Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
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Hen harrier numbers up in Scotland but "persecution continues", according to new RSPB survey
Your chances of catching a glimpse of a hen harrier in the Scottish countryside are improving, according to a new report by the RSPB. But this recovery needs to be sustained in the long term to meet biodiversity goals, says the charity.
A Somerset schoolgirl has discovered what may be the largest marine reptile ever found
The remains of an enormous jawbone more than two metres long have been found on a beach at Blue Anchor in south-west England. Scientists believe the bones belong to a new species of giant ichthyosaur that was the size of a blue whale.
Wicken Fen walk, Cambridgeshire
An easy-going, 4.7-mile circular walk around one of England's most spectacular wildlife havens.
British snake guide: how to identify snakes, where they live in the UK - and what to do if you're bitten
Here is our expert guide to British snakes, including where they live and how to identify them from their markings and length.
What's new?
Pool frog: A quick guide to the UK's rarest amphibian
Once dismissed as an invasive species, Britain's rarest native amphibian is finding its place once more in the countryside. Find out how to identify a pool frog, species facts and what's being done to safe it with our expert guide.
Scottish grouse shooting faces shake up as new law introduced to stop raptor persecution
The new Scottish law to regulate the grouse industry could provide a blueprint for England.
Beavers have been recruited to reduce flooding in an ancient English village. And it's working
Five years after being released on Spains Hall Estate in Essex, beavers are rewriting the landscape and reducing the risks of both drought and flooding.
Scientists are using AI to save hedgehogs. And they need your help
A ground-breaking new project combining artificial intelligence, trail cameras and volunteers will provide robust estimates of hedgehog numbers, which can be used to inform practical conservation measures.
Guide to British seabirds: how to identify and where to see them
Our guide explores some of the UK's most common types of seabird, where they live and the best places to see them.
Birds
British finches: how to identify and where to see
Get to know these spectacular birds with our identification guide to 15 species of finches and buntings found in the UK, including where they live and how to see them.
National Nest Box Week: how to help birds in your garden
Give a bird a home during National Nest Box Week, which runs from 14th February to the 21st February. Here's all you need to know to take part in 2024.
15 of the most sweet-sounding songbirds in Britain
In Britain we are blessed with an incredible variety of beautiful birdsong from late winter into early summer. From the nightingale to the blackbird, here is your guide to the best British songbirds, including how to identify each species.
Crustaceans
How to identify
How to identify spring blossom
As light flows slowly into our woodlands and hedgerows, once-bare branches begin to bloom. The brief blossoming of blackthorn, rowan, wild cherry and hawthorn is a magical spectacle, wreathed in ancient folklore. Learn how to identify spring blossom found in the UK and best places to spot blossom with our ID guide.
Guide to tit species in the UK: how to identify and where to see these small charismatic birds
Learn more about the different types of tit species in Britain and how to tell them apart with our ID guide, which includes blue tits, great tits, crested tits, willow tits, long-tailed tits, marsh tits and coal tits
Spring wildlife guide: what to look for and where to see it
From the fragrant aroma of wild garlic to the delightful song of the chiffchaff, the British countryside comes to life in the spring months. Our expert spring wildlife guide explains how to identify the season's best wildlife spectacles and best places to see.
Insects & invertebrates
What do ladybirds eat?
What do ladybirds eat? Do ladybirds bite? How long do they live? And where do they live? Find out all about these spotted insects with our expert guide.
Stunning bee photographs shine light on the life (and death) of more than 20,000 species
A provocative new exhibition aimed at highlighting the existential threat to thousands of bee species around the world is coming to the UK. We look at what to expect from 'Bees: A Story of Survival' through a series of spectacular images...
All you need to know about earthworms, including why they are so good for our soil
There’s a lot more to earthworms than meets the eye says Joanna Carter. Here she explains how these little critters play a crucial role in keeping our soil healthy.
Mammals
Roe deer guide: how to identify, where to see and species facts
Once abundant, then almost gone, now rising again, this native species knew this land before we named it and has become a parable of ecological change.
The best hedgehog houses for your garden in 2024
Provide a safe and sheltered spot for your spiky visitors this year with a charming hedgehog house.
Scotland's pine martens enjoy their new homes
Rare pine martens in Galloway Forest have taken advantage of artificial den boxes to breed and extend their range
Marine life
185 hectares of new seagrass meadows discovered in UK waters
Almost 100 new seagrass beds covering a surface area the size of 200 football pitches have been found as part of the inaugural Great Seagrass Survey.
Jellyfish boom: sightings up 32% in UK waters
A new report by the Marine Conservation Society has revealed a huge rise in jellyfish sightings in UK and Irish waters over the past year.
Oyster reef the 'size of a football pitch' created in North East England
10,000 European native oysters have been introduced to a newly built living reef off the coast of Sunderland in bid to restore the threatened species and support Britain’s marine life.
Trees & plants
Blackthorn guide: how to identify, folklore and uses
As February turns to March, millions of tiny blooms spring from the spiny shrubs in our hedgerows, covering their dark stems in creamy white blossom – later in the year, sloe berries appear. Learn all about blackthorn through the seasons with our expert guide.
Snowdrops guide: best walks, how to grow and when they bloom
After the darkness of winter, snowdrops are a welcome sign that spring will soon be here. Our snowdrop guide looks at the best snowdrop walks in the UK, when to plant snowdrops, when they bloom and how to care for them.
What are conkers and how do you find the best conker?
Prepare for battle with conkers this autumn
Where to see
Best winter wildlife spectacles in Britain
The short, sparkling days and long, cold nights of winter are perfect for wildlife watching. But which species of animal can be seen and heard in winter, and where are the best places in the UK to experience winter wildlife spectacles?
Wild bison thriving in the UK
Follow the herd with our gallery documenting the first year of wild bison living in Britain.
Best places in the UK to see the magnificent autumn deer rut
The annual deer rut is one of Britain's most exciting autumn wildlife spectacles – here are 11 great locations where you can see these magnificent animals in action with our guide to the UK's best deer rutting destinations.
Wildlife stories
National Tree Week: planting for the future
The UK's biggest annual festival of trees begins this weekend, running from 25 November to 3 December – celebrate these wonders of nature by joining a tree event near you.
Discover Britain's most spectacular autumn wildlife
Step into the British countryside this autumn and discover some of nature's most magnificent wildlife spectacles, from the drama of rutting deer to epic starling murmurations
How to prepare your garden for autumn and winter birds
Providing natural food and shelter for garden birds can make a huge difference to species survival in the colder months. Our guide explains how to make your garden bird-friendly this autumn and winter.