Wildflowers
A beginner's guide to native British wildflowers
Britain's native wildflowers bring splashes of colour in the spring and summer months, while also providing an important food source for pollinators. Our species guide looks at common native British wildflower species, explaining how to identify and the best places to see them.
Cricklade North Meadow National Nature Reserve, Wiltshire
In spring, North Meadow blushes purple with thousands of the snake's-head fritillaries – just one of many wildflower species to thrive in this Wiltshire reserve
Britain's best daffodil walks
The cheering sight of daffodils is a sure sign that spring has sprung. Here is our pick of the best daffodil walks to enjoy this spring.
Wandering among wildflowers with botanist Leif Bersweden
Botanist Leif Bersweden on why we need to protect our native wildflowers and let lawns and verges grow wild – in episode 2, season 14 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
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
Day out: Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows, Gloucestershire
Spot waterfowl and waders, damselflies and butterflies in this ancient and special wetland landscape that fringes the River Severn
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.
Summer wildlife guide: how to identify and where to see
High summer is when many of us have a bit more free time to explore. And although the birdsong is much quieter than in spring as most species come to the end of their breeding seasons, there is much to be seen and enjoyed. In our summer wildlife guide, learn how to identify common species and where to see in the UK.
Day out: Pentwyn Farm, Penallt, Monmouthshire
Visit a Welsh meadow, where wild orchids and golden buttercups grow amid graceful quaking grass on centuries-old farmland, high above the River Wye
Day out: Whitehill Down, Carmarthenshire
Take a twilight walk through a little-known meadow in Wales, where orchids rise and bloom alongside great burnet, star sedge and swathes of yellow rattle
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.
How to take beautiful photos of wildflowers
The first sight of emerging wildflowers is a joyful sign of spring. Learn how to capture the delicate beauty of wildflowers on camera with our expert photography guide.
Guide to Britain's road verges: history, why they are important and threats
An abundant, wildlife-rich nature reserve larger than the Lake District – this could be the future for Britain’s roadside verges. As our handy guide to road verges explains, all we need to do is mow them at the right time.
Day out: Killerton Estate, Devon
The peaceful woods and parkland of this mid-Devon estate erupt with wild Cyclamens in spring – it’s the perfect spot for a sunny April walk and a well-deserved cream tea
British seasonal wildflowers guide: how to identify, when to see and where to find them
A splash of colour can always be found in the British countryside thanks to the wildflowers growing across meadows, coastal cliffs and wet habitats. Our expert guide on how to identify, when to see and where to find them
Make wildflower seed bombs
Gather wildflower seeds and make your own seed bombs for a colourful display next summer with this easy step by step guide.
Day out: Sandscale Haws, Cumbria
Step out into the Duddon Estuary’s sandhills, with their unusual flora and fauna and breathtaking views to the Lake District peaks
Podcast: listen to the sounds of summer on Martin Down in Hampshire
Explore one of England's finest nature reserves at dusk to discover a stunning chorus of birdsong, glorious wildflowers and an astonishing encounter with a nocturnal hunter in this week's podcast, episode 11, season 2.
Coastal flowers guide: how to identify
Get to know the pretty summer blooms found on our coasts, cliffs, dunes and shores with our expert guide to coastal flowers found in the UK.
Podcast: spring foraging in Monmouthshire with Adele Nozedar
Enjoy a family foraging walk along the river Usk in Monmouthshire in the company of author, singer and expert forager Adele Nozedar
Sara Maitland: why immigrant wildflowers are part of nature's rich tapestry
Let’s learn to live with our ‘immigrant’ wildflowers – one part of nature’s rich tapestry, says Sara Maitland.
Sara Maitland: Where are our smaller verge wildflowers?
Cow parsley’s frothy beauty is a May delight – but where are the smaller verge wildflowers?
Britain's rarest plants on the verge of extinction
Some of the UK's rarest plants, flora and wildflowers could be at risk of extinction, a conservation charity has warned, with roadside verges providing an unlikely haven.
60 new wildflower 'coronation meadows' to be planted across UK
Wildlife is set to benefit from 60 new wildflower meadows across the UK, which will be planted as part of a Coronation anniversary campaign by the Prince of Wales.