Trees & plants
First Sycamore Gap saplings planted after famous tree was illegally felled
National Trust begins planting 'Trees of Hope’ to ensure the iconic tree lives on.
Does a tree know it's being eaten? Is it able to defend itself – and warn others?
6 oldest trees in the UK – and the world, including one that's meant to be over 5,000 years old...
From ancient yews to legendary oaks, these are the trees that have stood watch over Britain’s landscapes for thousands of years
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Add some greenery to your home with our choice of the best houseplants for all levels – and learn how to look after them so they stay alive and healthy!
Our beginners guide looks at easy ways to grow indoor plants, which types of houseplant grow best in the UK, how to care for your houseplants, the benefits of growing plants indoors and common houseplant problems.
Beautiful old tree trapped in urban jungle wins prestigious Tree of the Year contest
The results of the Woodland Trust’s annual competition have been revealed, and the winner might surprise you
What's the most common mushroom in the UK?
There is estimated 2.5 million species of fungi worldwide, but only a small fraction produce mushrooms – but what is the most common mushroom found in the UK?
“A remarkable discovery”: Rare fern found in Welsh valley 150 years after being wiped out by Victorians
The young holly fern was rediscovered by a naturalist on the rugged slopes of Cwm Idwal in Eryri National Park.
What's the tallest tree in the world?
Did you know the tallest tree species in the world can grow to more than 100 metres?
It's incredibly fast growing, notoriously invasive and known as the demolisher of houses - but how true is this plant's deadly reputation?
Initially introduced as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance, Japanese knotweed has become a botanical bully.
10 dangerous weeds: If these criminal weeds are in your garden, or on your land, you could find yourself in legal trouble
We take a look at some dangerous weeds that could cost your pocket
"Cutting down the Sycamore Gap tree was an act of spite". Did “resentful cynicism” drive the guilty two or was it for "bragging rights and trophy-hunting”?
The felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree
appalled and saddened millions. Yet, as
Fergus Collins discovers, hope can spring
from the darkest ecological tragedies
From Robin Hood's hideout to a tree that's worth nearly one million pounds, here are the UK's most famous trees
A selection of the strangest, most significant and best-known ancient trees growing in the UK’s forests, parks and gardens.
This pretty flower is essential for pollinating insects, yet deadly for livestock – causing severe, irreversible damage to the liver
Is ragwort dangerous to humans or animals? Learn what it is, where it can be found, its benefits for wildlife and the dangers associated with it in our expert ragwort guide.
These are the easiest ways to save water in your garden
As our summers become warmer and drier, it may be necessary for gardeners to change their habits. Our guide includes information on rainwater harvesting, when to water your garden and ways to make your garden more drought-resistant.
This huge toxic plant fully deserves its fearsome reputation, for not only is it invasive, it also causes nasty burns to your skin
What is giant hogweed, what do its flowers and leaves look like and is it poisonous? Find out all this and more with our guide to this enormous member of the umbellifer family
Ash woodland is evolving resistance to ash dieback, say experts
Scientists say natural selection is helping the trees fight the deadly fungal disease, which has decimated forests across Britain and much of Europe.
This foul-smelling plant is so deadly it was used to execute condemned prisoners in ancient Greece
What is hemlock, what makes it so poisonous, and how do you identify it? Find out all this and more with our guide to this highly toxic member of the umbellifer family
Ancient tree 'older than Stonehenge' found in English bog
The 5,000-year-old tree, dug up during restoration works at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, offers a rare and remarkable glimpse into Britain’s past, say experts.
This giant "horror movie" plant can cause skin burns and blindness – and it's taking over the UK
It lies in wait for the unwary and can cause serious skin burns, ulcers, even blindness. Richard Baynes reports from the frontline of the battle against giant hogweed, an invasive plant that’s remarkably hard to kill
Britain's most poisonous berries: 9 toxic fruits deadly to avoid
They may look tasty but looks can be deceiving and these 9 poisonous berries should be avoided at all cost
The story of the Sycamore Gap tree – and what happened after it was felled
For 200 years, a sycamore tree stood in a dip in Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park – until it was felled in an act of vandalism in 2023.
Britain's rarest flowers: The beautiful, hidden flora that could disappear from our country
Our countryside is home to a huge range of flowers, some much harder to find than others – here is a selection of Britain's rarest flowers, including how to identify and the threats that they face.
What’s the most common tree in Britain?
From ancient oaks to elegant silver birches, we explore the most common trees found across the UK
What’s the most common plant in Britain?
With grasses, nettles and the ever-present bracken dominating the countryside, which are actually the most commonly found plant species in the UK?