Oak woodland at Aughton Woods - Jenny Bennion
Wonderful woodland
Woodlands are truly wonderful places, offering a home to many different species of plants and wildlife whilst absorbing carbon from our atmosphere. Find out more about the importance of woodlands, the way we are managing our woodlands, and some of the species you might spot among the trees.
Wonderful woodland
Did you know? Woodland covers around 12% of the UK and around half of this is coniferous plantation. The area of semi-natural ancient woodland is tiny – just 1.2 % of the UK. Britain remains one of the least-wooded countries in Europe and the tiny area of surviving ancient woodland is still under threat. Woodland birds and butterflies continue their long-term declines.
Together, the Wildlife Trusts care for hundreds of woodland nature reserves, managing them sympathetically for wildlife, and supporting others to do so, too. A mix of coppicing, scrub-cutting, maintaining rides and glades, and non-intervention all help woodland wildlife to thrive.
On this page you can find out more about the importance of woodlands, the way we are managing our woodlands, and some of the species you might spot among the trees.
Explore our woodland reserves
Jon Hawkins, Amy Lewis, Vaughn Matthews, northeastwildlife.co.uk, Kieran Morgan, Les Binns, Mark Robinson
Free fungi ID course
There are some incredible species of fungi to find in woodlands - you just need a little patience. Why not sign up to our free ID course to learn more about some common types of mushroom.
What can you spot in a woodland?
How we manage our woodland reserves
Take a look at our blog for lots of helpful articles full of ideas and inspiration for how to make your garden, yard or balcony more wildlife-friendly.
Birch woodland in autumn ©Ben Hall/2020VISION
Woodland habitats
Learn more about the history of our UK woodlands and the various types of woodland habitats, including wet woodland, ancient woodland and temperate rainforest.