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Trees woods and wildlife
Blackthorn
Early to blossom, blackthorn trees have clouds of snow-white flowers in early spring. They’re best known for their rich, inky, dark fruits used to make a favourite wintry tipple – sloe gin.
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Blog
Hawthorn and blackthorn: what’s the difference?
Hawthorn and blackthorn are two of the most easily confused species, so here’s a closer look at their differences to help you tell them apart.
Charlie Mellor • 09 Apr 2019
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Privately owned Wood
Stockshill & Blackthorn Woods
Kent
23.97 ha (59.23 acres)
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Privately owned Wood
Rolls And Blackthorn Woods
Hertfordshire
13.33 ha (32.94 acres)
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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 Sep 2020
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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
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Nottinghamshire County Council Wood
Daneshill Lakes
Nottinghamshire
52.70 ha (130.22 acres)
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National Trust Wood
Whitelot Bottom
West Sussex
15.63 ha (38.62 acres)
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Visiting woods
British blossom: the ultimate guide
Don't miss nature's spectacular flowering festival as some of the most beautiful trees in Britain burst into bloom. Find out which trees produce the best blossoms and when.
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Blog
Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw and Tristan Gooley
In our latest episode, natural navigator Tristan Gooley teaches us how clues and signs in nature can tell us about the land, water and animals around us.
Adam Shaw • 21 Apr 2023
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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
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Woodland Trust Wood
Abbey Grove
Felixstowe
3.91 ha (9.66 acres)
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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
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Plant trees
Tree pack FAQs
Got a question about our free tree packs? Take a look at our frequently asked questions.
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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.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Hedgerows
Small but mighty, hedges are an essential refuge for wildlife, clean our air, capture carbon, reduce flooding and give clues to historic land management. Find out more.
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Blog
Shieldbug identification: 10 common UK shieldbugs
There are a number of shieldbug species in the UK, characterised by their flat, often triangular bodies and distinctive, shield-like shapes on their backs. Learn to tell which is which with our quick and easy guide to some of Britain's most familiar types.
Amy Lewis • 14 May 2021
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Woodland Trust Wood
Pitts Heath Wood
Runcorn
4.11 ha (10.16 acres)
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Blog
7 signs of winter in nature
Winter is a magical time, with crisp mornings and chilly starlit evenings. Discover when winter really starts and some of the best signs to look and listen out for.
Charlie Mellor • 26 Nov 2021
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Woodland Trust Wood
Paddock Wood
Longhirst
5.73 ha (14.16 acres)
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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
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Blog
7 homemade gift ideas for Christmas
Take a look at our ideas for homemade Christmas gifts that are thoughtful, affordable and easy-to-make.
Charlie Mellor • 12 Oct 2023
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Woodland Trust Wood
Coton Wood
Coton in the Elms
32.95 ha (81.42 acres)
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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
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Blog
Foraging in September: edible wild plants and berries to look out for
Five edible wild plants to forage for in September with tips on what to look for and how to gather and eat them.
Helen Keating • 07 Sep 2017
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Blog
Hairy caterpillar identification: 16 common UK species
Spotted a furry caterpillar undulating across the path in front of you or munching leaves in your garden? Learn to tell your tussocks from your tigers with our quick guide to some common UK species.
Amy Lewis • 10 Jun 2021
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Hertsmere Borough Council Wood
Thirskcliffe
Hertfordshire
1.24 ha (3.06 acres)
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Plant trees
MOREhedges makes a difference for Wiltshire farmer
Ben Butler is passionate about doing his bit for the environment while running a successful farm. See how our MOREhedges scheme has helped on both fronts.
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Blog
Foraging at Easter: make a wreath and other home decorations
Brighten up your home and bring spring indoors with these easy ideas for Easter decorations using wild foraged plants.
Helen Keating • 07 Apr 2022
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Blog
Types of bee in the UK: how to tell the difference
From fluffy bumblebees to pint-sized mining bees, we take a look at the key characteristics of some of our most common species.
Charlotte Varela • 31 Jul 2023
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Blog
7 reasons to feel optimistic about February
The darkest days of winter are now behind us and nature is quietly waking up. Here are seven reasons to smile and wave winter woes goodbye.
Helen Keating • 01 Feb 2024
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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.
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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
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Blog
UK moth identification and facts: 12 common species for beginners
There are more than 870 species of large moth in the UK, many of which can be tricky for beginners to tell apart. Get to know some of the UK's most familiar and easily-identified species with our quick guide.
Amy Lewis • 02 Jun 2021
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Trees woods and wildlife
Hawthorn, Midland
Dense and pungent, but with fruits that are enjoyed by birds and humans alike, the Midland hawthorn is a supremely useful tree whose natural range is not fully understood.
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Blog
What do moths eat? Feeding, life cycle and other facts
Explore how some of the 2,500 species of UK moth develop and what they eat.
Julia Lock • 09 May 2022
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Woodland Trust Wood
Cow Hollow Wood
Waterbeach
6.82 ha (16.85 acres)
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Woodland Trust Wood
Pot Kiln Wood
Cranham Upminster
6.84 ha (16.90 acres)
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Blog
10 best trees to attract birds and other wildlife
Native trees offer birds and other animals vital food and shelter all year round. Boost biodiversity with our top 10 trees suited to small gardens and larger spaces.
Charlie Mellor • 02 May 2023
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Blog
Trimming and maintaining native hedges
Whether they're in your garden or in the wider landscape, native hedgerows are important features that offer food and shelter for wildlife. Explore when and how you should manage a native hedge.
Julia Lock • 22 Sep 2022
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Woodland Trust Wood
Blaeberry Woodland
East Whitburn
35.32 ha (87.28 acres)
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Trees woods and wildlife
Broadleaved woodland
Sun-dappled and ever-changing, broadleaved woodland across the UK provides ideal conditions for more species than you can count! We fight to protect it, and make much more, but, the UK is still one of the least wooded countries in Europe.
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Blog
British trees: folklore and mythology
Trees are deeply embedded in our history and folklore. Explore nine British trees with their own magical associations and stories.
Helen Keating • 29 Apr 2021
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Woodland Trust Wood
Grappenhall Wood
Warrington
8.09 ha (19.99 acres)
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Slough Borough Council Wood
Cocksherd Wood
Berkshire
4.77 ha (11.79 acres)
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Woodland Trust Wood
Percy Wakley Wood
Rockbeare
5.41 ha (13.37 acres)
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Press centre
Woodland Trust plans Captain Tom's Memorial Woodland
Holme House Wood, Keighley will be renamed and redesigned in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore.
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Blog
British trees and shrubs to plant: 14 native garden trees
British trees pack a big punch in your garden. Make space for one or two you’ll have year-round interest and be supporting wildlife too. Here's our top 14 native trees to plant in your garden.
Helen Keating • 08 Nov 2021
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Video
Silver Birch Scotland's hedge maze
Silver Birch Scotland has planted an incredible maze with our free tree packs. See how trees plus social and therapeutic horticulture can build skills, grow confidence and generate health benefits.
00:02:39
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Blog
Eco-friendly travel: 10 woods to visit by train
Head off on an eco-friendly woodland adventure that starts with a romantic rail journey.
Kayleigh Jacobs-Rutter • 02 Apr 2024
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Woodland Trust Wood
Whittle Avenue Wood
Warrington
1.03 ha (2.55 acres)
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Woodland Trust Wood
Top Ardles Wood
Ravensthorpe
4.79 ha (11.84 acres)
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Press centre
Tidgrove partners with Woodland Trust as ‘Platinum Wood’ honours Queen
Tidgrove Warren in Hampshire, a former farm with royal connections, has been unveiled as the latest 70-acre tribute to the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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Blog
7 reasons to gift a tree for Christmas
Want to give something unique and meaningful to your loved ones while keeping costs low this Christmas? Trees are the perfect gift, whether you pick out a perfect sapling to plant, or dedicate a tree in a woodland close to their heart.
Becca Smith • 08 Nov 2022
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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.
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Blog
What is a mast year? How and why it happens
Discover what a mast year is, what it means for trees and wildlife and what the data tells us about autumn 2020.
Lorienne Whittle • 27 Oct 2020
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Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Wood
Eaglesbush Valley
Castell-Nedd Port Talbot - Neath Port Talbot
14.04 ha (34.69 acres)
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Neighbourhood Environment Teams (NETS) and Land Services, West Lothian Council Wood
Almond Park
West Lothian
6.20 ha (15.32 acres)
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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.
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Blog
UK blossom quiz: how well do you know tree flowers?
Test your blossom knowledge with our springtime quiz.
Rachel Hoskins • 14 Mar 2020
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Woodland Trust Wood
Gorse Covert Mounds
Warrington
19.59 ha (48.41 acres)
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Stoke On Trent City Council Wood
Coyney Woods Nature Reserve
Staffordshire
13.58 ha (33.56 acres)
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Privately owned Wood
Merton Wood
Oxfordshire
6.41 ha (15.84 acres)
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Trees woods and wildlife
Hawthorn
Named after the month in which it blooms and a sign that spring is turning to summer. The pale green leaves of this hedgerow staple are often the first to appear in spring, with an explosion of pretty pale-pink blossom in May. It simply teems with wildlife from bugs to birds.
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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.
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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 • 11 Nov 2022
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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
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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
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Blog
Foraging in January: winter fruits and nuts
You can still forage for tasty treats when it’s cold outside and the leaves have fallen. Here's our list of fruits and nuts to look out for in winter.
Helen Keating • 16 Jan 2018
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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