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      Over 70 species found in the UK, from all the native trees to the common non-natives.

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      HS2 is the single biggest threat to the UK's ancient woods. 

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      Featured blogs
    • Christmas cards and trees: what to buy and how to recycle

      James Martin  •  02 Dec 2019

    • Woodland at Smithills
      Celebrating 25 years of lottery funding for woods and trees

      Ann Rooney Evans  •  22 Nov 2019

    • Adam, Helen and David wearing waterproofs stand in a field with sheep and trees in the background
      Woodland Walks podcast with Adam Shaw – trees on farms

      Adam Shaw  •  15 Nov 2019

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Grasses and sedges

Grasses and sedges are in different botanical families, but because of their similar appearance they are collectively known as graminoids (plants with a grass-like appearance). 

  • Cocksfoot grass flowering against green background

    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.

  • Meadow Foxtail Grass Seed

    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.

  • Pendulous Sedge Releasing Pollen

    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.

  • Timothy grass flowerhead

    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.

  • Yorkshire Fog Grass Purple Seedheads

    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.

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The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885).  A non-profit-making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1982873.

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