Saving Our Wildlife: Why Conservation Matters
Nature is full of wonders, from the rustling leaves of ancient woodlands to the quiet hum of bees in a summer meadow. But many of these wonders are at risk. In the UK, countless species are struggling due to habitat loss, deforestation, and climate change. Ancient woodlands—critical ecosystems that can take over 400 years to develop—are disappearing, and with them, the homes of some of our most incredible wildlife.
We desperately need future generations to fall in love with nature, before we lose it forever. Let’s take a closer look at some of the species that depend on our woodlands and why they need our help.
Tawny Owl Wood’s Commitment to Nature Recovery
In 2024, Tawny Owl Wood decided to step up our efforts in nature recovery. We wanted to redesign the layout of our picture books, making them more engaging and educational while also encouraging young readers to take an active interest in protecting nature for future generations.
That’s when the idea of introducing the Red, Green, and Amber lists ( a list devised by organisations like: Wildlife Trust, RSBP, Woodland Trust) was born. These lists highlight the decline of various wildlife species across the UK. After extensive research, I compiled a list of animals from the Red and Green lists and let Sarah-Leigh choose which ones she wanted to feature in our books.
The concept is simple but impactful. Eight animals are hidden throughout the pages of our picture books, with a dedicated section at the back providing more details about each species. But we didn’t stop there—‘Did You Spot the Animals?’ has its own dedicated webpage on our site, offering even more information about these creatures and where they can be found in the wild.
Meet the Woodland Residents
🌿 Beaver – Once extinct in the UK, beavers are making a comeback thanks to reintroduction efforts. These incredible ecosystem engineers create wetlands that benefit countless other species, but they still face threats from habitat destruction and conflicts with human land use.
🌲 Pine Marten – These elusive, cat-sized carnivores play a crucial role in balancing woodland ecosystems. Their return to certain parts of the UK has helped control grey squirrel populations, benefiting native red squirrels. However, habitat fragmentation continues to challenge their recovery.
🐦 Nuthatch – This agile little bird is the only British species that can climb down tree trunks headfirst! Nuthatches rely on mature trees for nesting, but the loss of ancient woodlands makes their survival increasingly difficult.
🐞 Blue Ground Beetle – This rare and fascinating beetle is found in only a few places in the UK. It thrives in damp, decaying wood—making it highly dependent on old-growth forests. The removal of deadwood from woodlands threatens this species’ existence.
🦇 Bechstein’s Bat – One of the UK’s rarest bats, this species depends on undisturbed, ancient woodlands for roosting. Their populations are dwindling due to deforestation and the loss of mature trees with suitable hollows for shelter.
🐝 Honeybee – Pollinators like honeybees are crucial for both wild plants and crops, but they are facing decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Protecting diverse, flower-rich woodlands helps ensure their survival.
🐭 Hazel Dormouse – These tiny, nocturnal creatures are a symbol of thriving woodland habitats. They need interconnected tree canopies and dense undergrowth to survive, but modern forestry practices and urban expansion threaten their habitat.
🦜 Great Spotted Woodpecker – Known for their rhythmic drumming on tree trunks, these woodpeckers rely on deadwood for nesting and foraging. The destruction of mature trees and woodland clearance endangers their population.
Protecting Our Ancient Woodlands
Without urgent conservation efforts, many of these species will continue to decline. Protecting and restoring ancient woodlands is key to preserving biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can witness the magic of these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.
What Can You Do?
✅ Support organisations dedicated to woodland conservation. ✅ Plant native trees and protect existing woodlands. ✅ Reduce your carbon footprint to combat climate change. ✅ Educate children and communities about the importance of nature.
🌳 Learn More & Get Involved! 🌳 To discover more about these species and how you can help protect their habitats, visit our website.
Scan here to explore their world!
Together, we can ensure that these woodland wonders continue to thrive for generations to come. 💚