wildlife conservation
Deer culling in Britain: what's the problem and why are deer culled?
The UK's deer population is believed to be at its highest level for 1,000 years, which may be having severe negative impacts on wildlife and crops. In some areas, deer numbers are culled. Here is our expert guide to deer culling, including why and where it is done and the species of deer found in the UK.
Britain's best nature reserves for walks and wildlife
Explore meadows, wetlands, ancient woodlands, moorland, heathlands, coast and mountains with our guide to Britain’s best nature reserves for walks and wildlife.
37 juvenile white storks released at West Sussex reserve
A group of young white storks were released at Knepp Wildland in West Sussex last week with the aim of restoring a population of at least 50 breeding pairs in southern England by 2030.
Rare multi-coloured sea slug spotted for first time in UK waters
The colourful and extremely rare sea slug, Babakina anadoni, has been spotted off the coast of the Isles of Scilly, making it the first-ever recording of the species in the UK
UK's oldest white-tailed eagle pair celebrate silver anniversary with 25th chick
Skye and Frisa have been paired up since 1997 and have made a significant contribution to the re-established population of white-tailed eagles, which were driven to extinction in the early 20th century
Eurasian beavers granted legal protection in England
New legislation has been passed to make it illegal to deliberately capture or disturb beavers and damage their territories.
Turtle doves are the fastest-declining species in the UK, a new survey reveals
Only 2,100 pairs of turtle doves are still breeding in the UK, due to loss of habitat and high levels of hunting in south-west Europe, according to a new report by the RSPB
Toads found living in trees, according wildlife charity
New research reveals that common toads live in trees, a habitat not usually associated with the species
Search for Britain's 'biggest Hedgehog Street' begins
People are being asked to connect their gardens with gaps and holes to help hedgehogs roam freely
Wild bison released in English woodland as part of flagship wildling project
European bison have returned to the UK for the first time in 6,000 years as part of a major wilding project in Kent.
Goshawk guide: how to identify, behaviour and where to see in Britain
Discover everything there is to know about the goshawk, an incredible bird of prey, including what it eats, how big it is, and how to identify it.
Beachgoers asked to share jellyfish and turtle sightings as both species return to UK shores
As the water temperature warms up, UK citizens have been asked to record sightings of jellyfish – and the turtles that feed on them – as part of the Marine Conservation Society's ongoing research
Half of British butterfly species threatened, near threatened, or extinct
Time is running out to save Britain’s butterflies, according to wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, after the latest Red List assessment placed half of Britain’s butterfly species on the List. But, there is still hope.
Rare wildlife site in Kent saved from theme park development – for now
Plans to build a £3.5bn theme park on wildlife-rich Swanscombe Peninsula have been withdrawn, but environmentalists say the fight is far from over
Orchards more than halved in England and Wales since 1900s
New research by the National Trust reveals a 56% decline in the total area of orchards in England and Wales since the early 1900s, resulting in huge losses to vital wildlife habitats.
New report reveals more than 1 in 4 UK bird species are under serious threat
The new UK Red List for birds report places 70 species in the 'highest conservation concern' category, a figure that has almost doubled in the past 25 years.
Day out: Afon Dyfrdwy (River Dee), Denbighshire
Afon Dyfrdwy is the largest river in North Wales, but its wildlife is suffering. Find out all about a project that aims to restore it to its natural state, before ambling its autumn banks
Guide to hen harriers: identification, distribution and where to see them
Get to know one of Britain's rarest bird species with our expert guide to hen harriers, including how to identify them, conservation status, where they live and how you can help protect them.
National Trust reintroduces beavers to southeast England
Following the success of the reintroduction of beavers to land cared for by the National Trust in Somerset last year, a further pair have been released on the edge of the South Downs.
Little terns experience best breeding season for 25 years at Norfolk nature reserve
A lack of disturbance and few predators are thought to have contributed to the success of this year’s little tern breeding season at Blakeney Point on the Norfolk coast.
Wild boar guide: benefits, dangers and where to see them in Britain
Wild boar numbers are rising in Britain, as are the arguments as to whether they should stay or go. Our guide explores boar in the UK, including whether they are dangerous, how they benefit the woodlands and grasslands, and where they live in Britain.
Nature reserves damaged as lockdown restrictions ease
Disturbance to wildlife, wildfires, vandalism and littering have been reported by many Wildlife Trusts across the UK as people descended upon reserves as coronavirus restrictions ease.
Guide to Britain's rarest birds: how to identify and where to see them
Learn how to identify rare birds with our guide to some of the UK's most endangered bird species, plus learn why they are they so rare, distribution and ongoing conservation efforts.
Guide to nightjars: identification, distribution and where to see them
Learn all about one of Britain's most unusual bird species with our guide to nightjars, including how to identify them, folklore, where they live and when you can see them.