The woodlands in the UK are facing a decline in wildlife due to deteriorating habitats, a new report by the Woodland Trust has revealed. As an alarming sign of this trend, the report found that only 1 in 50 native woodlands have more than one ancient or veteran tree for every 200,000 square metres. These older trees are crucial for wildlife, providing them with food and shelter.
The condition of woodlands is becoming progressively worse, making them ineffective for the wildlife that rely on them. There has been an observed 37% fall in woodland birds over the last 50 years, with a significant 15% drop in the last five years alone. Additionally, the population of woodland-associated butterflies has decreased by 47% between 1990 and 2022.
In 2021, an earlier report by the Woodland Trust found that only 7% of Britain’s native woodlands are in good condition. This is attributed to low levels of deadwood, a scarcity of ancient and veteran trees, and a lack of age and species diversity in trees.
Between 2010 and 2020, there was a reported loss of 393 ancient and veteran trees, indicating a destruction of these vital habitats. The importance of these trees is emphasized by the Woodland Trust’s conservation and external affairs director, Abigail Bunker, who expressed concern over the decline of complex and biodiverse woodlands.
To address this issue, a new government taskforce was established in November 2024, aiming to increase the tree cover in the UK to 16.5% by 2050. The taskforce will bring together government ministers from the four UK nations along with various organizations. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, has also committed to providing up to £400 million over two years for tree planting and peatland restoration in England.
Despite ongoing efforts, only 45% of woodland creation targets have been achieved over the past four years. Bunker emphasized the need for the government to meet tree planting targets to ensure the development of future veteran trees and enhance the resilience of woodlands against challenges such as diseases and rising temperatures.
Woodlands play a crucial role in addressing climate change, as they contain 1billion tonnes of carbon and contribute to the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The preservation of healthy woodlands is vital for both wildlife conservation and efforts to combat climate change.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/10/variety-of-wildlife-in-uks-woodlands-falling-as-habitats-degrade-says-report
