Megan Shersby
Naturalist, writer and content creator
Megan is a naturalist, writer and content creator. She is also a bookworm and a keen board gamer. She is the former editorial and digital co-ordinator at BBC Wildlife, and wrote features and sections for both the print magazine and discoverwildlife.com, including the Q&A and Go Wild sections, Poo Corner and News Species Discovery, the weekly e-newsletter and the social media accounts. Her features have included olms (cave salamanders) in Slovenia, arapaima (very big fish) in Guyana, and the role of hippos as ecosystem engineers in Zambia. She has also contributed to the website and magazine of BBC Countryfile Magazine, and has hosted some its podcast episodes. Prior to joining BBC Wildlife in 2016, she gained a degree in BSc(Hons) Animal Science, undertook behavioural research on zebras and dwarf mongooses, and worked in environmental education for a number of conservation charities.
Recent articles by Megan Shersby
Rare and mysterious deep-sea whale washes up on Norfolk beach
A deep-sea whale was found washed up on the beach, and marine mammal medics were called in to help.
What is hibernation and which British animals hibernate?
Do squirrels hibernate? When do hedgehogs hibernate? What is hibernation and what is torpor? In this guide we delve into the secretive and sleepy world of Britain's hibernating creatures to find out...
This prehistoric-looking animal was once extinct in Britain – now it's making an astonishing comeback
Britain's bittern population is booming, with a record-breaking year in 2024, according to a new report by Natural England and the RSPB.
World's fastest predator attacks huge flock of starlings in Cheshire
Dramatic video footage shows the moment a stunning murmuration is disrupted by a hunting bird of prey.
Lynx captured in Scottish Highlands after being illegally released
Mystery surrounds the two lynx – who released them and why?
Richmond Park deer attacked by dog "put down due to the severity of its injuries”
Police are appealing for information to help identify the dog and its owner after the fatal deer attack in the London Park.
Scientists are breeding huge leeches in London – and soon they're going to release them
The researchers are trying to save the UK’s largest native leech from extinction.
Does Britain have any scorpions? Yes, surprisingly...
Surely Britain doesn't have any scorpions? Well... you may be surprised...
"He's off his game." Osprey chicks removed from Scottish nest and flown to Spain as dad fails to deliver
Concern for two precious osprey chicks has led to an unorthodox relocation project.
A deadly virus that infects and kills blackbirds has arrived in England – and it's on the move, warn scientists
The Usutu virus was first detected in London in 2020. Now concerns are growing as it appears to be spreading across south-east England.
Isle of Wight eagles favour cuttlefish over lamb, despite farmers’ worries
Innovative study reveals the diet of reintroduced white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Wight, and insights into their piracy behaviour.
Stanwick Lakes, Northamptonshire: What to see and do
Once a gravel quarry, this nature reserve is a marvellous location for a family outing, where fascinating history, pleasant walks and delightful wildlife converge
Best binoculars for birdwatching in 2025: three popular brands reviewed
Megan Shersby of BBC Wildlife Magazine reviews mid-priced binoculars for birdwatching and other wildlife-spotting.
British shieldbug guide: how to identify and where to see
Shieldbugs, sometimes known as stink bugs, are a common sight in Britain's gardens, parks and countryside. Though many of these shield-shaped insects may look the same, there are in fact numerous shieldbug species that live in the UK, from the common green shieldbug to the hawthorn shieldbug. Learn more about these intriguing members of the Hemiptera order with our expert guide
Woodland animals: 12 spectacular species to spot
Our woodlands and forests are home to a huge range of mammals, birds and insects. Discover which animals live in UK woodlands with BBC Countryfile Magazine's wildlife guide.
Big Garden Birdwatch 2023 reveals decline in house sparrows
House sparrows held onto the top spot in the annual survey, but conservationists are worried about their long-term decline.
First confirmed case of tick-borne encephalitis in England
The UK Health Security Agency has announced a confirmed case of tick-borne encephalitis in England for the first time
New natural history GCSE to be introduced
In an event held at the Natural History Museum, London, the Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi announced that a GCSE in natural history would be developed and introduced into schools for 2025.
The best wildlife webcams to watch in the UK and Ireland
Whether you want to watch nesting birds, nocturnal mammals or displays of strength, you can enjoy live footage of wildlife around the UK and Ireland wherever you are. Here is our expert guide to the best wildlife webcams to watch right now.
Citizen scientists record rare bat via artificial intelligence
A Kuhl's pipestrelle bat, a species that rarely visits the UK, was detected during a citizen science project recording bats in West Sussex.
First match between orcas seen in Scotland and Norway
Photos taken by a citizen scientist have been identified as the mysterious orca pod seen in Scotland three years ago.
Baby beaver makes history, and is named after Marcus Rashford
The National Trust has announced the birth of a beaver at its Holnicote Estate in Somerset, born to two adult beavers released into an enclosure there at the start of 2020.
Last year was ‘good’ for butterflies according to survey results
Although good numbers of sightings were recorded in 2020 for a number of butterfly species in the UK, conservationists warn that our view of what a 'good' year is shifting.
Invasive crayfish species used in I'm A Celebrity… kept without licence
After a four-month investigation, it was been shown that the crayfish used in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! was not kept with a licence, despite it being an invasive non-native species.