Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
What would the extended bottom-trawling ban mean for UK wildlife and fishers?
The proposed ban, which aims to protect important marine life, has been welcomed by environmentalists, but some fishers are concerned.
“It's like bringing them back from the dead”: singing cicadas return to UK after three-decade absence
Once considered extinct, the New Forest cicada is back on British soil thanks to an ambitious reintroduction project.
David Attenborough narrates terrifying BBC footage of giant leeches launching a massacre on baby toads
The footage was captured as part of filming for BBC One's Wild Isles, narrated by David Attenborough
One of Britain's rarest and CUTEST animals to be reintroduced to Leicestershire for the first time ever
A landmark conservation effort is underway to restore hazel dormice to their former range around the UK
Scientists amazed to see humpback whales trying to send messages to humans
Could humpback whales be trying to communicate with us?
What's new?
Shark DNA found in Welsh waters suggests rare species is hiding in plain sight
Fishers in Wales have been seeing fewer critically endangered angelsharks in Wales – but that doesn't mean they're not there, according to a new study.
Are there any great white sharks in UK waters?
Great whites are one of the deadliest apex predators, but have they ever been spotted around the UK? Fergus Collins takes a look
Scientists strapped tiny data-gathering ‘backpacks’ to English nightingales – and discovered something worrying
A recent study reveals the truth about the English nightingale’s plight – and it has left scientists worried
"Look at the size of that one – wow, it's huge!" Boater films stunning wildlife spectacle off Sussex coast
Skipper Kurt Lander was cruising through the English Channel when the "magical" moment happened.
Ancient tree 'older than Stonehenge' found in English bog
The 5,000-year-old tree, dug up during restoration works at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, offers a rare and remarkable glimpse into Britain’s past, say experts.
Birds
'Sea parrot' cam: heartwarming livestream offers intimate glimpse inside puffin colony on remote Farne Islands
In celebration of caring for the Farne Islands for 100 years, the National Trust has shared a puffin livestream so people can watch the sweet birds from home.
A mosquito-borne virus is killing blackbirds in England – scientists are urging gardeners to help
The public's help is needed to survey the spread of a virus that targets blackbirds, say researchers from the British Trust for Ornithology.
"Remarkable" nest cam footage shows peregrine falcon chick eating first meal at Norwich Cathedral
The cathedral has become a key urban nesting site for the species, which has recovered significantly in recent decades following a period of sharp decline.
Crustaceans
Are there any killer whales in UK waters?
Did you know there are just two individuals remaining in the UK’s resident orca population, which will soon go extinct?
Crab vs lobster: what’s the difference between the common shore crab and the common lobster - and how do you tell them apart?
Lobsters and crabs are often mistaken for each other. Carys McMillan explains how to tell two of our most common species - the shore crab and European lobster - apart
Tragic mass stranding leaves 77 pilot whales dead in Orkney
The reason for one of the biggest mass strandings in Scottish history is currently a mystery, says Mel Hobson
Dinosaurs
Fungi
How to identify
Britain's rarest flowers: The beautiful, hidden flora that could disappear from our country
Our countryside is home to a huge range of flowers, some much harder to find than others – here is a selection of Britain's rarest flowers, including how to identify and the threats that they face.
British seabirds: how to identify and where to see
Our guide explores some of the UK's most common types of seabird, where they live and the best places to see them.
Raven vs crow: what's the difference between these birds and how can you tell them apart?
Do you know the difference between a carrion crow and a raven? Fergus Collins explains the difference between these similar-looking birds.
Insects & invertebrates
What’s the most common spider in Britain?
While there are lots of commonly found species of spider in the UK, there’s one that’s more likely to darken your doorstep…
“Astonishing” and “rare” explosion of small blue butterflies recorded in Scottish Highlands
Over 500 small blue butterflies were spotted at a single site in Scotland, more than doubling the previous year's count.
What’s the biggest and deadliest wasp in the world – and has it ever been seen in Britain?
It has a terrifying 6mm stinger, but has the 'murder hornet' ever been spotted in the UK?
Mammals
Moose vs elk – what’s the difference between these two giant deer?
Are moose and elk the same animal or different species entirely? We clear up the confusion on the peculiar naming conventions of these two large deer species
“As I got closer, I saw its tail": astonished gardener finds large animal in pond
Kerry Irwin-Hall had snuck out at dawn in the hope of seeing ducks nesting, but what she spotted was even more amazing.
Can foxes and dogs crossbreed?
For a long time, scientists believed that dogs and foxes couldn’t produce offspring together — but a groundbreaking discovery in Brazil has challenged that belief.
Marine life
Is it normal to see a seal on the beach? Yes – but here are the warning signs to look out for
Seals come onto land to rest as part of their natural behaviour – here’s what to look for to know if they’re in trouble, and how to help
How to help a beached whale or dolphin – you could help save its life while waiting for medics to arrive
When a whale, dolphin or porpoise finds itself on land, something is wrong. Here’s what to do – and not to do – to help these beached animals.
What's the most common jellyfish in Britain?
It's quite normal to see jellyfish along the British coastline – but which species are you most likely to be looking at?
Trees & plants
This giant "horror movie" plant can cause skin burns and blindness – and it's taking over the UK
It lies in wait for the unwary and can cause serious skin burns, ulcers, even blindness. Richard Baynes reports from the frontline of the battle against giant hogweed, an invasive plant that’s remarkably hard to kill
Britain's most poisonous berries: 9 toxic fruits deadly to avoid
They may look tasty but looks can be deceiving and these 9 poisonous berries should be avoided at all cost
The story of the Sycamore Gap tree – and what happened after it was felled
For 200 years, a sycamore tree stood in a dip in Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park – until it was felled in an act of vandalism in 2023.
Where to see
The UK's best and most beautiful heathlands for wildlife - including some that are home to the world's rarest insects
\these beautiful heathlands are well worth a visit
Best places to go fossil hunting in the UK: these are the best spots to unearth prehistoric gems
From the Jurassic Coast to North Yorkshire's crumbling east shores, our guide explores the best beaches in the UK to find fossils
Common UK fossils: Discover the treasures beneath your feet
There are many different types of fossils that can be found on UK shores. In this guide, we reveal 10 of the most common fossils to look out for on your next trip to the beach
Wildlife stories
What’s the most common butterfly species in the UK?
While it’s an ever-changing statistic, we introduce you to the most abundant butterfly species – and which country holds the title for having the most butterflies
Astonishing BBC footage shows rescue puppies helping raise adorable orphaned baby chimps in West Africa –proving dogs aren't just man's best friend
At a sanctuary in Liberia, a group of devoted dogs are stepping up as unlikely carers to help raise orphaned chimpanzees
