The UK’s woodlands have grown significantly in area over the last century, but the health of native trees is in serious decline. Despite the visible increase in forest coverage, much of this growth is due to non-native species, with many of the UK’s indigenous trees struggling due to isolation and poor ecological conditions. According to the Woodland Trust, only 7% of native woodlands are healthy. This concerning situation is largely driven by climate change, invasive species, diseases, and excessive browsing by mammals like deer.
Pressures on Native Woodlands
The Woodland Trust, a leading charity in woodland conservation, highlights numerous threats facing native trees. Climate breakdown is making forests more vulnerable to extreme weather, like Storm Arwen in 2021, which felled thousands of trees. Furthermore, diseases such as ash dieback and Phytophthora ramorum have devastated forests, leaving large sections of woodland damaged. In addition, overgrazing by deer has prevented young trees from regenerating.
While the UK’s overall tree cover has doubled in the past 100 years, the expansion often consists of non-native species, such as conifer plantations. These forests do not support the same biodiversity as native woodlands, which remain fragmented and in decline. This isolation makes them more susceptible to threats and diminishes their ecological value.
Woodland Trust’s Role in Restoration
The Woodland Trust is leading efforts to reverse the decline of native trees and forests. The charity cares for over 1,000 woods across the UK, spanning more than 32,000 hectares. The trust employs a significant portion of its workforce in these woodlands, carrying out conservation work designed to restore the ecological health of these forests.
For example, in Cumbria, site manager Heather Swift has spent years overseeing the recovery of Great Knott Wood, one of the many areas affected by storms and disease. After Storm Arwen, which blew down thousands of trees in 2021, heavy machinery had to be brought in to clear the damage. This made way for new plantings, with Swift coordinating the planting of 26,000 native saplings. These young trees required protection from the UK’s highest-ever deer population, using methods like biodegradable tree guards and deer repellent spray.
The trust also works beyond its own woods, promoting agroforestry—integrating trees into farming systems—to individual landowners and estates. This approach helps improve biodiversity, boosts soil health, and provides habitats for wildlife while supporting agricultural productivity. By encouraging sustainable practices, the trust helps extend the reach of its conservation mission across more land.
Engaging the Public for Long-Term Change
Beyond its work on the ground, the Woodland Trust actively engages the public in its mission. The charity encourages individuals to support native trees by becoming members, visiting woodlands, and considering what they plant in their gardens. They’ve also launched the Observatree initiative, training volunteers to monitor the health of trees across the country. This “tree-health early warning system” helps detect pest and disease outbreaks quickly, allowing timely interventions to prevent further spread.
Ultimately, the trust’s goal is to create a lasting legacy. By planting saplings with young people and fostering connections with nature, the charity hopes to inspire future generations to care for trees and woodlands. As Darren Moorcroft, chief executive of the Woodland Trust, emphasizes, these efforts will ensure that the UK’s woodlands—especially ancient forests—remain a crucial part of the country’s natural heritage for centuries to come.
In a world where climate change and ecological degradation continue to pose serious threats, the Woodland Trust’s work is more important than ever. Through a combination of conservation, public education, and policy advocacy, the charity is leading the charge to restore the UK’s native trees and forests.
