UK’s native woodlands reaching crisis point, report warns

Drive to plant more trees will count for little if existing woods are lost, says Woodland Trust

The UK's native woodlands are reaching a crisis point, with just 7% in good condition, according to the first comprehensive assessment of their health.

The Woodland Trust's report found the woods facing a barrage of threats, including destruction by development, imported pests and diseases, the impacts of the climate crisis and pollution. Woodland specialist birds and butterflies have declined by almost half since 1970, it said.