The Woodland Trust

Our response to the Government's planning reforms 👇 It’s right that we protect the built cathedrals for future generations, and it's equally important to do so for our natural cathedrals. We can have both #NatureRecovery and high-quality sustainable development. Indeed, the government previously said that, and it must not back down on its promises. But that requires coherent, properly resourced long-term planning—something successive Governments have failed to deliver. Reforms must protect the remaining fragments of ancient woodland and other precious habitats, not play them off against other objectives.   To use the government’s own language ‘we can't afford not to’. We look forward to also hearing from the government how it plans to ‘tear down the barriers ‘to nature’s recovery'.   New plans must include effective green infrastructure, such as trees and nature, on every new development. Healthy and functioning ecosystems will make our new homes more resilient to climate change and underpin a sustainable economy. Planning reform must play its part towards meeting legally binding species and habitat recovery targets and commitments to genuinely protect 30% of land by 2030. Darren Moorcroft (he/him)

Did you know blue tits start looking for a place to nest as early as January? 🪺 They will look for cosy cavities such as rot holes and cracks in trees, old woodpecker nests, crevices in walls, and nest boxes 🌳⁠ They carefully time the hatching of their eggs to the budburst of trees and the increase of caterpillar prey that comes with it 🐛 Climate change is affecting this synchronicity. Spring is now occurring earlier, which increases the risk of blue tit chicks starving when the caterpillars they feed on are unavailable in years of early leaf emergence 🌡️⁠ Learn more about blue tit nesting habits 👉 https://bit.ly/3E5wTIr

It’s time for RSPB's #BigGardenBirdwatch 🐦 To get into the spirit, we’re spotlighting some of our favourite woodland birds that you might also be able to spot from your window 👀 Keep your eyes peeled but remember to keep an ear out too! 👂 From the melodious sound of the robin to the mellow song of the blackbird, all these birds have impressive calls. Learn more about woodland birds! 👉 https://lnkd.in/e36GhuSV

Have you spotted this early-flowering plant? 🔍 Primrose is a small, perennial woodland plant that can flower from as early as December 🌼 They can be found in woods, at the base of hedgerows, and in grasslands. The flowers are pale to deep yellow with darker centres 🌱 Primrose is an important food source for pollinators like brimstone and small tortoiseshell butterflies 🦋 Learn more about this species 👉 https://bit.ly/3RPv2dP

This week, Norfolk County Council announced the withdrawal of its planning application for the #NorwichWesternLink scheme, a proposed 3.9-mile dual carriageway around Norwich 🚙 We are opposed to the proposed route due to the loss and damage of ancient and veteran trees, woodlands, and the impacts on the wider natural environment. These habitats around Norwich support rare and threatened UK species, including a super-colony of Barbastelle bats 🦇 While this news is welcome, the threat to these precious habitats remains. We urge Norfolk County Council to find a solution that doesn’t destroy irreplaceable habitats 👉 https://bit.ly/4h5J6vk Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Our advisers are experts in designing and creating new native #woodland 🌳   Learn more about the #NorthernForest project and find out how you can get involved 👉 https://lnkd.in/eaGRi-uM

It’s #RedSquirrelAppreciationDay! Stop scrolling and treat yourself to a moment of red squirrel joy 💚 Sadly, these mischievous creatures have been in decline for decades. We’re working to help red squirrel populations thrive. In 2019, we partnered with Trees for Life to return red squirrels to a Scottish woodland. Thanks to Woodland Trust management, Ledmore and Migdale was the perfect habitat for the project to take place. Since this reintroduction, the population has continued to flourish, with the squirrels bringing with them a range of benefits like burying acorns and pine cones, ensuring the growth of future trees 🌳 Head to our website to learn more about this project 👉 https://lnkd.in/ekX3dMSn

Have you spotted the scarlet elf cup fungus on your winter woodland walks? 👀⁠ Fruiting from early winter to early spring, this orange-red fungus prefers areas with high rainfall 🌧️⁠ They have tiny stems which give them the appearance of hollow bowls lying on the ground 🍄 Look for them on decaying sticks and branches, especially in damp areas of the woodland floor 🌳 Learn more about common mushrooms 👉 https://bit.ly/4fTKgsv

This legal challenge was necessary to protect irreplaceable #AncientWoodland in Wales 🌳 It's critical that we hold decision-makers and statutory agencies accountable for where flawed advice has been provided or errors in judgement have been made. Learn more about our efforts to protect the UK's wood and trees 👉 https://lnkd.in/edSxqpnx