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Press centre

Tree planting progress ‘near glacial' as Government releases new figures

Government tree planting figures published today show that targets to create new woodland in England have been missed again.

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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.

Press centre

Official planting figures show urgent need for more action

Read our response to the latest National Statistics on woodland released on 17 June 2021.

Practical guidance

Tree planting for free range poultry farms

Incorporating trees into free range poultry farms can improve the welfare of birds and their performance. We give advice on planting design and maintenance.

PDF  (650 KB)

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Where to plant

The trick to successful planting is good planning.

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)

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)

Research report

Planting trees to protect water on farms

Planting trees on farms can improve water quality, reduce pollution and help mitigate flooding, while also supporting production and wildlife.

PDF  (1.64 MB)

Case study

Pearls of wisdom - tree planting to improve water quality

Pearls of wisdom: a case study demonstrating the improved water quality and freshwater mussel habitat achieved by strategic tree planting and bank stabilisation on the River Clun.

PDF  (692 KB)

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Woodland Carbon

Get paid for planting new woodland for areas of over 5 hectares with our Woodland Carbon scheme. Your new woodland will be assessed for its carbon-locking potential and you'll be paid in Woodland Carbon Units with associated costs covered, too.

Press centre

Woodland Trust launches plastic free planting pledge

The Woodland Trust is set to revolutionise the conservation sector as it pledges to end the use of all plastic tree shelters from its sites by the end of the year.

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MOREwoods site plan guide

For us to consider your project we need an initial indication of the area(s) you are considering planting.

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)

Event

Community tree planting at Knightsridge Woods

Drop in to help us plant new trees at Knightsridge Woods and create a healthier environment for people and wildlife.

Sun 16 Feb 2025  •  Knightsridge Woods, Livingston

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Why plant trees?

Whatever your reason for planting, trees have far-reaching benefits for all of us.

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MOREhedges site plan guide

For us to consider your project we need an initial indication of the area(s) where you are considering planting hedgerows.

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)

Press centre

Success for Wales-wide tree planting project as 300,000 trees find homes

Thousands of households have planted trees through the My Tree, Our Forest project, helping to kickstart a National Forest for Wales.

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.

Press centre

Royal Navy worker helps tackle climate change by planting a tree online

Royal Navy worker Leah Ravuoco is urging others to take 60 seconds to have a tree planted in their name.

Blog

How and when to plant fruit trees

Find out how to choose the best fruit tree for you and your garden, when and where to plant them and the benefits they bring for wildlife.

Helen Keating  •  05 Nov 2020

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.

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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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Managing trees and woods

Explore expert advice on how to manage your woodland from planting to maturity and care for valuable ancient and veteran trees on your land.

About us

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.

About us

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.

Video

Combatting flooding and soil erosion with trees

Leicestershire-based farmer Rachael Spence talks about how planting trees with the MOREwoods scheme has improved drainage and soil quality on her smallholding.

00:02:18

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The Queen’s Green Canopy

We’re proud to have honoured Her late Majesty's reign by planting trees and woods across the UK with you as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.   

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Help us create more river woodland

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

Visiting woods

Events

Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs we're attending in the coming months. From walking and wellbeing to photography and tree planting events, our woodland events are a great day out.

Video

Torriano Primary School plant our free trees with author Lauren Child

Watch the school plant our free trees for schools and communities with author Lauren Child.

00:02:35

Video

Woodland Carbon Scheme: how it works

Woodland Carbon is our unique tree planting scheme that combines environmental benefits with financial rewards for farmers and landowners. Find out how it works.

00:03:27

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Natural regeneration

The UK needs more trees. We plant millions of native trees every year, but planting is just one way to help the UK's woodlands expand. Allowing nature to take its course is also an effective and efficient method of getting more trees in the ground.

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)

Partnerships

Premier Paper

We're helping Premier's clients combat their carbon emissions by planting trees.

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Trees for Tom

Captain Sir Tom Moore united and inspired the nation. By planting trees with the Trust, his family honoured his love of nature and helped create a brighter future. And you paid tribute by donating.

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Let's keep planting trees and protecting nature

Your support for UK woodland and our fight for nature is vital. Take a look at some of the incredible work we've been able to do and how you can help in the future. 

Video

Tree planting for climate and biodiversity

Klare Owen is a self-proclaimed hobby farmer near Aberystwyth. In a bid to boost biodiversity, combat climate change and visually transform the landscape, she planted 2,250 trees through MOREwoods and MOREhedges.

00:01:17

Partnerships

OVO

OVO has funded thousands of free tree packs since we began our partnership, putting more than 1.75 million trees in the ground and kicking off its Planting Promise with a flourish.

Case study

Keeping their cool - improving water quality with trees

A case study from Wessex demonstrating how the planting of trees can reduce pollution, slow surface run-off and provide shade to cool rivers and streams.

PDF  (663 KB)

Video

Phil Stallard, Mid Wales Landscape Scheme

Phil Stallard gives an overview of the mid Wales tree planting scheme that he runs on behalf of the Woodland Trust. Phil explains the importance of trees in an agricultural landscape.

00:01:59

Video

Woodland Carbon: finances

Explore the financial benefits of our Woodland Carbon tree planting scheme, including how much money you could receive and when payments are made.

00:01:50

Video

Woodland Carbon planting scheme: overview

Watch our film to find out more about our groundbreaking woodland carbon scheme, the support we provide and the far-reaching benefits for both you and the planet.

00:02:34

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Stump Up For Trees: planting one million trees in the Bannau Brycheiniog area

Farmers in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park show how it's possible to turn marginal land land into profitable assets that deliver for nature.

Video

Andrew Evans, farmer, Dol Llys Farm

Andrew introduces Dol Llys Farm and his ethos of balancing agriculture and conservation and the importance of long-term collaboration with others, to create a farm that benefits people and wildlife through tree planting.

00:01:25

Research report

The Pontbren Project – farmer-led uplands land management

The Pontbren Project, led by farmers in Mid Wales, uses woodland management and tree planting to improve efficiency in upland livestock farming.

PDF  (1.67 MB)

Case study

Restoring riverbanks with trees in Cumbria

Planting trees can stabilise riverbanks, slow flood water and reduce future flooding. We worked with landowners along the River Derwent to do just that.

PDF  (706 KB)

Video

Planting trees for wildlife, environment and future generations

Through our MOREwoods and MOREhedges schemes, Robert Moore has planted trees to attract wildlife, capture carbon, improve visual impact and make better use of underperforming areas of his 356 hectare Lincolnshire farm.

00:05:04

Journal

Wood Wise – hedgerows and hedgerow trees

The summer 2014 issue of Wood Wise looks at the benefits hedges provide, their management for wildlife, and hedgerow planting and improvement schemes.

PDF  (2.32 MB)

Case study

Trees mean better business for egg production

The CEO of a free range egg producer advocates tree planting as an active part of farm management for the commercial and welfare benefits they deliver.

PDF  (704 KB)

Case study

Tree shelter boosts lamb survival rate in sheep farming

Planting trees as shelter for livestock on upland farms can protect animals from harsh weather, improving welfare and reducing lamb mortality.

PDF  (698 KB)

Partnerships

Moto Foundation

Our partnership is driving tree planting efforts all over the UK.

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MOREwoods application guidance

Find out more about the MOREwoods scheme, for planting 500+ trees as woodland on at least half a hectare.

Press centre

"LincWoods" project to plant 200,000 trees across Lincolnshire in next two years

Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust have united for a major planting initiative to boost tree cover across the region.

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MOREwoods application form

Apply for MOREwoods

Press centre

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland opens Glas-na-Bradan Wood

Woodland Trust thanks funders and volunteers for their support as the first phase of work and planting are completed on the new Belfast site.

Partnerships

Sofidel

Our partnership sees a range of product sales fund tree planting across the UK.

Blog

How to protect your plants in winter

Top tips on how to protect your garden plants from wind, rain, frost and snow, plus other garden jobs for winter: planning, planting and helping wildlife.

Kate Lewthwaite  •  04 Nov 2020

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.

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.

Press centre

Press centre

Read the latest news from the Woodland Trust including our woods, conservation, campaigns, our work with government, tree planting and much more.

Video

The Northern Forest

Watch our video on the Northern Forest and find out all the benefits this planting project will bring.

00:01:30

Support us

Plant trees with your school

Tree planting is a hands-on way for children to make a real impact on the environment. We’ve already helped schools plant five million trees across the UK; discover how we can help you.

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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.

Press centre

Woodland Trust helps National Trust plant 70-acre wood on Wimpole Farm

The Woodland Trust and National Trust are planting 90,000 trees to transform a working farm into a haven for wildlife, including a new wood celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Research report

The benefits of integrating trees on livestock farms

A research report on how tree planting supports livestock farms and animal welfare by improving water quality, preventing soil erosion and providing shelter.

PDF  (9.10 MB)

Blog

7 ways for kids to help garden wildlife

Read our top tips on how kids can help support garden wildlife, from planting trees to making a bug hotel.

Danielle Wesley  •  18 Aug 2021

Partnerships

People's Postcode Lottery

Support from players of People's Postcode Lottery has raised over £25 million to date, planting millions of trees, investing in the next generation of naturalists, restoring precious woodland habitats and helped us buy our first mountain – Ben Shieldaig.

Blog

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

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)

Partnerships

Sainsbury's

We've spent the last 20 years growing our successful partnership, working together for a healthier planet. As part of this, we're championing innovative nature-friendly farming agroforestry solutions, funding free trees for schools and communities, and planting over five million trees across the UK.

Video

Improve livestock health and wellbeing

David Brass, CEO of The Lakes Free Range Egg Company, has seen improvements in animal health as well as commercial benefits for his farm after planting trees. 

00:02:07

About us

Influencing government and policymakers

We work to influence government and policymakers to secure stronger protection for our valued woods and trees, and to reverse the decline in tree cover by creating better incentives for planting.

Practical guidance

The role of trees in free range poultry farming

Trees provide cover, shelter and shade, encouraging poultry to range and exhibit natural behaviours. This in turn improves bird health, welfare and production.

PDF  (7.77 MB)

Research report

The benefits of integrating trees on arable farms

A research report on how tree planting supports farm production through reduced soil erosion, water conservation and climate change resilience.

PDF  (1.27 MB)

Video

Meet the people behind our work: Friends of Belvoir Wood

Hard graft. Passionate people. Expertise and skill. There's more to our woods than just trees. See for yourself what makes Friends of Belvoir Wood so special, and what it takes to keep it that way.

00:02:08

Practical guidance

The role of trees in arable farming

Native trees and hedges on arable farms can improve productivity and landscape resilience, increase product diversity, and provide environmental value.

PDF  (2.35 MB)

Research report

Evaluating the use and benefits of trees on dairy farms

A research report on how tree planting supports dairy farms and animal welfare through mitigating pollution runoff, protecting water and providing shelter.

PDF  (1.19 MB)

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)

Position statement

Trees and carbon – the Woodland Trust’s position

The Woodland Trust promotes tree planting and woodland creation as a means of reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and combatting the effects of climate change.

PDF  (591 KB)

Case study

Fruit trees - improving land and increasing yield on a mixed farm

A case study demonstrating the productivity benefits of fruit trees on a mixed organic farm. Planting in rows provides shelter for crops and prevents soil erosion.

PDF  (936 KB)

Support us

Plant more trees

We're on a mission to grow millions of healthy, native trees across the UK to help protect us from the effects of climate change.

Case study

Trees enhance flock health and field drainage

A case study demonstrating how trees can improve shelter for sheep, land drainage and grass growing conditions in fields otherwise unsuitable for stock.

PDF  (493 KB)

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)

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)

Practical guidance

Ancient tree guide 7 – trees for the future

A guide to establishing and protecting the next generation of trees, allowing them to develop fully and become the ancient trees of the future.

PDF  (2.19 MB)

Blog

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

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)

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. Agroforestry 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)

Press centre

Commercial and conservation sectors condemn Forest Grant Scheme cuts

Enormous cuts to the woodland grant budget will torpedo Scotland’s chances of meeting climate and nature targets.

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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How to plant a tree

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

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)

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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Why we need trees

We desperately need trees to help fight climate change, save wildlife, improve our health, and more.

Trees woods and wildlife

Blackbird

Garden stalwarts. Famous songsters. Familiar friends. These sun-worshipping earthworm feasters are regular visitors to British gardens. 

Video

Woodland carbon: eligibility and getting started

Interested in our woodland carbon scheme? Find out if you qualify and learn how to get started.

00:01:11

Trees woods and wildlife

Plantations and new native woods

Young and industrious, a plantation can be for profit, a new haven for wildlife and a way to lock up carbon. Many of our native ancient woods were sacrificed for timber plantations during and after the World Wars, so now we’re on a mission to restore them.

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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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.

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.

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Creating a woodland: planning and design

Growing a wood from scratch is an ambitious undertaking, but thorough planning will put you on the path to success.

Press centre

New woodland statistics cast doubt on Government’s ability to halt nature’s decline by 2030

The Woodland Trust responds to new woodland statistics published today by the Forestry Commission.

Partnerships

How our partnerships work

Learn how we can work together to achieve your sustainability aims.

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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

Ancient woodland

Home to myth and legend, where folk tales began. It fuelled our ancestors and still houses thousands of species. Ancient woodland has grown and adapted with native wildlife, yet what remains only covers 2.5% of the UK.

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Blackwood RFC

When trees were lost in stormy weather, South Wales' Blackwood RFC applied for a community tree pack to restore the wildlife habitat, soil stability and beauty that had been washed downriver.

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Trees for landowners and farmers

If you’re looking to plant lots of trees, we have the trees, grants and funding schemes to help.

Blog

Tackling climate change with the right trees in the right place

Trees can tackle climate change and absorb carbon, but what those trees are and how they are managed is key.

Karen Hornigold  •  27 Jul 2020