Little girl looking closely at a tree at Croome, Worcestershire, with lots of leaves on the ground — Exploring nature at Croome, Worcestershire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Nature

Get closer to nature with our guides on ancient trees, spotting wildlife and identifying birdsong. Have a go at forest bathing, rock pooling or learn about wild flowers, plus much more.

Join us in celebrating National Tree week between 25 November and 3 December by learning more about the world of trees and plants.

More trees and plants

Visitor enjoying a peaceful moment at Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire

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A beginner's guide to forest bathing

Forest bathing is a way of relaxing and slowing down the mind by immersing yourself in nature. It can help reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels and improve concentration.

A wide shot of a few cedar of Lebanon trees bordering the lawn at Upton House, Warwickshire

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Ancient and notable trees

Ancient trees are links to our past, they're species-rich habitats that support countless other organisms. Discover what makes a tree ancient and how to recognise them.

A clump of formerly coppiced beeches with bright green spring leaves emerging

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Ten clues from the past to spot on a woodland walk

Our woods have been used in many ways since the Ice Age, from royal hunting grounds to military bases. Spot clues to past lives hidden in your favourite woodland.

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Coppicing is an ancient woodland management technique that was once used to ensure a regular supply of timber and firewood. Discover how it's used today at the places we care for to create a range of habitats for plants and wildlife.

There’s such a range of wildlife to discover wherever you are. Learn more about what you can spot this season and the places that wildlife calls home.

More wildlife

Fallow deer (Dama dama) grazing on the Crom Estate, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

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Deer-spotting tips

Find out about fallow, red and muntjac deer, how to tell them apart and other top tips for seeing and photographing them at the places we care for.

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Birds to spot through the seasons

Find out how the changing seasons affect the birds you’ll see out and about, with spotting tips and photo galleries to guide you.

Red squirrel sitting on a mossy rock eating a nut

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Red squirrel spotting tips

Find out how to spot red squirrels, the best times to see them and how to tell them apart from grey squirrels.

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How to spot water voles

Discover how to identify burrows, food, footprints and latrines, and how to tell the difference between water voles and brown rats, even when they're swimming.

Discover pockets of ocean life in a rock pool, learn how to identify common fossils at the coast or even record your favourite coastal sounds.

Our guide to puffins

Every year, thousands of puffins come to the places in our care to breed. Find out more about what they eat, when they breed and the best time to see them up close.

Close view of fossils at the disused Loftus Alum Works, North Yorkshire

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Common fossils to find at the coast

Do you know your ammonites from your devil’s toenails? Discover how to identify some of the fossils commonly found around the UK coast and where you might see them.

Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon

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Discover the wonders of a rock pool

As the tide goes out, the secrets of the sea are revealed in rock pools left behind. Exploring the wonders of a rock pool is no. 37 of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Walkers on the South West coast path to Old Harry, Studland Bay, Dorset

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Sounds of our shores

We worked with the British Library and the National Trust for Scotland to create the UK’s first ever coastal sound map. Find out about the project and top tips for making your own recording of the sounds of our shores.