this magical site in the heart of Scotland, we take a look back at everything we’ve achieved – and how it reflects our wider work and values.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mosses

Ancient and damp, mosses are part of a group of plants known as bryophytes. There are over 1,000 in the UK, and some have global significance.

Blog

Tree bark crafts: bark rubbings and more

Try our fun and simple tree bark arts and crafts. From bark rubbing to leaf boats, there’s something for all ages.

Danielle Wesley  •  21 Nov 2019

Support us

Share your school's story

Tell us about your journey on the Green Tree Schools Award.

Press centre

300,000 households given new access to nature, new study of Northern Forest shows

More than 300,000 households have been given access to nature they previously didn’t have, a new Northern Forest study shows.

Blog

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

Plant trees

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.

Support us

Join as a family

Help us plant trees and protect woodland for future generations.

Support us

Complete our school survey

Teacher feedback helps us improve our resources and projects for schools, so tell us what you think.

Blog

9 fun ideas for family winter walks

Head out into the fresh air and get inspired with our ideas for winter woodland walks - enjoy spotting wildlife, scavenger hunts, winter picnics and more.

Danielle Wesley  •  14 Dec 2020

Press centre

Young people's climate anxiety is soaring due to lack of access to green space

One in three young people in Britain are scared (33%), sad (34%) or pessimistic (34%) about climate change, with 28% feeling “overwhelmed”, according to a YouGov poll.

Support us

Volunteer with us

Every year, thousands of people give their precious time to help us protect and care for woods and trees.

Blog

How to build a den: outdoor activity for kids

Get the whole family outdoors with our simple den-building guide. Plus, discover how to build a mini den or make an indoor den on rainy days.

Danielle Wesley  •  22 Oct 2019

Support us

Improve wellbeing in school

Use the power of nature to boost the health of your students.

Press centre

Woodland Trust seeks major new corporate partner to empower young people through ‘Funding for the Future’

The Woodland Trust, recognised as the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, is boldly seeking out the perfect business to work in partnership with to support an ambitious new programme of work.

Support us

Woodland Trust youth council

Meet the Woodland Trust youth council: a dedicated team of brilliant young volunteers aged 16-25 who are helping shape the future of woods and trees.

Plant trees

Community woods

Want to set up your own community wood? Our advice and guidance will get you started, from funding to planning for the future.

Press centre

Volunteers declare victory after rhododendron 'bashing' at Perthshire wood

A group of tenacious volunteers are celebrating the demise of the very last Rhododendron ponticum bush at Kinclaven Bluebell Wood in Perthshire.

Blog

Climate change: facts and actions for kids

Our simple guide will help kids understand climate change, what’s causing it and how it’s affecting the planet. Plus, we'll share some top tips to help kids take action.

Danielle Wesley  •  15 Oct 2021

About us

Funding conditions and eligibility

Your application must meet a number of funding conditions in order to be considered. Here we provide further detail on the types of research we can and cannot fund. 

About us

Using Woodland Trust sites and data for research

Researchers may request access to our extensive portfolio of sites and existing citizen science datasets to include in their research proposals. Find out more about what might be available to you.

Legitimate interests

Legitimate interests policy

Under the new data law we have a number of lawful reasons that we can use (or 'process') your personal information. One of the lawful reasons is called 'legitimate interests'.

Visiting woods

Things to do in the woods

Go on an adventure. Get closer to nature. Uncover history. Discover ways to explore the UK's woods whatever the season. 

Blog

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  •  23 Oct 2024

About us

Ethical policy

This policy details our ethical positions and provides tools to assist decision-making where there are conflicting demands.

Video

Joanne Yellen - volunteer woodland working group leader

Find out more about Joanne's volunteering role and why she was nominated for an award.

00:02:08

Support us

Become a member

There's no better way to protect the trees we all need than by becoming a member of the Woodland Trust.

Privacy policy

Supporters – children and young people

If you’re named on a Woodland Trust family membership, or if you’re a Nature Detectives member, this privacy policy concerns you.

Journal

Wood Wise – citizen science

The spring 2015 issue of Wood Wise looks at citizen science – projects that mobilise the general public for scientific knowledge gathering.

PDF  (19.35 MB)

Support us

Got a question about your carbon donation?

Got a query about your carbon donation? Here are the most frequently asked questions.

Support us

Individual fundraising terms and conditions

When you fundraise in aid of the Woodland Trust, you accept the terms and conditions set out here.

Blog

How to make a fairy door and more magical ideas

Learn how to make a fairy door with your kids, plus more enchanting forest ideas such as magic wands, woodland potions and fairy tea parties.

Danielle Wesley  •  22 Apr 2019

Blog

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

Blog

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

About us

Our sustainability strategy

Our sustainability strategy aims to transform our approach to social and environmental responsibility by 2030.

Press centre

Biggest ever tree planting year for fast-expanding Northern Forest

More than 1.9 million trees – enough to fill over 1,200 football pitches – were planted across the Northern Forest in the last year.

Blog

When do pine cones fall? And what to do with them

Hunting for pine cones can be a great activity for adults and children alike. Read our tips on when and where to find pine cones and fun ways to use them.

Charlie Mellor  •  06 Oct 2020