Trees & plants

Trees & plants

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.
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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.
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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
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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?
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No Mow May 2025: Why it's time to let the weeds grow

Want to help the wildlife in your garden? All you have to do this month is… nothing. Welcome to No Mow May 2025
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A new national forest: 20 million trees to be planted in west of England by 2050

The Western Forest – the UK's first national forest for 30 years – will cover up to 50,000 hectares, stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips.
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Snake heads and bleeding hearts: These are Britain's weirdest flowers

The UK is home to some truly bizarre blooms, from eerie ghost orchids to flowers that look like bees. Some of these plants are rare and elusive, while others could even thrive in your garden
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Do trees have feelings? We investigate the radical claims of Peter Wohlleben’s ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’

Are tees talking to each another via vast underground fungal networks? Sara Maitland explores the fascinating claims of author Peter Wohlleben
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Spring blossom is out now - here's how to identify it

As light flows slowly back into our woodlands and hedgerows, once-bare branches begin to bloom again. It's blossom season – but how do you tell the difference between blackthorn and hawthorn, rowan and wild cherry?
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Look away mycophobes: Slow-mo footage shows bizarre way mushrooms grow inside a tree trunk

Oyster mushrooms are a shell-shaped fungi which can be found all-year round, but especially after a cold snap.
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When does a wood become a forest?

British woodlands are nature-rich and play a huge role in protecting our environment. But what's the difference between a copse, a wood and a forest? Wooden you like to know?
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It has grotesque, finger-like tendrils and a stench of decay - just what is this mysterious, eerie life form?

All you need to know about one of the UK - and possibly world'
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Holly tree guide: what it looks like, berries and folklore

Learn all about the leaf, berries and folklore of one of Britain's most festive tree species with our beginner's guide to holly.
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Fungi uncovered: Discover the weird and wonderful world of these bizarre lifeforms

JV Chamary explains all you need to know about fungi, from what it is and how it differs to plants to how it reproduces
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Unveiling our ancient woodlands: Just how old are they and what makes them so remarkable?

Just how old are ancient woodlands? And how do you know how old they are? Amy-Jane Beer explains
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What flowers grow on Britain’s highest mountains? The mountain flora that flourishes on our loftiest peaks

We take a look at the beautiful flowers that make their home at altitude
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What are the most poisonous plants in the UK - and just how deadly are they? Eating just 5 berries of one could kill you

Be aware of these poisonous plants says Phil Gates, as they can be easily mistaken for something safe and tasty...
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Elephant-shaped tree among 12 magnificent oaks shortlisted for Tree of the Year 2024

Other nominees include the UK's widest oak, a tree believed to be more than 1,000 years old, and an ancient specimen shrouded in rainforest bryophytes.
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What's the tallest tree in the UK? The towering record breaker that's still growing

Did you know the tallest tree in the UK is over 63 metres high?
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How do you know if a river is healthy? This wildflower only thrives in clean water

All you need to know about water crowfoot, including where it grows and how to identify it
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Sycamore Gap tree: 'Astonishing' new shoots emerge from stump

Eight green shoots have been found growing from the base of the famous tree, 10 months after it was illegally felled.
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