Phil Gates
Phil Gates taught biology at Durham University and writes for The Guardian’s Country Diary column.
Recent articles by Phil Gates
Why are crab apples sour?
Botanist Phil Gates explains just why crab apples have a sour taste when their cousins taste so sweet
UK sand dune guide: best dunes to visit and wildlife to identify
Britain's sand dunes are teeming with wildlife, including hardy wildflowers butterflies and coastal birds. Learn more with our expert sand dunes guide, including wildlife identification and dunes to visit.
Heather guide: learn how to identify different species and where they grow
As summer comes to an end and autumn approaches, the heaths of England, Wales and Scotland become awash with pink and purple heather. Learn more about the various UK species of this unique shrub – including ling, bell heather and cross-leaved heath – and the conditions they need to thrive.
How to identify catkins
Trees festooned with catkins are a sure sign that spring has finally arrived. Our expert guide looks at which species of British tree has catkins, the role they play in pollination and how to identify catkins, plus where to see.
Orchid ID guide: species to look for in Britain
Orchids can be found throughout the UK. Learn how to identify some of the more widely distributed species with our orchid guide
Meadow guide: where to see and best wildflowers to plant
Traditional British hay and wildflower meadows offer a haven for wildlife, but they are a habitat under threat. Our expert meadow guide looks at the history of the meadow, species identification, where to see and best wildflowers to plant.
Best wildflowers to spot in late winter
The first wildflowers of the year lift our spirits with their promise of spring, also providing a vital source of nectar and pollen for the emerging bees and butterflies, tempted out by late winter sun. Here is our guide to the best wildflowers to spot in late winter and how to identify.
Britain's ferns varieties: how to identify and best places to plant
The vibrant greens of ferns sing out on woodlands floors, but it can often be difficult to distinguish one species from another – learn how to identify some of the UK's most common fern species and the best places to plant.