The bright and festive holly tree
[originally published Nov 2025] The holly tree (Ilex aquifolium), with its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, are familiar in hedgerows, woodlands and gardens all across Sussex. From the South Downs to the Weald and everywhere in between, you’re likely to...
The Quintessentially British Field Maple
Among the many native trees that dot the British landscape, the field maple (Acer campestre) tends to blend in. But don’t be deceived as it plays a vital role in the biodiversity of the UK’s countryside, hedgerows, and woodlands. Understanding its lifecycle,...
The English Ash: Long history and uncertain future
The life of an Ash tree The English Ash, or Fraxinus excelsior, stands as one of Britain’s most familiar native trees, reaching heights of up to 40 metres. It’s easy to recognise with its domed crown and smooth pale-grey bark in youth that gradually develops deeper...
The Majestic English Oak
Spread throughout Sussex and British hedgerows, parks, and woodlands, a quiet but dominating presence reaches across centuries, seasons, and folklore. The English Oak (Quercus robur) is a timeless image of the countryside and a living emblem of strength and community....
Plum trees: A lasting Roman relic
If you’ve ever bitten into a juicy plum on a warm summer’s day, you’ve tasted one of the UK’s most delightful homegrown fruits. The plum tree (Prunus domestica) has long been a part of British gardens and orchards, bringing colour, flavour, and biodiversity to our...
The UK’s wild cherry tree brings colour year-round
If you’ve ever wandered through a British woodland in spring or early summer, you might have seen a tree covered in fluffy white blossoms or bursting with glossy red fruits. That’s likely the wild cherry tree (Prunus avium), a native UK species that’s not just a...
Volunteer to help tend trees in all seasons
Planting trees is hard work. It’s physically demanding, messy, and can be costly. But that’s just the beginning. Without proper maintenance, care, and monitoring, all that effort and money will go to waste. You may as well dig a hole to plant a tenner (let us know if...
The humble English apple tree
TreeAction UK’s mission is to connect student with nature, teach young people about the natural world and their connection with where their food comes from, and to increase Sussex’s biodiversity. As part of that mission, we want to bring special attention to a...
Get outside in Sussex this May!
Spring 2025 has been one to remember for its warm weather and sunshine. Two May bank holidays are just around the corner, so why not spend them in nature? Being outside has loads of benefits, be it improved mental health, added exercise, letting children play...
Good uses for pumpkins after Halloween
Halloween has come and gone. It’s time to take down (or put Santa hats on) the skeletons, unbox the Christmas lights, and change the vibe from spooky to festive. When you’re packing up the ghosts, ghouls and gourds, don’t be so quick to pop the pumpkins and...









