Trees & plants

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.

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.

From ancient oaks to elegant silver birches, we explore the most common trees found across the UK

With grasses, nettles and the ever-present bracken dominating the countryside, which are actually the most commonly found plant species in the UK?

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.

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

Are tees talking to each another via vast underground fungal networks? Sara Maitland explores the fascinating claims of author Peter Wohlleben

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?

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?

All you need to know about one of the UK - and possibly world'

Learn all about the leaf, berries and folklore of one of Britain's most festive tree species with our beginner's guide to holly.

JV Chamary explains all you need to know about fungi, from what it is and how it differs to plants to how it reproduces

Just how old are ancient woodlands? And how do you know how old they are? Amy-Jane Beer explains

We take a look at the beautiful flowers that make their home at altitude

Be aware of these poisonous plants says Phil Gates, as they can be easily mistaken for something safe and tasty...

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.

Did you know the tallest tree in the UK is over 63 metres high?

All you need to know about water crowfoot, including where it grows and how to identify it

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