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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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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

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

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.

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

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

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

Plant trees

Tree pack FAQs

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

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

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

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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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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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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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

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

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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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

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.

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

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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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

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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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 Sep 2024

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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

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

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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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

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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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

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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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

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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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

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.

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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

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.

Blog

7 reasons to gift a tree

Want to give something unique and meaningful to your loved ones while keeping costs low? 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. 

Annabel Kemp  •  01 Oct 2024

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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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

Blog

UK blossom quiz: how well do you know tree flowers? 

Test your blossom knowledge with our springtime quiz.

Rachel Hoskins  •  14 Mar 2020

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

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.

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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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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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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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

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

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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

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British caterpillars: how to identify 10 common species

Learn how to identify 10 common British caterpillars, find out what they eat and when to see them.

Charlotte Varela  •  11 Aug 2023

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Foraging in October: berries and nuts to find this autumn

Our top foraging finds for October with top tips on where to find, when and how to use them.

Helen Keating  •  26 Oct 2017

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Combat climate change at home: 6 UK native trees to plant in small gardens

Small garden, big impact – here’s a list of UK native trees to help combat global warming from home, without taking up too much space.

Becca Smith  •  07 Oct 2022

Plant trees

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.

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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

Where and when to see snowdrops

Snowdrops are a symbol of hope and a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way. Find out when to see them and the best places to look for them.

Judith Garforth  •  04 Jan 2022

Blog

5 spring flower crafts for kids

Take a look at 5 fantastic spring flower crafts that kids will love, including tissue paper bluebells and finger-painted blossom.

Hannah Vickers  •  19 May 2021