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How invasive non-native species threaten our woods

Invasive species impact our environment and wildlife, are costly to the economy, and can even pose a risk to our health. Find out what you can do to help.

Sally Bavin  •  05 Oct 2023

Journal

Wood Wise – invasive species management in woodland habitats

The spring 2013 issue of Wood Wise focuses on invasive species and the threat they pose to the health of our woods, the economy and human health.

PDF  (3.64 MB)

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.

Press centre

Rhododendron is destroying our native wildlife

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

Video

Clearing Runtington Wood of invasive plants

Elsa Godfrey, owner of Runtington Wood in Sussex, explains the steps she has taken to clear her ancient woodland of rhododendron with the help of volunteers and the Woodland Trust.

00:02:40

Policy paper

Reducing rhododendron in Scotland's rainforest

Without action, invasive rhododendron will increasingly dominate Scotland's rainforest. We're asking for a Rainforest Action Fund to tackle the issue.

PDF  (7.41 MB)

Blog

Reintroducing lost species

In the latest issue of Wood Wise, find out how reintroducing lost species can help to restore ecological balance.

Karen Hornigold  •  29 Jan 2019

Position statement

Ash dieback – the Woodland Trust's position

Ash dieback, caused by the non-native invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, presents a major threat to the UK’s treescape on a scale not seen since the Dutch elm disease epidemic of the 1970s.

PDF  (333 KB)

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Honeysuckle

Twining, scented woodland stunner. This trumpet-like flower is a paradise for wildlife, with its sweet, heady fragrance calling to nearby species, particularly on warm summer evenings.

Partnerships

Simple Skincare

Skincare brand Simple is working with us to help restore and protect ancient woodland.

Press centre

Woodland Trust acquires new land connected to Mourne Park

The Trust has been able to extend Mourne Park, a special site for restoration and conservation in Northern Ireland, with 32 hectares of neighbouring land.

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

Yorkshire fog grass

Beautiful but unpalatable, Yorkshire fog grass glows a gentle purple in meadows and wasteland alike. It’s not a favourite with livestock, but is eaten by the caterpillars of the Essex skipper.

Partnerships

E.ON Next

E.ON Next is donating a portion of its fixed tariffs to help us breathe new life into ancient woodlands.

Trees woods and wildlife

Traveller's joy

Also known as old man’s beard, this woody member of the buttercup family is often seen scrambling over hedgerows.

Press centre

Woodland Trust Scotland Buys Highland Estate

Woodland Trust Scotland has completed the purchase of the 4,500-acre Couldoran Estate in Wester Ross, a site it plans to transform for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Support us

Harrison Woodlands Appeal Update 

We've purchased Harrison Woodlands thanks to our generous supporters – but we still need your help. 

Support us

Ancient woodland restoration fund

Help us restore irreplaceable ancient woodland and bring it back to its former glory.

Protecting trees and woods

How we restore ancient woodland

Discover how we restore and maximise the ecological integrity and resilience of these incredibly special places.

Video

Lionel Knobbs - volunteer warden

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

00:02:03

Press centre

The Woodland Trust’s Mourne Park is awarded £2.5 million windfall from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Mourne Park is set to reopen following damage from Storms Darragh and Éowyn, with a significant financial windfall from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Video

BBC Community Life Appeal supports Woodland Trust Northern Ireland

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

00:04:03

Press centre

Team assembles to upskill the west coast to save Scotland’s rainforest

A team of nature conservationists have come together to develop a skill-boosting programme equipping local people to earn a living saving Scotland’s rainforest.

Blog

Giant hogweed: the facts

How common is giant hogweed in the UK and is it really that dangerous? We've distilled the facts to give you the low-down on giant hogweed.

Helen Keating  •  29 Jun 2022

Blog

What are the effects of global warming in the UK? And how can we make a difference?

Global warming is affecting the UK. Find out the changes we are already seeing, the changes to come, and how we can fight back.

Nick Atkinson  •  24 Apr 2019

Support us

Brynau Farm appeal, Neath

We’re helping the incredible ancient woodland at Brynau Farm to flourish, and we now have the chance to more than double the size of this site. Help us secure Cefn Morfudd to create a peaceful oasis for native wildlife. 

Press centre

Argyll Peninsula Prepped to Save Scotland's Ancient Rainforest 

Regenerating Craignish Rainforest Habitats and Native Woods Co-operative join forces to revive ancient woodland on Argyll’s Craignish peninsula.

Plant trees

Planning your community wood

Find out how to plan your community wood's management and maintenance, from the site boundaries and pathways to the trees and wildlife that lives there.

Video

Protecting and restoring temperate rainforest in Devon

See how we're working with organisations including Plantlife and the National Trust to protect and restore temperate rainforest sites across Devon.

00:06:32

Protecting trees and woods

The Green Recovery Challenge Fund

In March 2022, we completed a 15-month project with the National Trust to restore damaged woods and conserve neglected ancient trees thanks to funding from Defra.

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

Foraging in June: edible flowers, plants and herbs

From fresh flowers to tender leaves, here are some edible plants to forage in June. These are my top tips on where to find them, and how to turn them into something tasty.

Helen Keating  •  24 Jun 2021

Press centre

Faughan Valley Woodlands officially opens unveiling a haven for nature and people

Small fragmented woodlands along and across the River Faughan have been connected to benefit people, nature and climate in Northern Ireland.

Support us

Mourne Park appeal, Northern Ireland

Help keep Mourne Park thriving for nature and people – an irreplaceable ancient woodland in Northern Ireland now open for all to explore. We’ve secured this precious land, and we need you to help us to protect it for future generations.

About us

Restoring Devon's wooded landscape

We're working to restore Devon's fragmented woodland landscape to its former glory.

Plant trees

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

Highland landowners team up to revive ecosystem area larger than Edinburgh

Four diverse landowners have formed a unique pact to “reawaken the landscape” across an area of Lochaber bigger than Edinburgh.

Trees woods and wildlife

What we are doing about tree pests and diseases

We are fighting back against pests and diseases. Find out what we're doing to prevent the spread and protect the UK’s trees. 

Support us

Help us save a globally important temperate rainforest

We urgently need your support to save and restore an amazing and rare temperate rainforest.

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

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.

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.

Protecting trees and woods

Scotland's nature needs help to recover and thrive

We need a robust delivery strategy for biodiversity in Scotland.

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

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.

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

Woodland Trust says support home-grown tree nurseries to reduce disease risk

The Woodland Trust is urging the Government to continue support for UK tree nurseries to counter the threat posed by spiralling tree imports.

Partnerships

People's Postcode Lottery

Support from players of People's Postcode Lottery has raised over £28 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

Pond dipping: how to pond dip

Learn how to safely pond dip with children, find out the equipment you’ll need and learn how to make a net.

Danielle Wesley  •  08 Aug 2019

Visiting woods

South Park

South Park is set in a historic landscape with a mixture of planted and ancient woodland.

Blog

Why are bees important? And how you can help them

Bees are important for wildlife, for woods and trees, and even for our own lives. Find out why, discover why bees are in trouble and learn how you can help them.

Charlotte Varela  •  26 Apr 2023

Press centre

Woodland Trust buys ancient woodland in Kingdom of Mourne

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

Support us

Loch Arkaig Pine Forest appeal, Scottish Highlands

Old and gnarled Scots pines. Celebrated ospreys. Breathtaking loch-side views. Thanks to your generous support, some of Scotland’s finest and most fragile treasures now have the chance to thrive.

About us

Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs

We're bringing life back to neglected and fragmented ancient woods in Sussex to boost biodiversity and revitalise woodland skills.

Support us

Couldoran appeal, West Highlands

With your support, we're working to transform a large chunk of land right next door to Ben Shieldaig into a thriving mountain haven for rare and iconic wildlife such as the golden eagle, pine marten, red squirrel and otter.

Support us

2023's winning projects

Discover the winning projects that are impacting woods and trees through our very first Igniting Innovation challenge.

About us

Faughan Valley Woodlands: from fragments to thriving forests

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

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.

Journal

Wood Wise – reintroducing lost species

The autumn 2018 issue of Wood Wise looks at the species reintroductions for conservation, focusing on a number of projects happening across the UK.

PDF  (2.57 MB)

State of UK woods and trees

State of UK woods and trees

The first-ever report that focuses on the UK's native woods and trees. It outlines their current extent, condition and wildlife value, benefits and threats.

Protecting trees and woods

Our 10 asks of the proposed new Sustainable Farming Scheme

Please support Our Ten Asks for Trees on Farms and help us embed them in the new Sustainable Farming Scheme for Wales.

About us

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

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

About us

Conservation research grants

We fund applied and policy driven research that addresses issues facing the conservation of the UK’s native woods and trees. We welcome research proposals that address our priority research themes and will help us to achieve our strategic goals: to protect, create and restore native woods and trees, for wildlife and for people.  

Blog

Rare woodland animals and where to find them

Discover some of the UK's rarest woodland animals and where to spot them in the wild. 

Annabel Kemp  •  21 Sep 2023

Press centre

Farmers share tales of 'living legends' and nature on their land

From an ancient oak which survived a hit from a Lancaster Bomber in World War Two to a 150-year-old pear tree – classically taken portraits tell a story of how farmers are helping to protect ancient and veteran trees.

Trees woods and wildlife

Fallow deer

A social, elegant species with a signature speckled coat and mighty palmate antlers. First introduced by the Romans, fallow deer became extinct in Britain until they were reintroduced before the Norman Conquest around the year 1,000.

Journal

Wood Wise – woodland management for protected species

The summer 2012 issue of Wood Wise looks at how sensitive woodland management is being used to support red squirrels, stag beetles, Scottish wildcats and more.

PDF  (3.54 MB)

Trees woods and wildlife

A-Z of British trees

Explore our simple A-Z identification guide to the trees of Britain, from natives to naturalised and widely planted non-native species. You'll find images, tree descriptions and information on where you're likely to find them.

Trees woods and wildlife

Soprano pipistrelle bat

The soprano pipistrelle bat is a widespread species that hunts close to water and can be found in woods and gardens.

Trees woods and wildlife

Yew

Ancient, morbid, toxic. The yew is one of the longest-lived native species in Europe. This has made it a symbol of death and doom, but it provides food and shelter for woodland animals.

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.

Trees woods and wildlife

Noctule bat

Often seen flying high above the tree-tops, the noctule bat is the largest bat in the UK. This species relies on tree holes to roost in and is often confused for a swift when on the wing.

Trees woods and wildlife

Sika deer

Not as grumpy as it looks, the sika deer’s furrowed brow sets it apart from other deer species. Introduced to the UK in 1860, it is rapidly increasing in numbers.

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)

Trees woods and wildlife

Whitebeam, rock

Rugged yet charming, rock whitebeam clings to areas of rocky woodland and fissures in limestone cliffs. A parent species of the rarer Arran whitebeam, the rock whitebeam is becoming increasingly hard to find.

Trees woods and wildlife

Ash dieback

Ash dieback will kill around 80% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.

Trees woods and wildlife

Hooded crow

A striking scavenger with a taste for carrion. The hooded crow was once considered to be the same species as the carrion crow, but is now recognised separately.

Trees woods and wildlife

Phytophthora lateralis

A fatal fungus-like species that attacks Lawson cypress, Phytophthora lateralis stops trees from transporting vital nutrients.