Learn to identify twenty trees
A friend has invited you to do this with them.
A tree gives itself away through its leaves, bark, buds, twigs, flowers, fruit and overall shape, and the more of those clues you combine, the surer the name. In winter the leaves are gone from broadleaf trees and the job becomes harder and more satisfying, since twigs, buds and bark are all you have.
GentleFreeMonthsOutdoorsOn your ownUK and US
How to start
- Read the Woodland Trust's guide to identifying trees in the UK, or open the Arbor Day Foundation's What Tree Is That tool in the US.
- Install the Woodland Trust's free tree ID app, or pick your region in the Arbor Day step-by-step key.
- Name one new tree on each walk and keep a list with the clue that settled it until you reach twenty.
Where to go
- Woodland Trust, how to identify trees (UK) UK
- Arbor Day Foundation, What Tree Is That? identification guide (North America) US
We opened these links on 7 October 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
Plan this
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
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