About Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation organisation with a long history of creating, protecting and caring for woodland across the UK. It has 4 main priorities in its action plan to help keep Woodland Alive:

• No further loss of ancient woodland
• Improving woodland biodiversity
• Increasing new native woodland
• Increasing enjoyment of woodland

The importance of trees and woods goes well beyond their immediate value for biodiversity and their evident utility. They touch a much deeper part of what it means to be alive. They stir within us a deep, intuitive and spiritual relationship with nature.

The Trust would like everyone to have a chance to experience nature firsthand through the simple act of planting a tree. Tree planting represents positive action for now and for future generations and when undertaken as part of a larger collective movement, it can transform landscapes and lead to wider environmental action.

"We believe that all children should have the chance to plant trees as a demonstration of their concern for the environment and the future, and we will work to provide that opportunity."

In caring for woodland, the Trust not only ensures the survival of the wildlife it supports, but offers hope that we, and perhaps more importantly our children, can shape a better future.

Our history

The Woodland Trust was founded in 1972 and acquired its first wood in South Devon the following year. It currently owns and cares for over 1,000 sites across the UK covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). It offers free public access to nearly all of its sites.

In 2004 its vision is to create an environment where everyone, particularly children can feel part of nature. The Trust strongly believes that together we can achieve a society in which trees, woods and the wildlife they support enrich our lives. It wants to be part of creating real opportunities for people to take responsibility for the future of our environment.