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When do blue tits nest?

A sure sign of the start of spring is the sight of blue tits zipping back and forth to nest boxes, beaks full of moss. Find out when, where and how long blue tits nest, when their chicks fledge, and how important it is that they time things just right.

Amy Lewis  •  12 Feb 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Coal tit

The tiniest of tits with dull grey feathers to match its name. The coal tit is a frequent visitor to bird feeders across the UK.

Trees woods and wildlife

Great tit

A familiar face. Great tits are among our most common birds, bringing a dash of green and yellow to woodland and gardens across the country.

Trees woods and wildlife

Blue tit

The blue tit might be famed for its bright, bold plumage, but it’s much more than just a pretty face. Spot it performing acrobatic displays while on the hunt for juicy caterpillars.

Trees woods and wildlife

Long-tailed tit

Flying balls of fluff. These tiny woodland dwellers have a strong claim to be considered the UK’s cutest bird.

Blog

Environmentally-friendly gardening: 10 top tips

Work with nature to make your garden eco-friendly and cut your environmental impact. Check out our 10 easy tips that are good for wildlife and your wallet too!

Charlie Mellor  •  16 Apr 2024

Blog

Top tips for an eco-friendly and sustainable Christmas

Sustainable choices at Christmas could help the planet, save you money and make the holiday season more memorable too! Check out our top tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  20 Nov 2020

Blog

How to attract birds to your garden

Find out how to attract a range of different bird species to your garden with our top tips. 

Hannah Vickers  •  22 Jul 2020

Protecting trees and woods

Creating a neighbourhood plan

Our tips and resources for sourcing and compiling evidence to support your neighbourhood plan.

Blog

Minibeast hunt – top tips for finding bugs

Go on a minibeast hunt with your kids and see how many creepy crawlies you can find. Plus get tips on what to pack in your bug hunting kit.

Danielle Wesley  •  26 May 2023

Blog

When are conkers ready? Plus, tips for how to play

Discover the best time to collect conkers and how to prepare them for a conker fight.

Danielle Wesley  •  27 Sept 2021

Blog

How to attract wildlife to your garden: 5 top tips

Make your garden a haven for wildlife and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature knowing that you’re making a difference.

Charlie Mellor  •  26 Jun 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Hazel

Catkins resembling lambs tails, and late-summer nuts. Hazel is one of the most useful trees for its bendy stems and as a conservation saviour. And its nuts are loved by people, squirrels and hazel dormice.

Protecting trees and woods

How to identify ancient woodland on your land

Think your wood could be ancient? Check our tips on what to look for on site and the historical records that could help.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine marten

Shy, curious and playful. The pine marten is a stealthy, acrobatic hunter that relies on the cover of woods and trees for its foraging missions. It’s critically endangered in England and Wales as much of its woodland habitat has been lost.

Blog

Top 10 nature gifts for kids

Nurture a love of nature from an early age with our specially selected range of gifts. From tots to teens, messy to mindful, indoors or out, our green gift guide has something for all the kids on your list.

Charlie Mellor  •  02 Dec 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Fox

A born survivor with a bushy tail. Ever adaptable, the fox is equally at home in our woods or city streets. It sits top of the woodland food chain with a diet that takes in everything from birds and beetles to rabbits and rats.

Support us

Spreading the word

Follow our tips or use our ready-made wording to promote your fundraiser on social media or with local press.

Trees woods and wildlife

Maple, Norway

Introduced in the 17th century, the handsome Norway maple is known for its hardy timber. Its leaves are a favourite with caterpillars and its seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Trees woods and wildlife

Scottish wildcat

Stealthy, rugged, not your average mog. The Scottish wildcat prowls select Scottish woods, spending its time hunting and protecting its territory. Known as the Highland tiger, this highly endangered species needs remote woodland to survive.

Trees woods and wildlife

Stoat

Fast and definitely furious. The stoat is not afraid to take on prey more than five times its size. Up trees or underground, there are few places this potent predator won’t go in search of its next meal.

Blog

Foraging in October: which wild mushrooms can you eat?

Explore the world of foraging with these top wild fungi picking and cooking tips. Here are five edible fungi that are easy to identify.

Helen Keating  •  29 Oct 2018

Blog

Foraging in September: edible wild plants and berries to look out for

Ten edible wild plants and mushrooms to forage for in September, with tips on what to look for and how to gather and eat them.

Rory Morrow  •  25 Sept 2024

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

Blog

How to make a nature trail for kids

Make your family’s woodland walks extra fun by following our top tips to create your own nature trail.

Danielle Wesley  •  15 Jul 2019

Blog

How to whittle for kids and beginners

Follow our easy whittling instructions for children and beginners with guidance, safety tips and project ideas.

Rachel Hoskins  •  02 May 2019

Blog

UK bats: a guide to bats in your garden

Explore the most likely bats you'll spot from your garden and how to help them out with our biodiversity-boosting gardening tips.

Helen Keating  •  22 May 2020

Blog

Rook, crow or raven? How to tell the difference

Crows, rooks and ravens are all part of the crow family and can be tricky to identify. Here are our tips on how to tell them apart.

Sally Bavin  •  14 Jan 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Pear, Plymouth

Rare, charming, foul-smelling. Plymouth pear was named after where it was found in the 1800s. Its fruit feeds wildlife, and its blossom, though beautiful, has quite a smell.

Blog

Foraging in August: find food this summer

Blackberries, rowan berries and crab apples are all ripening this month. Here are six wild edible plants to collect with top tips and recipes on how to use them.

Helen Keating  •  15 Aug 2017

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine hawk-moth

A master of disguise, both as caterpillar and moth. The pine hawk-moth lives up to its name, laying its eggs on pine needles for its caterpillars to feast on.

Blog

Eco-friendly ways to recycle Christmas waste

Enjoy the festivities while limiting your environmental impact with our tips on how to responsibly dispose of Christmas cards, trees, wrapping and food.

Charlie Mellor  •  24 Dec 2020

Blog

Foraging in July: nature's best summer food for foraging

Here are our top six edible wild plants to look out for in July, with tips on what to look for and how to harvest, cook and eat them.

Helen Keating  •  08 Jul 2021

Blog

Winter wildlife watching: what, where and when to spot

The winter weather might be frightful, but nature is always delightful. Here are our top tips on what wildlife to look out for, where and when on your winter walks.

Rory Morrow  •  13 Jan 2025

Blog

Swifts, swallows and martins: easy ID guide

When swifts, swallows and martins appear you know spring has arrived too! Find how to tell them apart and when to see them with our top identification tips.

Fritha West  •  05 May 2022

Blog

How to identify elderflower and what to do with it

Elderflowers are an all-time favourite forager's treat. Get our top identification tips, along with ideas and recipes on how to use the fragrant flowers.

Helen Keating  •  03 Jun 2021

Visiting woods

Love your woods

Our woods are home to amazing plants and animals and they're all free for people to enjoy responsibly. Show them you care with our top tips for your visit.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mistle thrush

Britain’s largest songbird. Renowned for defending its food supply. Named for its love of mistletoe berries.

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

Agroforestry for Scottish farming’s future

The Scottish Government is crafting its new agricultural support scheme, representing the biggest change in the support and regulation of land use and management in Scotland for 40 years.

Support us

Ausewell Wood appeal, Dartmoor

With its dramatic rocky outcrops, raw and rugged beauty, and precious, endangered wildlife, Ausewell Wood is the lost world that needs your help.

Trees woods and wildlife

Adder

Shy but full of surprises, the adder is the UK’s only venomous snake. It spends its days in woodland, soaking up the sun and swallowing its prey whole.

Blog

Why walking in woods is good for you

It’s time to swap the gym – or sofa – for woodland walks. Here are five benefits for your health and wellbeing, plus tips on what to wear and things to do.

Charlie Mellor  •  05 Aug 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Deadly nightshade

Attractive, psychoactive, dangerous. Found in scrub and woodland, the deadly nightshade lives up to its name. Though highly poisonous, it feeds woodland animals and even has medicinal properties.

Trees woods and wildlife

Horse chestnut

Spiky cases, gleaming seeds, celebrated by children. Horse chestnuts, with their mahogany-bright conkers, are the very essence of autumn.

Press centre

High Alert installation takes public art into the woods

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is hosting a public art exhibition by Rob Hilken at three of its sites in August and September.

Press centre

GB plant biosecurity strategy is a missed opportunity

The Government today published its Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain. Read our reaction.

Press centre

Woodland Trust sets out priorities for Woodland Creation Summit

Woodland Trust Scotland has set out its priorities ahead of a Scottish Government summit this month.

Blog

6 UK woods for stargazing

Escape light pollution and embrace the night sky to enjoy stargazing at a wood near you. Here are our favourite spots to see stars, plus handy stargazing tips.

Chris Britt-Searle  •  09 Feb 2024

Press centre

Climate action: water your street trees

Rising temperatures and dry spells are leading to an increasing loss of new street trees, but the nation can do its bit, urge tree groups.

Trees woods and wildlife

Spindle

Industrious, delicate, colourful. The spindle is at its loveliest in autumn when its leaves turn russet and its pink and orange fruits ripen. Wildlife loves its leaves and fruit, and aphids flock to it, bringing with them an array of their predators.

Blog

10 ways to help wildlife in summer

We can all make a difference for wildlife this season, from a single simple action to an ongoing commitment, at home or further afield. Read our ten top tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  12 Jun 2023

Blog

How to attract frogs to your garden

They’re fascinating, they control pests and they’re under threat – but how do you attract frogs to your garden? Read our top tips.

Charlotte Varela  •  19 Mar 2024

Blog

Foraging in May: a guide to wild herbs and other edible plants

Find out which wild plants you can forage in May. Learn about edible plants with our quick identification guide and tips on how to find, eat and prepare them.

Helen Keating  •  08 May 2019

Blog

How to make a holly wreath

Read our tips and step by step guide for how to make your own festive wreath from holly and other natural foraged materials.

Kate Lewthwaite  •  24 Nov 2020

Blog

Winter berries: what are they and where to find them

Winter berries are a vital food source for wildlife and can be foraged to make delicious seasonal treats too. Here are our tips on when and where to find them.

Charlie Mellor  •  29 Nov 2018

Blog

Helicopter seeds: which trees do they come from?

Four tree species produce ‘helicopter seeds’ in the UK. Find out more with our ID guides, spotting tips and interesting facts.

Charlie Mellor  •  30 May 2019

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.

Blog

Otters in our woods - where to find them

Did you know the clean rivers and shrubby banks of some of our woods are ideal habitat for otters? Follow our top tips for otter-spotting and find a waterside woodland near you.

Charlie Mellor  •  02 Feb 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Common toad

Lover of damp log piles and deep leaf litter. The common toad spends much of its year in moist, shaded places, often in woodland, feeding on worms, slugs and insects.

Video

Timber production during restoration in a County Antrim woodland

Continuing a 150 year history of woodland management the Shanes Castle estate is managing its woods for timber production whilst restoring the ancient woodland. 

00:05:20

Blog

Our top five woods to hear nightingales

The famous song of the nightingale is one of the wonders of the natural world, but to have a chance of hearing it you'll need to know where to listen. Here we share top tips for tracking down a serenade, plus some of our woods to try for a lucky encounter.

Amy Lewis  •  01 Apr 2022

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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Blackcap

Named after the male’s signature black cap, this little bird arrives in the UK each spring, bringing with it the sweet sound of its beautiful song.

Blog

Best native hedge plants: choose the right hedges

Autumn and winter are the best times to plant a hedge. To get you started, here are our top 10 recommendations for the best native hedge plants and the amazing benefits they'll bring.

Helen Keating  •  23 May 2023

Press centre

Budget Day 2024: what Holyrood should do for woods and trees

If Scotland is to meet its climate goals and restore nature to a thriving condition, we need more native trees and woods, and we need them in good condition.

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

Position statement

Bovine TB in cattle and badgers - the Woodland Trust's position

The Woodland Trust does not support the culling of badgers as a means of eradicating or controlling bovine TB and will refuse access to its sites for this purpose.

PDF  (477 KB)

Blog

10 ways to help wildlife in spring

We can all make a difference for wildlife this season, from a single simple action to an ongoing commitment, at home or further afield. Read our ten top tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  01 Mar 2023

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Speckled wood

Understated yet headstrong, the speckled wood spends its time basking in sun-dappled woodland and fiercely patrolling its patch.

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.

Blog

10 ways to help wildlife in autumn

We can all take small actions to help wildlife this autumn. From your balcony or workplace to the local woods and beyond, here are our ten top tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  19 Oct 2022

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Holly blue

A delicate holly-lover with some unsavoury tastes. Find the holly blue on its foodplant in woodland, or feeding on juices from rotting fruit or carrion.

Trees woods and wildlife

Tree pipit

Small, unassuming, brown. This woodland edge insect-muncher is often overlooked. But what it lacks in looks it makes for with its belting song.

Blog

Raw rosehip syrup: how to make and use

Rosehips really became popular during World War II when fresh produce was scarce. Here are our tips for finding and cooking up these surprisingly tasty fruits.

George Anderson  •  31 Jul 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Ivy

Clingy, luscious, misunderstood. Ivy has long been accused of strangling trees, but it doesn’t harm the tree at all, and even supports at least 50 species of wildlife.

Trees woods and wildlife

Walnut

Food of the gods, medicine for the people. Walnut was first introduced by the Romans who, like much of our native wildlife, valued its nuts.

Trees woods and wildlife

Jay

A highly intelligent loudmouth. The jay is known for its love of acorns which it often leaves hidden. These forgotten snacks are credited with the rapid spread of oaks after the last Ice Age.

Trees woods and wildlife

Song thrush

Famous for smashing open snails and for the sweet song which gives this bird its name. The song thrush was once a common sight in UK woodland, but is sadly in decline.

Blog

Beech tree facts: purple leaves, rippled bark and more

Beech is one of our most popular trees. Here are our tips on how to identify them, why some may look a little different and other interesting facts.

Emilie Bonnevay  •  15 Jul 2019

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)

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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Dark crimson underwing moth

A rare beauty – the dark crimson underwing moth startles predators with its deep red hindwings and depends on mature oak trees for survival.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hornbeam

Gnarled and mighty, the hornbeam is as tough as they come. It’s beautiful, useful, and its year-round leaf cover makes it a winter haven for wildlife.

Trees woods and wildlife

Snowdrop

One of the first signs of spring. While not native to these shores, these hardy flowers have become a familiar indicator of the shifting seasons and a sure sign that warmer weather is on its way.

Trees woods and wildlife

Cocksfoot grass

Tenacious and hard to budge. When other grasses succumb to drought, cocksfoot can be relied on for its perseverance; its deep roots and dense, tussocky growth securing its survival.

Trees woods and wildlife

Willow, crack

Scruffy and loud, the crack willow is named after its habit of splitting with cracks and fissures, and how noisy its branches are when they break. It’s one of the largest willows and its leaves are popular with moth caterpillars.

Trees woods and wildlife

Orange ladybird

A bright, cheery leaf-lover. The orange ladybird spends its winters nestled in the leaf litter and its summers feasting on mildew in the canopy.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common centipede

Scuttling hunter with a venomous kick. The common centipede uses its many legs to hunt other invertebrates on the woodland floor.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mayfly

Known for its short adult life, the mayfly is here for a good time, not a long time. Emerging between May and August, it dances above freshwater rivers and lakes to find a mate.

Press centre

Woodland Trust nears tree protection milestone as Living Legends petition gathers pace

A petition calling for stronger laws to protect important trees like the Sycamore Gap is tantalisingly close to its 100,000 target, says the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.

Press centre

Northern Ireland must increase tree planting urgently

The State of Woods and Trees 2025: Northern Ireland report reveals that Northern Ireland not only has the lowest woodland cover in the UK and Ireland, but is also failing to meet its own tree planting targets.

Blog

What is hoar frost and how does it form?

Discover what hoar frost looks like, how it got its name and the conditions it needs to form.

Emilie Bonnevay  •  21 Feb 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Sparrowhawk

With brilliant yellow eyes and long yellow talons, this small yet skilful predator swoops down to ambush its prey unawares. Strongly reliant on woodland, the sparrowhawk has been threatened in the past but is currently widespread throughout the UK.

Journal

Wood Wise – secrets of the soil

The spring 2016 issue of Wood Wise delves into woodland soil, its function, its species, the threats to its health, and ways to manage it for the future.

PDF  (1.39 MB)

Blog

When to pick sloes and how to make sloe gin

It's traditional to make sloe gin in autumn, ready for the coming winter. Here's an easy and delicious recipe for you to try, with our top sloe picking tips. It takes a couple of months to mature, so if you make it soon it'll be ready by Christmas.

Helen Keating  •  15 Sept 2020

Visiting woods

Walking dogs in our woods

Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brown long-eared bat

Known as the 'whispering' bat for its almost silent echolocation noises, this little bat's huge ears make it an expert woodland insect hunter.

Trees woods and wildlife

Stag beetle

Impressive, heavily armed and a formidable fighter. The stag beetle depends on trees and woods for its survival. Its fat larvae feed on the decaying wood of old broadleaved trees. Loss of its woodland habitat means that the stag beetle is now a nationally scarce species.

Visiting woods

Gillian's Wood

We are restoring this ancient woodland site to its former glory. 

Video

A legacy for future generations

The Ukrainian Youth Association in Great Britain planted 420 free trees in Derbyshire to have a lasting impact for its community.

00:02:45

Trees woods and wildlife

Chiffchaff

A dainty warbler named after its song. Chiffchaffs are increasingly taking advantage of the UK’s warming climate by staying here all year long.

Trees woods and wildlife

Porcelain fungus

A glistening white, translucent beauty which fights off its rivals with its own fungicide. It is associated with beech trees and is edible – but only once the off-putting mucus is washed off.

Trees woods and wildlife

Bank vole 

Stout but speedy, the bank vole skitters around woodland and dense vegetation looking for blackberries, nuts and fungi. It uses its large ears to listen out for its many predators, such as the fox and kestrel.

Trees woods and wildlife

Temperate rainforest

Also known as Atlantic or Celtic rainforest, this special habitat is incredibly rare. Its lush conditions are perfect for scarce plants, lichens and fungi, as well as a number of unusual animals.

Trees woods and wildlife

Black grouse

An iconic bird which is becoming an increasingly rare sight. The black grouse is famed for its displays during the ‘lekking’ season.

Blog

When do hedgehogs hibernate? And other animals that hibernate

As temperatures start to fall, wildlife turns its attentions to surviving the winter. But where do hedgehogs and other species go in the worst weather?

Charlie Mellor  •  18 Sept 2020

Trees woods and wildlife

Walnut, black

A handsome healer, the black walnut is both ornamental and medicinally valuable. It’s a favourite with squirrels, and its timber is extra pricey.

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.

Blog

True or false? Rainforest facts quiz

Do you know how Britain's rainforest measures up against its tropical cousins? How about the plants, animals and climate? Test your knowledge and learn about these amazing places with our rainforest facts quiz.

Charlie Mellor  •  18 Jun 2025

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wren

Plump, short and loud-mouthed, the wren is one of our most common breeding birds. Though it’s small in size, it makes up for it with its powerful song.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hazel gloves fungus

An Atlantic rainforest specialist and a clue that points to a wood's ancient origins. It makes its home almost exclusively on old hazel trees and is a sure sign of clean air.

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.

Press centre

Young nature enthusiasts let creativity shine at Maldwyn 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod

Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, has announced the winners of its ‘Getting Creative With Nature’ Key Stage 2 competition, held in collaboration with the Urdd.

Trees woods and wildlife

Buckthorn, purging

Prickly and with the ability to purge. This plant’s common name harks back its use as a laxative. It’s a fierce, invasive species in North America.

Plant trees

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Birch, silver

Pretty, pale, a symbol of purity. This common tree, with its silver-white bark, is favoured by gardeners who want to renew and purify their land for coming year.

Trees woods and wildlife

Herb-robert

Pretty, pink and healing, herb-robert flourishes in woodland from spring to late summer. Spot its bright flowers in shady spots in woods and grasslands.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak, red

Fiery, fast and spiked, the red oak is a fast-growing tree native to North America. It is often planted as an ornamental tree for its flaming autumn colour. Although it isn’t as valuable to wildlife as our native oaks, it’s popular with nesting birds and pollinators.

Trees woods and wildlife

Turtle dove

Named after its 'tur tur' call, the turtle dove is romantic, enigmatic, and at risk. It nests in shrubs and trees and feeds on the seeds of crops and woodland plants.

Position statement

Genetically Modified Organisms – the Trust’s position

The Woodland Trust is opposed to unenclosed GM crop or tree release and does not permit the involvement of any of its sites in field trials.

PDF  (387 KB)

Trees woods and wildlife

Lime, small-leaved

Charming, sturdy, pollinator-magnet. Not only does the small-leaved lime’s blossom produce a sweet scent and pleasantly minty honey, its leaves support the caterpillars of moths such as the lime hawk, peppered and vapourer.

Partnerships

Bettys & Taylors Group

Bettys & Taylors Group are partnering with the Woodland Trust at its flagship woodland creation project in the Yorkshire Dales.

Partnerships

Pets at Home

A thriving partnership in its sixth year with more than £1 million donated to protect, restore and create almost 8,000 acres of woodland.

Trees woods and wildlife

Roe deer

Nimble and fleet of foot. The roe is our most widely distributed deer, found in woods across the country. Look out for its white rump flashing as it acrobatically bounds through the trees.

Blog

Hazelnuts: where and when to forage

Our tips on where and when to find hazelnuts in the wild, how to prepare these tasty treats, and the woodland animals that love eating them too.

Laura Cottam  •  05 Aug 2019

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.

Blog

10 common garden birds to spot on your bird feeder

Find out all about the common British garden birds, what to feed them and how to identify them.

Hannah Vickers  •  21 Mar 2019

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)

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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Cow parsley

A true roadside stunner, cow parsley is a familiar sight in the UK. It’s a hardy plant which is popular with pollinators and grows just about anywhere.

Trees woods and wildlife

Dead man’s fingers

Swollen, blackened ‘fingers’ reaching for the sky. Aptly named, dead man’s fingers can be a spooky-looking find.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mistletoe

Romantic, parasitic and poisonous, mistletoe loves broadleaf trees and provides an important habitat for woodland wildlife. Its leathery green leaves offer welcome colour among bare winter branches when much else is dormant.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pine, black

Looming, handsome, graveyard-dweller. The black pine is common in shelterbelts, gardens and timber yards alike. Despite being huge, this non-native conifer isn’t a favourite with wildlife, though birds do enjoy its seeds.

Blog

What does fox poo look like? And other animal poo identification tips

It may be messy and a little bit smelly, but animal poo can tell us a lot about the wildlife in our woods and gardens.

Charlotte Varela  •  20 Sept 2022

Blog

What do hedgehogs eat? And how to feed them

Hedgehogs need our help and you can make a difference. Check out our guide to what food hedgehogs eat, when you should feed them and other useful tips.

Charlie Mellor  •  15 Mar 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Red-necked longhorn beetle

The red-necked longhorn beetle is native to eastern Asia and is a serious threat to trees in the genus Prunus like cherries and plums. Its larvae tunnel and feed under the bark and in the wood causing low fruit yield and possible death.

Blog

When do birds nest?

Some birds nest earlier than others. Find out all about the time of year birds nest and which are the earliest nesters.

Hannah Vickers  •  17 Jan 2019

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

Spruce, Sitka

Imposing, aged, useful. The Sitka spruce accounts for around half of commercial plantations, and though it’s not as valuable as our native trees, it shelters birds and small mammals.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common gorse

With bright, beaming yellow flowers with the scent of coconut, common gorse is a sight to behold.

Trees woods and wildlife

Mammals

Explore UK mammals and get our tips on how to identify them, where to see them and why they're important.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wood mouse

Despite being one of our most common woodland mammals, the small, sweet and secretive wood mouse is hard to spot. They feast on nuts, seeds and invertebrates and are an important food source for larger mammals and birds of prey.

Blog

First signs of spring in nature

Spring is a glorious time in nature with new leaves, bright blooms and thriving wildlife. But when does spring really start and what are the key signs to look for?

Charlie Mellor  •  19 Feb 2021

Trees woods and wildlife

Bearded tooth fungus

Tufty and beard-like, this rare and legally protected fungus has a reputation for easing dementia.

Blog

Foraging in April: edible wild plants to harvest

April is the time to look out for fresh new greens and herbs to give your food a seasonal springtime boost. Here are seven easy-to-identify edible herbs and plants to look out for.

Helen Keating  •  27 Apr 2023

Trees woods and wildlife

Willow, osier

Strong, neat and bendy, osier willow is the best of the best for basket weaving. It’s not only a source of food and shelter for native wildlife, it can even decontaminate soils it is planted on!

Protecting trees and woods

Don't let Government ditch its environment protection promise

After months of uncertainty about Government’s commitment to protect and restore nature, we still need answers. Abandoning nature is not an option.

Trees woods and wildlife

Pendulous sedge

Attractive, strong, damp-lover. Spot pendulous sedge swooning in damp woodland and river banks. It’s useful in a pinch, with edible seeds and strong leaves that can be made into rope and matting.

Press centre

Early signs of spring becoming the new norm, says the Woodland Trust

Earlier signs of spring – such as the first leafing of trees or the first sightings of butterflies – could be here to stay, says the Woodland Trust.

Trees woods and wildlife

Greater stitchwort

Pretty, star-like and abundant along hedgerows. These plants have an explosive seed-dispersal mechanism. Disturb a large patch of them in summer and they go off like fireworks.

Blog

Dawn Chorus: why do birds sing in the morning?

Learn why birds sing in the morning and other facts about the dawn chorus.

James Martin  •  19 Apr 2019

Trees woods and wildlife

Common striated feather-moss

Cushions of feathery green moss strewn nonchalantly over the woodland floor, common striated feather-moss is one cool customer. It brings colour to shady places and it is a characteristic of old ash woodlands in particular.

Trees woods and wildlife

Bramble

Hardy and determined, the bramble uses powerful roots to grow rapidly in almost any environment. Look out for juicy blackberries in the summer to make the most of this countryside favourite.

Blog

Squirrel nests: where and how do they build them?

Find out what squirrel nests looks like, where you can spot them and how you can help our native red squirrel.

Charlie Mellor  •  15 Sept 2025

Blog

Foxglove and other poisonous plants: a list of toxic plants in the UK

A quick guide to five of the most poisonous plants you may encounter on a countryside walk in the UK. Learn how to recognise them and get fascinating facts on their toxicity.

Helen Keating  •  01 Jul 2020

Blog

Common tree identification: top 10 beginner's trees

Our top ten trees to give you a crash course in common tree identification.

Helen Keating  •  26 May 2021

Support us

Avoncliff Wood appeal, Bath

We can now keep this sleeping beauty safe forever and the magic of its unspoiled ancient woodland alive.

Blog

Venomous animals in the UK

From secretive snakes to furry shrews, find out more about the UK’s venomous species that pack a potent punch.

Annabel Kemp  •  31 Jul 2024

Blog

10 best winter woodland walks

Embrace the simpler things in life with a winter woodland walk, when spectacular frosty landscapes and leafless trees reveal hidden history and elusive wildlife. Check out 10 of our favourite woods for inspiration.

Charlie Mellor  •  16 Nov 2023

Blog

Seven edible weeds: foraging in your garden

If you're a fan of foraging but missing roaming the woods and hedgerows right now, go in search of some edible plants that are closer to home. Here are seven edible garden weeds to look out for.

Helen Keating  •  23 Apr 2020

Blog

Feeding wild birds: what, how, when and why

Find out when and what to feed garden birds and welcome wildlife to your garden, yard or windowsill whatever the season.    

Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter  •  29 Apr 2025

Blog

When to prune apple and other fruit trees

Whether you're reviving an old fruit tree, shaping a new one, or encouraging a jumper crop, here's our top advice on what to do and when to do it. From apples and pears to peaches and plums.

Helen Keating  •  02 Feb 2018

Blog

Summer tree identification: can you name these nine trees?

Which trees do you recognise? Test your knowledge and see if you can get top marks!

Helen Keating  •  13 Jul 2020

Blog

Poisonous mushrooms: 8 most dangerous UK mushrooms

Your guide to 8 of the most poisonous mushrooms in the UK, including the terrifyingly named deathcap, destroying angel and funeral bell. Find out where they grow, how to identify them and why you should steer clear!

Hanako Shimada  •  19 Feb 2025

Blog

Foraging in March: spring's edible plants

Spring has arrived and the woods and hedgerows are about to burst with edible spring greens, shoots and flowers. Find out which ones you can eat and what to do with them.

Helen Keating  •  28 Mar 2018

Blog

Wild marjoram: what is it, where to find it and how to plant it

It's a herb we sprinkle liberally on pizza and pasta. And so we'd be forgiven for thinking oregano, also known as wild marjoram, only grows around the Mediterranean. But did you know it's actually native to the UK?

Helen Keating  •  10 Jul 2018

Blog

What is the difference between butterflies and moths?

When the two look so similar, is there actually a difference between a butterfly and a moth? Find out how to separate the two and discover the truth behind some common myths about moths.

Charlotte Varela  •  21 Jul 2023

Blog

Elephant hawk-moth: caterpillar, lifecycle and is it poisonous?

Elephant hawk-moths are big, bright and very, very beautiful. But what do elephant hawk-moth caterpillars look like, where does their name come from, and are they poisonous?

Charlotte Varela  •  08 Jul 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Flat-backed millipede

Many-legged leaf eaters that live a secretive life hidden among the forest floor.

Visiting woods

Glas-na-Bradan Wood

The important landscape of Glas-na-Bradan Wood is home to lots of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. 

Climate change

How does climate change affect timings in nature?

For nature to thrive, timing is everything. But seasonal events are happening earlier, with disastrous knock-on effects for native wildlife. Find out how you can help.

Visiting woods

Mourne Park

Thanks to your generous support, Mourne Park’s gates are open to all. Experience the wonder of Northern Ireland’s ancient woodlands, with scenic views, trails and rich wildlife waiting to be discovered. We invite you to be part of its story.

Blog

Bird song: Blackcap, chiffchaff and more

Find out how to identify the bird song of blackcaps, chiffchaffs and other birds.

Hannah Vickers  •  03 Apr 2020

Blog

Rowan jelly: how to find and make it

Rowan, with its fiery red berries, is a tree that's difficult to miss at the moment. If you want to try foraging this is a great way to start. Get top identification tips and a step-by-step recipe on how to make rowan jelly.

Helen Keating  •  13 Aug 2018

Trees woods and wildlife

Beaver

Architects of the animal world, beavers are back in the UK’s rivers after centuries away. These dam-building rodents can transform their local environment by creating new wetland habitats.

Trees woods and wildlife

Fir, Douglas

A fragrant home for wildlife, the Douglas fir isn’t just for Christmas. First introduced in the 1800s, it’s been a valuable timber source and provided homes for the likes of red squirrels and pine martens.

Trees woods and wildlife

Plum

A butterfly’s paradise with lovely blossom and even lovelier fruit. The plum is a petite tree which is perfect for pollinators and a perfect addition to any orchard.

Trees woods and wildlife

Woodlouse spider

Woodlouse assassin and protective mum. This feisty arachnid is perfectly equipped to take on tough customers – and other spiders won’t mess with it either.

About us

Rainforest recovery

We're protecting, restoring and creating temperate rainforest in Cornwall, Devon and Exmoor, and inspiring others to do the same.

Trees woods and wildlife

Meadow foxtail

Upright and bushy-tailed, meadow foxtail is a charming addition to any meadow. It provides food and habitats for a variety of invertebrates, including the caterpillars of the Essex skipper butterfly.

Trees woods and wildlife

Oak, Turkey

A pretender to the throne, the Turkey oak was introduced to the UK in the 1700s and is now impacting our native oak populations. It’s less valuable to wildlife, but much faster growing and a host of the knopper oak gall wasp.

Trees woods and wildlife

Juniper

A cosy home for wildlife and a gin-drinker’s delight, the juniper is a much-loved evergreen that brightens up the winter months.

Trees woods and wildlife

How to identify trees

All trees have clues and features that can help with identification. You just need to know what to look out for with our quick guide.

Trees woods and wildlife

Nightingale

Nightingales are relatively dull in colour but they are famed for their rich and distinctive song.

Trees woods and wildlife

Poplar, black

Imposing, elegant, rare. The black poplar was once a staple of Britain’s landscape but these days, the trees are few and far between.

Trees woods and wildlife

Cypress, Lawson

Tall ornamental with feathery foliage. One of the UK’s most popular garden conifers, Lawson cypress has rot-resistant wood which is popular in Japan for coffins and shrines.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brown rat

A contentious character but as resourceful as they come, the brown rat arrived in the UK in the 18th century and has been a crafty resident of our towns, cities and woods ever since.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lime, large-leaved

Towering, romantic, sticky. Large-leaved lime is a handsome broadleaf tree that is a rich home for wildlife. Find out more.

Trees woods and wildlife

Brown trout

A powerful predator and an iconic British fish, the brown trout is a common sight in streams and rivers throughout the UK.

Trees woods and wildlife

Willow, goat

Also known as the pussy willow, the male catkins of the goat willow look like a cat’s paws. It supports lots of wildlife, including the elusive and regal purple emperor butterfly.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wheatear

These migratory birds are seasoned travellers, embarking on an epic journey from Africa to the UK each spring. They favour upland habitats and nest in cavities between rocks.

Blog

What do robins eat?

Find out what robins eat in the wild and what you can leave in your garden to feed them.

Rachel Hoskins  •  01 Dec 2019

About us

Saving Scotland's rainforest

We're working to ensure Scotland’s rainforests thrive once again. As part of the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest, we're on a mission to protect and enhance this globally important habitat for the special wildlife that depends upon it.

Trees woods and wildlife

Sycamore

Familiar, romantic, sticky. Sycamore might have been introduced by the Romans or in the 1500s. Since then, it’s colonised woodland, becoming a source of food and shelter for wildlife including aphids that leave behind their tacky honeydew.

Trees woods and wildlife

Common dog violet

A charming sanctuary for butterflies, common in UK woodland. Look to the woodland floor for a flush of purple and you might see fritillary butterflies feeding and laying their eggs.

Visiting woods

Walking

Taking a walk in the woods is the easiest way to enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature. From woodland glade to unexplored pathways, where will your visit to the woods take you?

Trees woods and wildlife

Dogwood

Understated until the colder months when it bursts into colour, dogwood is a broadleaf shrub which thrives in damp woodland edges. The timber is so hard, it was used for crucifixes.

Trees woods and wildlife

Forest bug

A living woodland crest, the forest bug is a shieldbug that loves nothing more than the sap of oak trees. Look for them on woodland edges in the summer.

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)

Blog

Bird song identification: songs and calls for beginners

How many birds can you identify by sound alone? Learn to tell some of the UK's most familiar and distinct bird songs apart with our handy guide.

Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter  •  13 Feb 2024

Trees woods and wildlife

Greater horseshoe bat

Rare and highly agile. Look out for the greater horseshoe bat along woodland edges at dawn and dusk. The longest-lived bat in the UK, it has become scarce due to a loss of insect prey and habitat.

Trees woods and wildlife

Holly

Festive, neat and prickly. Holly is a well-loved shrub that shelters birds and gives hedgehogs a cosy place to hibernate.

Trees woods and wildlife

Timothy grass

A gentle and swaying irritant. Though this grass is a favourite with insects and farmers, it may well be to blame for your hay fever! It is a very common allergen, but is now being used in a cure to your seasonal sneezes.

Trees woods and wildlife

Lily-of-the-valley

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

Trees woods and wildlife

Spruce, Norway

Festive, useful, squirrel food. Made popular by Prince Albert, Norway spruce is a familiar non-native, with friendly winter colour and a value to native wildlife.

Trees woods and wildlife

Maple, field

Pollution fighter, autumn stunner, syrup maker. The field maple is a sturdy broadleaf, which supports caterpillars, aphids, and all their predators, all while resisting air pollution.