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Blog
Can you eat conkers? And other conker facts
Learn more about conkers with our fascinating facts. What are they? Can you eat them? And what’s the difference between conkers and chestnuts?
Danielle Wesley • 25 Sep 2019
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Blog
Bracket fungi identification: 10 common UK species for beginners
Bracket fungi, also known as shelf or polypore fungi, grow on both dead and living trees. Here we list some of the UK's more common and easily distinguished types to get to grips with.
Amy Lewis • 21 Oct 2021
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Practical guidance
Ancient tree guide 6 – the special wildlife of trees
A guide to the wildlife supported by ancient and veteran trees. Many such species are rare and declining, relying on deadwood to complete their lifecycles.
PDF (1.70 MB)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Peacock
Big. Bold. Beautiful. This stunning showstopper is instantly recognisable, with its captivating azure ‘eyes’ and orange-brown wings. Widespread and common throughout the UK, it is one of our most-loved butterflies.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Fine streaked bugkin
Lover of oak and hawthorn, this bug is pretty unmistakeable. Look out for its bright and bold markings as it basks on bark and leaves.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Common wasp
These picnic ruiners might not be the UK's most popular invertebrate, but they are efficient pollinators.