Tree species

Sunlight through trees

Trees in the nation's forests

Leaves or needles, cones or nuts? Every tree is special, whether they're native to the UK or planted for the properties of their wood. From fast-growing conifers to ancient and mighty broadleaves, learn how to identify the most common trees in the nation's forests and discover their varied uses.

Conifer species Broadleaf species

Conifer tree species

Close-up of needles on a Douglas fir branch

Douglas fir

Learn about the tallest tree in the country.

A group of Corsican pine trees, looking upwards into the canopy.

Corsican pine

Find out about this variety of black pine tree.

Close-up of Lodgepole pine needles and flowers

Lodgepole pine

Learn about this hardy tree, native to North America.

Cones hanging from tree

Norway spruce

Discover facts and figures about this traditional Christmas tree.

Close-up of needles on a Sitka spruce

Sitka spruce

Discover Sitka, which provides most of timber used in this country.

Close-up of cones on a hybrid larch

Hybrid larch

Find out the origins of this colour-changing conifer.

Close-up of needles on a Noble fir tree

Noble fir

Find out more about this handsome blue-grey fir tree.

Close-up of needles on a Western Hemlock showing buds and cones

Western hemlock

This tree is one of the most common conifers in the country.

Western hemlock

Close up of red yew berries on the tree branch

Yew

Learn about the yew tree, one of the oldest living trees in the country.

Close-up of a cluster of brown cones from a Scots pine

Scots pine

Discover more about this valuable pine tree.

Broadleaf tree species

Ash leaves shown in full bloom

Ash

Learn more about this widespread native tree.

Beech tree leaves close up

Beech

Discover the 'Lady of the Woods' and what it's used for.

Close-up of hazel branches and full leaves in dappled sunlight

Hazel

Find out about this tree, ideal for coppicing.

Close up of a single oak leaf

Oak

Learn more about the mighty oak, one of our most loved trees.

Sweet chestnut fruit and catkins

Sweet chestnut

Discover the sweet chestnut tree, from what it looks like to its many uses.

Close-up of leaves on small-leaved lime tree

Small-leaved lime

Learn about the small-leaved lime, whose timber is ideal for intricate carving.

Small-leaved lime

Close-up of the white flowers on a wild cherry branch, against a blue sky.

Wild cherry

Find out about the wild cherry tree, loved for its colourful blossom.

Close-up of rowan branch showing leaves and flowers against a pale sky.

Rowan

Discover top facts about the rowan tree, also known as the 'mountain ash'.

Close-up of a yellow, autumnal sycamore leaf

Sycamore

Learn more about the sycamore tree, well known for its 'helicopter' seeds.

A close-up of a stand of silver birch trees

Silver birch

Find out about the silver birch and learn how to recognise it.

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