Rose Uniacke supported the planting of 11,200 climate resilient trees across the UK in 2024-25
Rose Uniacke is proud to be working in partnership with GreenTheUK and the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) to plant climate-resilient trees across the UK’s woodlands. This collaborative initiative brings together the RFS’ 140+ years of forestry expertise and GreenTheUK’s community-driven approach to ensure every tree planted contributes to a wider, lasting environmental legacy.
The RFS is a leader in sustainable woodland management. With deep-rooted knowledge passed down through generations, they understand that healthy, thriving woodlands depend not only on the trees we plant, but how we care for them. Our woodlands are managed with both climate and biodiversity in mind.
This partnership is helping to strengthen the resilience of UK woodlands against pests, diseases, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. Increasingly frequent extreme weather events including floods, droughts and storms are placing additional stress on trees. Weaker trees are far more vulnerable to disease and pests. By planting a broader mix of tree species, including some non-native and naturalised varieties, we improve the overall health and adaptability of woodland ecosystems, giving them a better chance of survival in the face of climate change.
While native species are brilliant for biodiversity, we simply don’t have enough of them to ensure resilient sustainable woods and trees for the future. Many of our native tree species are under threat from new and existing pests and diseases. That’s why diversifying our woodlands is key. If we plant a wide variety of tree species (both native and non-native) we will help to ensure that at least some species will survive future threats. Tree cover habitats will be maintained and our native wildlife will have new and existing trees that they can depend on. Encouragingly, species like red squirrels have already adapted to living in some non-native conifer woodlands because of the ample food supply their cones provide. According to the Forestry Statistics 2024, woodland cover in the UK now stands at 13.5%, with 20,660 hectares of new woodland created in 2023/24, a positive step toward the government’s target of 30,000 hectares annually. With support from businesses like Rose Uniacke, we can help ensure that number continues to grow each year.
Expanding woodland cover plays a vital role in tackling climate change. Woodlands store an estimated 4,000 million tonnes of carbon in the UK alone, according to the Save Our Wild Isles campaign. Beyond carbon capture, trees help stabilise soils with their extensive root systems, reduce flood risk by intercepting rainfall with their canopies, and improve water retention in the ground. Some trees can even signal distress through chemical messaging when under attack, giving nearby trees a chance to defend themselves, a remarkable form of natural resilience.
Yet despite all this, the UK remains the second-largest importer of wood products in the world, much of it for use as biofuel. Relying on imports not only undermines our green credentials, but also increases the risk of introducing new pests and diseases to our woodlands.
That’s why responsible, UK-based tree planting guided by expert partners, like the Royal Forestry Society and GreenTheUK, is so important. It’s about planting the right trees, in the right places, and caring for them in the right way so our woodlands can thrive for generations to come.
Tree Species Planted:
1,000 trees
planted in Leicestershire
This woodland was planted with poplar trees in the 1990s but sadly they are suffering from disease. The affected trees have been felled (to prevent spread of the disease to other poplars in the area) and have been replaced by a diverse mixture of broadleaves and conifers. The new woodland will be cared for to ensure a supply of chip wood and firewood for the local community. The different types of trees planted will also help to increase biodiversity.
152
Trees Planted
Grand Fir:
Abies Grandis
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Grand Fir:
Abies Grandis
The grand fir is native to the north-west United States and south-west Canada, and the species was first introduced to Britain in the 19th century. Grand firs are seriously impressive trees; they are hardy and grow quickly, in many different types of soil. They can grow up to about 80m tall and live for around 250 years.
16
Trees Planted
Field Maple:
Acer Campestre
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Field Maple:
Acer Campestre
This species is the UK's only native maple and is often grown as an ornamental tree in large gardens and parks, as well as in woods and hedgerows. Its wood is white, hard and strong, and is popular for making furniture, flooring and musical instruments, especially harps. Field maple flowers are hermaphrodite, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive parts.
125
Trees Planted
Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
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Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
The silver birch is an elegant, majestic-looking tree which can survive in a range of climates, making it a very popular choice for gardeners. It attracts hundreds of insect species, and woodpeckers like to nest in its rough, tough, silver-white trunk. There is a lot of mythology attached to the silver birch, which is said to symbolise purity, new beginnings and protection. Once upon a time, on Midsummer’s Eve, silver birch boughs were hung across the doors of houses to bring good luck to their residents.
125
Trees Planted
Hornbeam:
Carpinus Betulus
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Hornbeam:
Carpinus Betulus
The hornbeam is extremely tough and keeps its leaves all year round, making it an attractive proposition for birds, insects and other animals. Hornbeam wood is very hard, in fact it is also known as “ironwood” and the Romans recognised its durability, using it to make their chariots. Nowadays, this timber is used for tool handles, coach wheels, parquet flooring and chess pieces!
16
Trees Planted
Hazel:
Corylus Avellana
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Hazel:
Corylus Avellana
The common hazel is native to Europe and western Asia and forms an important part of England’s hedgerows. We have all heard of hazelnuts, which are rich in unsaturated fats and protein, and an extremely popular ingredient in many of the world’s cuisines. Did you know that hazel trees were once seen as both magical and a symbol of fertility?
16
Trees Planted
Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
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Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
Hawthorn is very much associated with the month of May, and the appearance of its bright, white flowers heralds the change from spring to summer. It is prolific in hedgerows, scrub and woodland throughout the UK and Ireland, and a single tree can grow as tall as 10m. In pagan times, hawthorn was a symbol of marriage and fertility, but in the Middle Ages, it was never brought into homes, as people believed it was a harbinger of illness and death.
150
Trees Planted
Norway Spruce:
Picea Abies
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Norway Spruce:
Picea Abies
This fast-growing evergreen conifer can live for as long as 1000 years and grows to a height of up to 40m. It has red-brown cones, which are the largest of any spruce tree. In 1848, Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert introduced the custom of decorating a Norway spruce for Christmas, and it has been a popular festive tree choice in the UK ever since.
125
Trees Planted
Wild Cherry:
Prunus Avium
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Wild Cherry:
Prunus Avium
Stunning white cherry blossoms burst forth in April, heralding the arrival of spring and bringing joy to parks and gardens. Mature cherry trees can live for up to 60 years, and provide a great source of food for birds, bees, insects and small animals like badgers and mice. Our ancestors would boil wild cherries and make them into a syrup to treat a range of ailments including coughs and anaemia.
175
Trees Planted
Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
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Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
Also known as the common or English oak, this is the undisputed king of the woods, supporting more wildlife species than any other native tree in the UK. “Robur” in this oak’s Latin name means “strength” and “hard timber” because this tree produces incredibly durable wood which can be used to make many things, including furniture and flooring. The oak has been considered sacred by many gods in mythology throughout the ages.
100
Trees Planted
Western Red Cedar:
Thuja Plicata
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Western Red Cedar:
Thuja Plicata
The western red cedar’s strength is celebrated in Native American cultures, and it attracts and shelters many species of birds and insects. Its timber is extremely durable, making it a good source of building materials. If you take a bit of western red cedar foliage and crush it between your fingers, it gives off a sweet smell like pineapple.
1,550 trees
planted in North Yorkshire
In this valley woodland, non-native conifers are being replaced with native trees, specifically chosen for their wildlife value. The new woodland will create a ‘wildlife corridor’ along the edge of a beck, providing food and shelter for birds, mammals and insects. By increasing the number of different trees in this woodland, it will create space for different plants (including local woodland wildflowers) and animals, which will increase biodiversity in the valley.
139
Trees Planted
Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
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Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
Alder can be found across Europe and thrives in moist ground and damp cool areas, which is why you’ll often see alder trees planted near rivers and ponds. Moth caterpillars love alder leaves and the tree’s roots make an ideal nesting site for otters. For humans, the real value of alder wood is that it’s durable when wet, so is useful for making boats and sluice gates. The story goes that outlaws like Robin Hood would have used the green dye from alder flowers to camouflage their clothing!
512
Trees Planted
Downy Birch:
Betula Pubescens
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Downy Birch:
Betula Pubescens
The downy birch, or white birch, is a deciduous, broad-leafed tree which grows abundantly across the north of Europe and northern Asia. The outer bark can be stripped off without killing the tree, and its twigs and branches are flexible and make good brooms. The Sami people in Scandinavia use downy birch bark when making their traditional bread, while the tree’s sap can be collected in early spring and used to make a syrup or beer.
43
Trees Planted
Hazel:
Corylus Avellana
Read More
Hazel:
Corylus Avellana
The common hazel is native to Europe and western Asia and forms an important part of England’s hedgerows. We have all heard of hazelnuts, which are rich in unsaturated fats and protein, and an extremely popular ingredient in many of the world’s cuisines. Did you know that hazel trees were once seen as both magical and a symbol of fertility?
71
Trees Planted
Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
Read More
Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
Hawthorn is very much associated with the month of May, and the appearance of its bright, white flowers heralds the change from spring to summer. It is prolific in hedgerows, scrub and woodland throughout the UK and Ireland, and a single tree can grow as tall as 10m. In pagan times, hawthorn was a symbol of marriage and fertility, but in the Middle Ages, it was never brought into homes, as people believed it was a harbinger of illness and death.
141
Trees Planted
Scots Pine:
Pinus Sylvestris
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Scots Pine:
Pinus Sylvestris
The UK’s only truly native pine is Scotland’s national tree and can be found in abundance in the Highlands. The Caledonian Pine Forest is home to all sorts of wonderful species including the pine marten, red squirrel and rare Scottish wildcat. Scots pine has strong timber which is used for making fences, telegraph poles and other construction materials, and the bark can be tapped for resin to make turpentine.
153
Trees Planted
Aspen:
Populus Tremula
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Aspen:
Populus Tremula
This striking tree, also known as the “quaking aspen” has shimmering foliage and can grow to 25m tall. The Celts believed that when aspen leaves fluttered in the wind, the tree was communicating with spirits between this world and the next. Since the European Beaver was reintroduced into Scotland after centuries of extinction, aspen has been one of its favourite foods.
71
Trees Planted
Blackthorn:
Prunus Spinosa
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Blackthorn:
Prunus Spinosa
This small, thorny tree grows to around 5m tall and can be used in hedgerows. Its fruit - the sloe berry - looks a little like a small plum or damson and can be made into jam, jelly or even sloe gin. The blackthorn had a sinister reputation in mythology, where it was associated with witches.
253
Trees Planted
Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
Read More
Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
Also known as the common or English oak, this is the undisputed king of the woods, supporting more wildlife species than any other native tree in the UK. “Robur” in this oak’s Latin name means “strength” and “hard timber” because this tree produces incredibly durable wood which can be used to make many things, including furniture and flooring. The oak has been considered sacred by many gods in mythology throughout the ages.
37
Trees Planted
Grey Willow:
Salix Cinerea
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Grey Willow:
Salix Cinerea
The grey willow has oval leaves that sit alongside the grey felt-like twigs and catkins which give it its name. The willow is often associated with sadness, but it wasn’t always so: it was a tree of celebration in the Bible. Aspirin is derived from salicin which is found in all willow species, and our ancestors would chew willow bark to relieve toothache and other pain.
130
Trees Planted
Wych Elm:
Ulmus Glabra
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Wych Elm:
Ulmus Glabra
The wych elm is the only indisputably British native elm species, and gets several mentions in E.M. Forster’s novel “Howard’s End”. This tree needs deep, rich soil in order to flourish, so you’ll often find it growing near a river. In 18th century France, there was a brief craze for wych elm powder, which people believed could cure chest and stomach problems and settle the nerves.
4.000 trees
planted in Somerset
This new native woodland will connect habitats with neighbouring woodlands and include open spaces to provide for an even more diverse range of wildlife. Once established, the newly planted native broadleaves will reflect and enhance the character of the local landscape. The ‘direct seeding’ technique being used in this woodland will mean better quality trees that are stronger and healthier. This means they will be more resilient to our changing climate, drought and to the threat of pests and disease.
2,444
Trees Planted
Sessile Oak:
Quercus Petraea
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Sessile Oak:
Quercus Petraea
The sessile oak is Ireland’s national tree and can be found across Europe. Sessile means “without a stalk”, and this tree’s acorns are stalkless, growing directly on twigs. Oaks provide a habitat for many creatures, including red squirrels, badgers, jays, caterpillars and around 250 more species of wildlife.
1,556
Trees Planted
Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
Read More
Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
Also known as the common or English oak, this is the undisputed king of the woods, supporting more wildlife species than any other native tree in the UK. “Robur” in this oak’s Latin name means “strength” and “hard timber” because this tree produces incredibly durable wood which can be used to make many things, including furniture and flooring. The oak has been considered sacred by many gods in mythology throughout the ages.
2,400 trees
planted in Northamptonshire
This woodland was dominated by ash, which has had to be removed due to succumbing to Ash dieback, a serious tree disease that kills its host. Native and non-native trees have been replanted to increase diversity within this woodland. Improved biodiversity because of the variety of tree species, along with aquatic habitats can be enjoyed by the public who can walk alongside this woodland and take in the landscape.
281
Trees Planted
Sycamore:
Acer Pseudoplatanus
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Sycamore:
Acer Pseudoplatanus
Sycamores can live for 400 years and are attractive to aphids and their predators. Their seeds are very fertile and float to the ground like little helicopters. Sycamore timber is pale cream in colour and good for carving, which is why it is used for making traditional Welsh lovespoons. Fans of the children’s author Julia Donaldson may know that her popular character Stick Man and his family live in a sycamore tree!
156
Trees Planted
Italian Alder:
Alnus Cordata
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Italian Alder:
Alnus Cordata
This tree grows quickly (about a metre per year in its early years) until it reaches a height of around 25m. It can thrive even when conditions aren’t particularly favourable and is often used to improve the quality of reclaimed land. Not only that, it is often planted as a windbreak. The Italian alder’s leaves are glossy, dark green and heart-shaped.
83
Trees Planted
Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
Read More
Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
Alder can be found across Europe and thrives in moist ground and damp cool areas, which is why you’ll often see alder trees planted near rivers and ponds. Moth caterpillars love alder leaves and the tree’s roots make an ideal nesting site for otters. For humans, the real value of alder wood is that it’s durable when wet, so is useful for making boats and sluice gates. The story goes that outlaws like Robin Hood would have used the green dye from alder flowers to camouflage their clothing!
438
Trees Planted
Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
Read More
Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
The silver birch is an elegant, majestic-looking tree which can survive in a range of climates, making it a very popular choice for gardeners. It attracts hundreds of insect species, and woodpeckers like to nest in its rough, tough, silver-white trunk. There is a lot of mythology attached to the silver birch, which is said to symbolise purity, new beginnings and protection. Once upon a time, on Midsummer’s Eve, silver birch boughs were hung across the doors of houses to bring good luck to their residents.
243
Trees Planted
Hornbeam:
Carpinus Betulus
Read More
Hornbeam:
Carpinus Betulus
The hornbeam is extremely tough and keeps its leaves all year round, making it an attractive proposition for birds, insects and other animals. Hornbeam wood is very hard, in fact it is also known as “ironwood” and the Romans recognised its durability, using it to make their chariots. Nowadays, this timber is used for tool handles, coach wheels, parquet flooring and chess pieces!
887
Trees Planted
Sessile Oak:
Quercus Petraea
Read More
Sessile Oak:
Quercus Petraea
The sessile oak is Ireland’s national tree and can be found across Europe. Sessile means “without a stalk”, and this tree’s acorns are stalkless, growing directly on twigs. Oaks provide a habitat for many creatures, including red squirrels, badgers, jays, caterpillars and around 250 more species of wildlife.
156
Trees Planted
Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
Read More
Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
Also known as the common or English oak, this is the undisputed king of the woods, supporting more wildlife species than any other native tree in the UK. “Robur” in this oak’s Latin name means “strength” and “hard timber” because this tree produces incredibly durable wood which can be used to make many things, including furniture and flooring. The oak has been considered sacred by many gods in mythology throughout the ages.
156
Trees Planted
Swamp Cypress:
Taxodium Distichium
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Swamp Cypress:
Taxodium Distichium
The Swamp Cypress is native to the Southeastern United States and is a perfect addition to the changing climate of the UK as it is extremely hardy and adaptable to a wide range of soil types and water levels. It grows slowly over many years, ranging from 10 to 40 meters in height, and is prized for its use as an odourless timber in all types of furniture construction.
1,000 trees
planted in Cumbria
Restoring this ancient woodland, this project aims to transition this woodland from a composition of 70% conifer to 70% broadleaf and to move to a Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) plan. CCF is a strategy that increases the diversity and resilience of a woodland by always having a spread of different aged trees and different species and providing a variety of habitats for local birds and other wildlife at all times. With red squirrels in the area, the tree species have been selected specifically with them in mind, as well as flowering species to attract insects, species that produce nuts and seeds and that provide cover for nesting birds.
111
Trees Planted
Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
Read More
Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
Alder can be found across Europe and thrives in moist ground and damp cool areas, which is why you’ll often see alder trees planted near rivers and ponds. Moth caterpillars love alder leaves and the tree’s roots make an ideal nesting site for otters. For humans, the real value of alder wood is that it’s durable when wet, so is useful for making boats and sluice gates. The story goes that outlaws like Robin Hood would have used the green dye from alder flowers to camouflage their clothing!
98
Trees Planted
Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
Read More
Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
The silver birch is an elegant, majestic-looking tree which can survive in a range of climates, making it a very popular choice for gardeners. It attracts hundreds of insect species, and woodpeckers like to nest in its rough, tough, silver-white trunk. There is a lot of mythology attached to the silver birch, which is said to symbolise purity, new beginnings and protection. Once upon a time, on Midsummer’s Eve, silver birch boughs were hung across the doors of houses to bring good luck to their residents.
4
Trees Planted
Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
Read More
Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
Hawthorn is very much associated with the month of May, and the appearance of its bright, white flowers heralds the change from spring to summer. It is prolific in hedgerows, scrub and woodland throughout the UK and Ireland, and a single tree can grow as tall as 10m. In pagan times, hawthorn was a symbol of marriage and fertility, but in the Middle Ages, it was never brought into homes, as people believed it was a harbinger of illness and death.
4
Trees Planted
Crab Apple:
Malus sylvestris
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Crab Apple:
Malus sylvestris
Crab apple trees grow throughout Europe and can live for up to a century, reaching a height of around 10m. This tree is traditionally associated with love and marriage, and it is said that if you say the name of your lover while throwing crab apple pips into a fire, then your love is true if the seeds explode! Crab apples can be made into jelly, roasted and added to drinks, or served as an accompaniment to meat.
4
Trees Planted
Bird Cherry:
Prunus Padus
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Bird Cherry:
Prunus Padus
Bird Cherry grows easily in the British climate and is often used in urban green landscaping. They have spikes of beautiful white flowers in the spring that can be a valuable nectar source for pollinating insects such as butterflies and bees. The bitter, dark black cherries are a favourite food for birds and small mammals in the summer months.
136
Trees Planted
Norway Spruce:
Picea Abies
Read More
Norway Spruce:
Picea Abies
This fast-growing evergreen conifer can live for as long as 1000 years and grows to a height of up to 40m. It has red-brown cones, which are the largest of any spruce tree. In 1848, Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert introduced the custom of decorating a Norway spruce for Christmas, and it has been a popular festive tree choice in the UK ever since.
98
Trees Planted
Scots Pine:
Pinus Sylvestris
Read More
Scots Pine:
Pinus Sylvestris
The UK’s only truly native pine is Scotland’s national tree and can be found in abundance in the Highlands. The Caledonian Pine Forest is home to all sorts of wonderful species including the pine marten, red squirrel and rare Scottish wildcat. Scots pine has strong timber which is used for making fences, telegraph poles and other construction materials, and the bark can be tapped for resin to make turpentine.
49
Trees Planted
Aspen:
Populus Tremula
Read More
Aspen:
Populus Tremula
This striking tree, also known as the “quaking aspen” has shimmering foliage and can grow to 25m tall. The Celts believed that when aspen leaves fluttered in the wind, the tree was communicating with spirits between this world and the next. Since the European Beaver was reintroduced into Scotland after centuries of extinction, aspen has been one of its favourite foods.
49
Trees Planted
Wild Cherry:
Prunus Avium
Read More
Wild Cherry:
Prunus Avium
Stunning white cherry blossoms burst forth in April, heralding the arrival of spring and bringing joy to parks and gardens. Mature cherry trees can live for up to 60 years, and provide a great source of food for birds, bees, insects and small animals like badgers and mice. Our ancestors would boil wild cherries and make them into a syrup to treat a range of ailments including coughs and anaemia.
98
Trees Planted
Douglas Fir:
Pseudotsuga Menziesii
Read More
Douglas Fir:
Pseudotsuga Menziesii
Douglas fir was first introduced to the UK from North America in the 1800s. These fragrant evergreen members of the pine family can live for up to 1,000 years, but are often cut down for use as Christmas trees. Douglas fir timber has lots of commercial uses, including furniture, flooring and decking, for example.
345
Trees Planted
Sessile Oak:
Quercus Petraea
Read More
Sessile Oak:
Quercus Petraea
The sessile oak is Ireland’s national tree and can be found across Europe. Sessile means “without a stalk”, and this tree’s acorns are stalkless, growing directly on twigs. Oaks provide a habitat for many creatures, including red squirrels, badgers, jays, caterpillars and around 250 more species of wildlife.
4
Trees Planted
Rowan:
Sorbus Aucuparia
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Rowan:
Sorbus Aucuparia
Also known as the mountain ash, rowan trees grow well at high altitudes and are commonly found in the Scottish Highlands, as well as on streets and in gardens across the UK. Many birds eat their scarlet berries in the autumn, then disperse the seeds. Rowan used to be planted next to homes to ward off the threat of witches, as red was once believed to guard against evil.
245 trees
planted in County Down
This woodland is long established and much of the woodland has been continuously present for at least 200 years. Much of the habitat was a conifer high forest, which doesn’t provide a great amount of diversity for wildlife habitats. The areas that were clear-felled were replanted with a mix of species, selected with resilience and diversity in mind. The estate is converting to a Low Impact Silvicultural System (LISS) woodland management approach in an effort to enhance the species, structure, biodiversity and landscape aesthetics of the estate woodlands.
34
Trees Planted
Japanese Red Cedar:
Cryptomeria Japonica
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Japanese Red Cedar:
Cryptomeria Japonica
The Japanese red cedar is a low-maintenance evergreen conifer that grows well in parks and gardens and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It has distinctive red-brown bark which peels off in strips, and it can grow as tall as 70m. It is known as “Sugi” in Japan, where it is the national tree, but despite its name, it is not actually a true cedar; its closest relative is the giant sequoia.
156
Trees Planted
Douglas Fir:
Pseudotsuga Menziesii
Read More
Douglas Fir:
Pseudotsuga Menziesii
Douglas fir was first introduced to the UK from North America in the 1800s. These fragrant evergreen members of the pine family can live for up to 1,000 years, but are often cut down for use as Christmas trees. Douglas fir timber has lots of commercial uses, including furniture, flooring and decking, for example.
9
Trees Planted
Coast Redwood:
Sequoia Sempervirens
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Coast Redwood:
Sequoia Sempervirens
Coast redwoods are amongst the oldest living things on Earth, with some dating back over 2,000 years. This giant of the forest can grow to over 100m tall with a trunk around 9m thick. Older coast redwoods are remarkably fire resistant because they have very thick bark which acts as a protective shell; an important quality in this tree’s native California, where forest fires are often a threat.
9
Trees Planted
Giant Redwood:
Sequoiadendron Giganteum
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Giant Redwood:
Sequoiadendron Giganteum
These majestic trees can live for over 3,000 years and are very resistant to pests and diseases because they have tannin in their bark. Their bark is also spongy which makes them fire resistant; in fact they need heat to reproduce, as it opens up their cones and helps their seeds to disperse. The largest giant redwood in the world is named “General Sherwood” and stands over 84m tall and 11m wide in the Sequoia National Park in California.
37
Trees Planted
Western Red Cedar:
Thuja Plicata
Read More
Western Red Cedar:
Thuja Plicata
The western red cedar’s strength is celebrated in Native American cultures, and it attracts and shelters many species of birds and insects. Its timber is extremely durable, making it a good source of building materials. If you take a bit of western red cedar foliage and crush it between your fingers, it gives off a sweet smell like pineapple.
305 trees
planted in County Durham
Planting across 11 different sites, this project aims to increase urban woodland cover in County Durham. New woodland spaces have been created in public parks, recreation grounds, commons, open spaces and schools. This project has engaged local communities in volunteering tree planting activities, including schools, local residents, community groups and businesses. These activities have provided opportunities for these groups to access and engage with their green spaces and gain knowledge and skills on planting and establishing trees.
16
Trees Planted
Field Maple:
Acer Campestre
Read More
Field Maple:
Acer Campestre
This species is the UK’s only native maple and is often grown as an ornamental tree in large gardens and parks, as well as in woods and hedgerows. Its wood is white, hard and strong, and is popular for making furniture, flooring and musical instruments, especially harps. Field maple flowers are hermaphrodite, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive parts.
8
Trees Planted
Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
Read More
Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
Alder can be found across Europe and thrives in moist ground and damp cool areas, which is why you’ll often see alder trees planted near rivers and ponds. Moth caterpillars love alder leaves and the tree’s roots make an ideal nesting site for otters. For humans, the real value of alder wood is that it’s durable when wet, so is useful for making boats and sluice gates. The story goes that outlaws like Robin Hood would have used the green dye from alder flowers to camouflage their clothing!
77
Trees Planted
Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
Read More
Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
The silver birch is an elegant, majestic-looking tree which can survive in a range of climates, making it a very popular choice for gardeners. It attracts hundreds of insect species, and woodpeckers like to nest in its rough, tough, silver-white trunk. There is a lot of mythology attached to the silver birch, which is said to symbolise purity, new beginnings and protection. Once upon a time, on Midsummer’s Eve, silver birch boughs were hung across the doors of houses to bring good luck to their residents.
15
Trees Planted
Hazel:
Corylus Avellana
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Hazel:
Corylus Avellana
The common hazel is native to Europe and western Asia and forms an important part of England’s hedgerows. We have all heard of hazelnuts, which are rich in unsaturated fats and protein, and an extremely popular ingredient in many of the world’s cuisines. Did you know that hazel trees were once seen as both magical and a symbol of fertility?
19
Trees Planted
Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
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Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
Hawthorn is very much associated with the month of May, and the appearance of its bright, white flowers heralds the change from spring to summer. It is prolific in hedgerows, scrub and woodland throughout the UK and Ireland, and a single tree can grow as tall as 10m. In pagan times, hawthorn was a symbol of marriage and fertility, but in the Middle Ages, it was never brought into homes, as people believed it was a harbinger of illness and death.
37
Trees Planted
Beech:
Fagus Sylvatica
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Beech:
Fagus Sylvatica
If the oak is the king of British trees, then the beech is its queen. A dense canopy of leaves provides a rich habitat for all sorts of insects, its seeds are popular with mice and squirrels, and hole-nesting birds make their homes in beech trunks. Some of the UK’s tallest native trees are beeches, including one that stands at over 44m tall on the National Trust's Devil's Dyke Estate in West Sussex.
4
Trees Planted
Wild Cherry:
Prunus Avium
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Wild Cherry:
Prunus Avium
Stunning white cherry blossoms burst forth in April, heralding the arrival of spring and bringing joy to parks and gardens. Mature cherry trees can live for up to 60 years, and provide a great source of food for birds, bees, insects, and small animals like badgers and mice. Our ancestors would boil wild cherries and make them into a syrup to treat a range of ailments including coughs and anaemia.
19
Trees Planted
Blackthorn:
Prunus Spinosa
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Blackthorn:
Prunus Spinosa
This small, thorny tree grows to around 5m tall and can be used in hedgerows. Its fruit - the sloe berry - looks a little like a small plum or damson and can be made into jam, jelly or even sloe gin. The blackthorn had a sinister reputation in mythology, where it was associated with witches.
34
Trees Planted
Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
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Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
Also known as the common or English oak, this is the undisputed king of the woods, supporting more wildlife species than any other native tree in the UK. “Robur” in this oak’s Latin name means “strength” and “hard timber” because this tree produces incredibly durable wood which can be used to make many things, including furniture and flooring. The oak has been considered sacred by many gods in mythology throughout the ages.
76
Trees Planted
Rowan:
Sorbus Aucuparia
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Rowan:
Sorbus Aucuparia
Also known as the mountain ash, rowan trees grow well at high altitudes and are commonly found in the Scottish Highlands, as well as on streets and in gardens across the UK. Many birds eat their scarlet berries in the autumn, then disperse the seeds. Rowan used to be planted next to homes to ward off the threat of witches, as red was once believed to guard against evil.
200 trees
planted in Hertfordshire
Replanting after a compartment of mature larch and diseased ash was felled, this project aims to both add resilience to the woodland by stocking it with a more diverse mix of tree species and to maintain the ancient semi-natural beech woodland that currently exists. As this wood has public access, maintaining the woods in a safe condition is a priority, as is conserving some of the heritage and cultural features of the woods as an attractive landscape feature.
4
Trees Planted
Field Maple:
Acer Campestre
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Field Maple:
Acer Campestre
This species is the UK’s only native maple and is often grown as an ornamental tree in large gardens and parks, as well as in woods and hedgerows. Its wood is white, hard and strong, and is popular for making furniture, flooring and musical instruments, especially harps. Field maple flowers are hermaphrodite, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive parts.
24
Trees Planted
Italian Alder:
Alnus Cordata
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Italian Alder:
Alnus Cordata
This tree grows quickly (about a metre per year in its early years) until it reaches a height of around 25m. It can thrive even when conditions aren’t particularly favourable and is often used to improve the quality of reclaimed land. Not only that, it is often planted as a windbreak. The Italian alder’s leaves are glossy, dark green and heart-shaped.
24
Trees Planted
Hornbeam:
Carpinus Betulus
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Hornbeam:
Carpinus Betulus
The hornbeam is extremely tough and keeps its leaves all year round, making it an attractive proposition for birds, insects and other animals. Hornbeam wood is very hard, in fact it is also known as “ironwood” and the Romans recognised its durability, using it to make their chariots. Nowadays, this timber is used for tool handles, coach wheels, parquet flooring and chess pieces!
21
Trees Planted
Blackthorn:
Prunus Spinosa
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Blackthorn:
Prunus Spinosa
This small, thorny tree grows to around 5m tall and can be used in hedgerows. Its fruit - the sloe berry - looks a little like a small plum or damson and can be made into jam, jelly or even sloe gin. The blackthorn had a sinister reputation in mythology, where it was associated with witches.
43
Trees Planted
Douglas Fir:
Pseudotsuga Menziesii
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Douglas Fir:
Pseudotsuga Menziesii
Douglas fir was first introduced to the UK from North America in the 1800s. These fragrant evergreen members of the pine family can live for up to 1,000 years, but are often cut down for use as Christmas trees. Douglas fir timber has lots of commercial uses, including furniture, flooring and decking, for example.
37
Trees Planted
Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
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Pedunculate Oak:
Quercus Robur
Also known as the common or English oak, this is the undisputed king of the woods, supporting more wildlife species than any other native tree in the UK. “Robur” in this oak’s Latin name means “strength” and “hard timber” because this tree produces incredibly durable wood which can be used to make many things, including furniture and flooring. The oak has been considered sacred by many gods in mythology throughout the ages.
10
Trees Planted
Wild Service:
Sorbus Tormentalis
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Wild Service:
Sorbus Tormentalis
This deciduous tree has broad leaves which look a little like those of the maple and start off bright green, before turning red and falling in the autumn. The wild service is becoming increasingly rare, but grows best in the UK’s ancient woodlands near oak or ash trees. You’ll find wild service trees growing on the British Prime Minister’s country estate in Buckinghamshire, which is named after its fruits, “Chequers”.
37
Trees Planted
Small-Leaved Lime:
Tilia Cordata
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Small-Leaved Lime:
Tilia Cordata
Its heart-shaped leaves may be small, but this tree is large and sturdy, growing to around 20m tall. Lime wood is used to make piano keys, and its bark can be made into rope. During rationing in World War Two, people made an infusion from crushed lime leaves as a substitute for tea, which was tricky to get hold of.
200 trees
planted in London
This hedgerow planting project in London will improve the landscape through increased canopy cover, enhance biodiversity and foster community engagement. The local community played an essential role in shaping this project through consultation and expressed that by enhancing green spaces and opportunities for active participation it would benefit their mental and public health. This is a mix of thorny species, such as hawthorn, holly, blackthorn and dog rose, and non-thorny species such as hazel, sweet chestnut, elder and goat willow. This was a decision based on community feedback and council preferences.
8
Trees Planted
Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
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Alder:
Alnus Glutinosa
Alder can be found across Europe and thrives in moist ground and damp cool areas, which is why you’ll often see alder trees planted near rivers and ponds. Moth caterpillars love alder leaves and the tree’s roots make an ideal nesting site for otters. For humans, the real value of alder wood is that it’s durable when wet, so is useful for making boats and sluice gates. The story goes that outlaws like Robin Hood would have used the green dye from alder flowers to camouflage their clothing!
8
Trees Planted
Sweet Chestnut:
Sweet Chestnut
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Sweet Chestnut:
Sweet Chestnut
The sweet chestnut tree is native to the Mediterranean and was first brought to Britain by the Romans, who used it in their cooking just as we do today. Sweet chestnuts grow in spiny capsules containing two or three nuts, which can then be removed and roasted. Indeed, anyone who has ever been to a Christmas market will recognise that scrumptious smell! The oldest chestnut tree in the world is over 2,000 years old and can be found five miles from Mount Etna in Sicily.
42
Trees Planted
Hazel:
Corylus Avellana
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Hazel:
Corylus Avellana
The common hazel is native to Europe and western Asia and forms an important part of England’s hedgerows. We have all heard of hazelnuts, which are rich in unsaturated fats and protein, and an extremely popular ingredient in many of the world’s cuisines. Did you know that hazel trees were once seen as both magical and a symbol of fertility?
33
Trees Planted
Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
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Hawthorn:
Crataegus Monogyna
Hawthorn is very much associated with the month of May, and the appearance of its bright, white flowers heralds the change from spring to summer. It is prolific in hedgerows, scrub and woodland throughout the UK and Ireland, and a single tree can grow as tall as 10m. In pagan times, hawthorn was a symbol of marriage and fertility, but in the Middle Ages, it was never brought into homes, as people believed it was a harbinger of illness and death.
38
Trees Planted
Holly:
Ilex Aquifolium
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Holly:
Ilex Aquifolium
Holly trees can live for up to 300 years, providing a warm and safe habitat for birds to nest in and hedgehogs and other small mammals to hibernate. This tree has long been associated with Christmas, and its spiky green leaves and bright red berries have been used as festive decorations during winter for centuries. Holly was traditionally thought to ward off evil spirits, and Harry Potter fans may remember that the boy wizard’s wand is made from holly!
33
Trees Planted
Blackthorn:
Prunus Spinosa
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Blackthorn:
Prunus Spinosa
This small, thorny tree grows to around 5m tall and can be used in hedgerows. Its fruit - the sloe berry - looks a little like a small plum or damson and can be made into jam, jelly or even sloe gin. The blackthorn had a sinister reputation in mythology, where it was associated with witches.
25
Trees Planted
Dog Rose:
Cornus Alba
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Dog Rose:
Cornus Alba
This pale pink hedgerow staple uses its thorns to clasp onto other plants and grow stronger. According to Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, the plant is so-called because its root was once believed to cure the bite of a rabid dog. Rose hip oil is a popular ingredient in skincare products, and can also be used to make a syrup that is rich in vitamin C.
8
Trees Planted
Goat Willow:
Salix Caprea
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Goat Willow:
Salix Caprea
Goat Willow thrives in wet and damp environments such as riversides, reedbeds, lake shores and wet woodlands. Between January and March, Goat willow produces fluffy, silver flowers that turn yellow. Mature trees can grow up to 10m and live for 300 years. Goat Willow is the main food plant for the emperor butterfly and is eaten by the caterpillars. Birds also benefit from Goat Willow as they use it to forage for insects and caterpillars.
5
Trees Planted
Elder:
Sambucus Nigra
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Elder:
Sambucus Nigra
Elder trees can be found growing all over the UK, often near rabbit warrens and the homes of other woodland creatures who spread the seeds through their droppings. Our ancestors in the Middle Ages believed that planting elder trees near their houses would ward off the Devil, and elder leaves were thrown into graves at funerals to protect the dead from evil spirits. Although poisonous when raw, elderberries can be cooked and made into syrup or jam, while elderflowers make the perfect refreshing summer cordial.
300 trees
planted in Cumbria
This very old woodland experienced storm damage from Storm Arwen back in 2021 and had to be clear-felled which was a difficult task. This project aims to create an appropriate species mix that fits the landscape and develops a biodiverse long term forest stand. The area is managed for red squirrels and red kites and species have been chosen with this in mind to provide food and habitat. Along with the bluebells in the spring, this woodland will enhance the visual impact of the landscape which is enjoyed by local residents and people travelling past on the busy A road.
71
Trees Planted
Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
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Silver Birch:
Betula Pendula
The silver birch is an elegant, majestic-looking tree which can survive in a range of climates, making it a very popular choice for gardeners. It attracts hundreds of insect species, and woodpeckers like to nest in its rough, tough, silver-white trunk. There is a lot of mythology attached to the silver birch, which is said to symbolise purity, new beginnings and protection. Once upon a time, on Midsummer’s Eve, silver birch boughs were hung across the doors of houses to bring good luck to their residents.
15
Trees Planted
Crab Apple:
Malus sylvestris
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Crab Apple:
Malus sylvestris
Crab apple trees grow throughout Europe and can live for up to a century, reaching a height of around 10m. This tree is traditionally associated with love and marriage, and it is said that if you say the name of your lover while throwing crab apple pips into a fire, then your love is true if the seeds explode! Crab apples can be made into jelly, roasted and added to drinks, or served as an accompaniment to meat.
23
Trees Planted
Norway Spruce:
Picea Abies
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Norway Spruce:
Picea Abies
This fast-growing evergreen conifer can live for as long as 1000 years and grows to a height of up to 40m. It has red-brown cones, which are the largest of any spruce tree. In 1848, Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert introduced the custom of decorating a Norway spruce for Christmas, and it has been a popular festive tree choice in the UK ever since.
71
Trees Planted
Scots Pine:
Pinus Sylvestris
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Scots Pine:
Pinus Sylvestris
The UK’s only truly native pine is Scotland’s national tree and can be found in abundance in the Highlands. The Caledonian Pine Forest is home to all sorts of wonderful species including the pine marten, red squirrel and rare Scottish wildcat. Scots pine has strong timber which is used for making fences, telegraph poles and other construction materials, and the bark can be tapped for resin to make turpentine.
33
Trees Planted
Douglas Fir:
Pseudotsuga Menziesii
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Douglas Fir:
Pseudotsuga Menziesii
Douglas fir was first introduced to the UK from North America in the 1800s. These fragrant evergreen members of the pine family can live for up to 1,000 years, but are often cut down for use as Christmas trees. Douglas fir timber has lots of commercial uses, including furniture, flooring and decking, for example.
72
Trees Planted
Sessile Oak:
Quercus Petraea
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Sessile Oak:
Quercus Petraea
The sessile oak is Ireland’s national tree and can be found across Europe. Sessile means “without a stalk”, and this tree’s acorns are stalkless, growing directly on twigs. Oaks provide a habitat for many creatures, including red squirrels, badgers, jays, caterpillars and around 250 more species of wildlife.
15
Trees Planted
Rowan:
Sorbus Aucuparia
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Rowan:
Sorbus Aucuparia
Also known as the mountain ash, rowan trees grow well at high altitudes and are commonly found in the Scottish Highlands, as well as on streets and in gardens across the UK. Many birds eat their scarlet berries in the autumn, then disperse the seeds. Rowan used to be planted next to homes to ward off the threat of witches, as red was once believed to guard against evil.