Tree planting and sustainable woodland management are core pillars for improving the environment. Trees sequester carbon and produce oxygen, provide shelter and food for wildlife and are a valuable addition to our natural environment. Tree planting in the UK is needed – according to the Tree Council, the UK’s trees have been badly affected by monocultures and poor management and are now threatened by disease and pollution.

As part of our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment, we plant one tree for every five orders manufactured. We do this through One Tree Planted – so far we have planted 5812 trees! We are also certified to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) to ensure the material we use is sustainably sourced from certified forests.

This National Tree Week (23rd November – 1st December 2024) we wanted to know more about our native trees. The UK’s woodlands are a rich tapestry of trees that have shaped the country’s landscape for thousands of years. From the towering oak to the mysterious yew, these trees are more than just greenery; they play vital roles in ecology, history, and culture. There are over 40 trees native to the UK, we’ve taken a closer look at some of the UK’s most iconic native trees, their characteristics, and their importance to local ecosystems.

1. Oak (Quercus robur and Quercus petraea)

Oaks are arguably the UK’s most iconic trees. Known for their strength and longevity – Oak trees can live for over 1,000 years and as such they are often seen as symbols of endurance and resilience. The English Oak (Quercus robur) and Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) are the two native species, with the former being more common. Oaks are home to a vast array of wildlife; according to the Woodland Trust, it’s estimated that a single oak can support over 2,300 species, including insects, birds, and fungi. Their acorns feed animals like squirrels and jays, and their vast canopies offer nesting spots and shelter for numerous birds.

2. Silver Birch (Betula pendula)

The Silver Birch, with its distinctive white, papery bark and slender, drooping branches, is another native UK tree that adds character to woodlands and heathlands. This tree is highly resilient and can thrive in poor soil, making it one of the first to colonise newly cleared areas. Birch trees are incredibly valuable to biodiversity; they provide a home for various fungi, insects, and birds. The Silver Birch is also culturally significant, often associated with renewal and purification in early Celtic mythology.

3. Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Though more commonly associated with the Highlands of Scotland, the Scots Pine is native across the UK and is the country’s only native pine species. These tall, evergreen trees are identified by their reddish-brown, scaly bark and blue-green needles. Scots Pines are incredibly hardy, able to withstand harsh climates and poor soil. Their cones and needles provide food and habitat for wildlife, including the endangered red squirrel. Scots Pines also support diverse bird species, such as crossbills, which use their specialised beaks to open pine cones.

4. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Also known as the Mountain Ash, the Rowan tree is another notable native tree with deep roots in UK folklore. Its clusters of bright red berries make it a vibrant addition to the landscape, particularly in autumn. The berries attract birds, including blackbirds and thrushes, which help disperse its seeds. In folklore, the Rowan is often considered a protective tree, with many believing it wards off evil spirits. Its berries can also be used to make jams and jellies, providing a source of food for both wildlife and people.

5. Yew (Taxus baccata)

The Yew tree is one of the UK’s most mysterious and ancient native species. With its dark green foliage and blood-red berries, it has long been associated with churchyards and cemeteries, symbolising death and rebirth. Yews are incredibly long-lived; some in the UK are believed to be over 1,000 years old. Despite its dark associations, the Yew plays a crucial role in ecology. Its dense, evergreen canopy provides shelter for birds during winter, while the berries are a food source for thrushes and other birds.