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Konik ponies at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire
Konik ponies at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Jim Woolf

Nature conservation

From ancient trees to bees and butterflies, the places in our care are full of life. Find out what we're doing to safeguard nature for years to come.

Trees

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Our ambition to establish 20 million trees to tackle climate change 

Find out about ambitious plans to plant trees for future generations that will absorb carbon and enable nature to thrive.

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 tree in summer with two main branches. One has bright green leaves and the other has no leaves whatsoever and is just bare branches.
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Restoring woodlands affected by ash dieback 

Ash dieback is a fungal disease affecting the country’s native ash trees. As many as four out of five ash trees may be affected and, where the dying trees could cause a threat to human safety, we need to remove them.

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Saving our native black poplars 

With only 7,000 black poplar trees left in the UK, this important native tree is in steep decline. Discover the work we're doing as part of a pioneering tree planting project at Quarry Bank, Cheshire, to save this native tree.

Plants

A close-up of a staff member repotting a small plant in an air pot using peat-free soil at the Plant Conservation Centre
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Our work conserving and protecting plants 

Discover what we're doing to conserve and protect the plants in gardens across the country, and see some examples of the most special plants and trees.

A member of staff kneeling down, checking on cuttings of the Ankerwycke yew in the plant nursery at the Plant Conservation Centre
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Plant Conservation Centre 

Learn about how we protect the rarest and most historically significant plants in our care at the Plant Conservation Centre.

Wildlife

Beaver swimming in the beaver enclosure at Holnicote Estate in Somerset
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Virtual tour of Holnicote beaver enclosure 

Take an interactive, 360° virtual tour of the beaver enclosure on the Holnicote Estate in Somerset. Through building dams, beavers help to slow the flow of water and reduce flooding, as well as holding water in the landscape during drought. Despite heat and drought in 2022, the beavers’ enclosure remained a green oasis, a reminder of how crucial nature is as we face more extreme weather events.

Red squirrel with a chestnut on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset
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Looking after red squirrels 

Red squirrels are protected at our places. Discover more about the safe havens we are providing for these fascinating creatures.

Otter standing amidst foliage at the edge of a river
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Our work to care for otters 

Otters were on the brink of extinction in the UK in the 1960s, but a nationwide conservation effort has seen their numbers bounce back. Find out what our rangers and volunteers are doing to help.

Wild flowers at the nature-friendly Wimpole Home Farm, Cambridgeshire
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Nature-friendly farming 

Find out how we're working with farmers to investigate new, practical ways of improving farming methods to benefit farmers, nature and the environment.

Natterjack toads mating
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Nine endangered species that need our help 

Many species that were once common are now under threat because of habitat degradation and intensive farming. Discover the conservation success stories.

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The Stepping Stones Project in the Shropshire Hills 

Discover more about the Stepping Stones project, working with partner organisations to create, manage and connect habitats to support nature in the Shropshire Hills.

Reports and reviews

Water vole by a river bank
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State of Nature report 2023: UK wildlife continues to decline 

The State of Nature report for 2023 shows that the abundance of species in the UK has declined by 19 per cent on average since records began in 1970. But while the most important natural habitats are in poor condition, work to protect landscapes and support wildlife has clear benefits for nature, people and the climate.

Baby beaver in middle of green shrubbery gnawing on a branch
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Read the Weather and Wildlife Review 

Climate change presents serious challenges for nature across the UK. Find out how wildlife fared through the seasons in 2023, and what we're doing to address climate and nature crises.

Ponies grazing at Lizard Point, Cornwall

Donate to make a difference

Your support is essential to help us look after nature, beauty and history. Make a donation today, and together we can protect precious places for everyone, forever.