Tree Leaf Identification Board

The board features a selection of common UK tree leaves engraved into the surface.

The large central hole can be used to position a real leaf against the board while Scouts compare it with the examples around the board.

Encourage Scouts to look at:

Leaf shape, Leaf size, Leaf edges, Number and arrangement of lobes, Leaf veins, Leaf arrangement on the twig, Leaf colour, The tree's bark and overall shape, Where the tree is growing.

The aim isn't simply to find the answer — it's to observe, compare and work it out.

🔎 Look • Compare • Identify

Ask Scouts:

What can you see? - What is different? - Which leaf looks most similar? - What other clues can you find on the tree?

This turns a simple identification exercise into an outdoor observation challenge.

🏕️ Scouts Bushcraft Activity Tree Leaf Detective

Take the board outside and give each Scout or patrol a challenge.

Find a tree.
Collect a suitable fallen leaf where possible.
Place the leaf over the identification area.
Compare it with the engraved leaves.
Look at the tree for additional clues.
Decide which tree you think it is.
Check your identification using a tree guide or suitable identification app.
Move on and find another species.
Patrol Challenge

Give each patrol a set amount of time to identify as many different trees as possible.

For each tree they identify, they could record:

Tree: ____________________

Leaf shape: ____________________

Bark: ____________________

Where found: ____________________

How confident are you? ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This encourages Scouts to explain how they identified the tree rather than simply guessing its name.

🍃 What Trees Can You Find?

The board includes examples of common tree leaves such as:

Oak, Ash, Beech, Birch, Hazel, Hawthorn, Sycamore, Field Maple,  Alder, Lime, Sweet Chestnut, Rowan, Elder, Willow, Hornbeam, Holly, Poplar, Horse Chestnut, Blackthorn,Yew

Tree species can vary depending on where you are, so encourage Scouts to look at the trees actually growing around them.

🌿 Bushcraft Connection

Tree identification is an important foundation for many bushcraft skills.

Once Scouts can recognise trees, they can begin to explore:

Natural tinder - Fire-lighting materials - Different types of wood - Carving and woodworking - Useful natural materials - Tree folklore and traditional uses - Seasonal changes - Woodland habitats - Wildlife associated with different trees

The activity can therefore become the starting point for a much wider Scouts Bushcraft woodland session.

🪵 Make Your Own Tree ID Board

We've made the laser-cut design available FREE for Scout Leaders and bushcraft instructors.

You can download the file and use it to make your own board with a laser cutter.

FREE LASER FILE

Download the Scouts Bushcraft Tree Leaf ID Board

[DOWNLOAD THE FREE LASER FILE SVG]    [DOWNLOAD THE FREE LASER FILE XF]

The design is intended for A4 landscape material and includes the board outline, handle slot and central identification hole.

You can make the board from suitable laser-cutting material such as plywood or other appropriate sheet material compatible with your laser cutter.

Laser Cutting

Before cutting, check your laser manufacturer's recommended settings for your chosen material.

The supplied XS design uses:

Red: through-cut lines
Black: engraving artwork
A4 landscape: 297 × 210 mm

Always test-cut a small section first and check the finished board for strength and safe edges.

⚠️ Outdoor Activity Safety

When running the activity with young people:

• Follow your normal Scouting safety procedures and risk assessment.
• Use fallen leaves where practical rather than unnecessarily removing leaves from living trees.
• Do not eat or taste unidentified leaves, berries, fungi or other natural materials.
• Be aware of poisonous plants and irritant species.
• Wash hands after handling leaves and woodland materials.
• Take care around roads, water, steep ground and other hazards.
• Adapt the activity to the age, ability and needs of your group.

The board is an identification aid, not a substitute for a recognised tree identification guide.

🌲 Take It Into the Woods

The best way to learn trees is to get outside and look at them.

Take the Scouts Bushcraft Tree Leaf ID Board on your next woodland walk and challenge Scouts to discover how many different trees they can find.

Look closely. Compare the clues. Identify the tree.

Location: Essex