Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
Humpback whales sighted up and down UK coast – should we be worried? Here’s what the experts say
UK beachgoers, boaters and coastal walkers have been treated to a flurry of whale sightings in recent weeks. Are they lost? Should we be worried about them? We talk to the experts to answer all your burning questions...
Its muscles shrivel, its organs swell and it loses the power to fly – the remarkable body transformation of one of the world's strangest birds
Meet the record-breaking black-necked grebe
Wet, wild and wonderful – why an ancient rainforest is being brought to the world’s most prestigious flower show
Britain's rainforests used to cover its length and breadth, but are now under threat. A charity hopes to change this, through the power of gardening
'Ghost bird' spotted in Jersey sparks international excitement
The rare and secretive bird was caught on a trail camera in the parish of St Ouen.
Why do we find spiders scary?
Why are lots of people scared of spiders? Richard Jones investigates
What's new?
This weird, indestructible animal can survive anything, from being microwaved to going to space. Meet the ultimate survivor
Meet on e of the toughest animals in the world - tardigrades
It has grotesque, finger-like tendrils and a stench of decay - just what is this mysterious, eerie life form?
All you need to know about one of the UK - and possibly world'
Ships asked to reduce speed as humpback whale takes up residence in Irish estuary
The unusual sighting has prompted whale experts to ask ships in the Shannon Estuary to reduce their speed to 10 knots to prevent a collision.
Frog vs toad: what's the difference between these amphibians – and how can you tell them apart?
What's the difference between a frog and a toad and how can you tell them apart? We explain how these amphibians differ
Lynx captured in Scottish Highlands after being illegally released
Mystery surrounds the two lynx – who released them and why?
Birds
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Police seize 6,000 illegal wild bird eggs from attics and offices in UK's largest-ever raid
Robin guide: species facts and how to attract robins to your garden
The plucky, red-breasted little robin is a winter hero, cheerfully chirruping however cold it gets. Our expert robin guide looks at the robin's diet, nesting and migration habits, plus how to attract robins to your garden.
Crustaceans
Crab vs lobster: what’s the difference between the common shore crab and the common lobster - and how do you tell them apart?
Lobsters and crabs are often mistaken for each other. Carys McMillan explains how to tell two of our most common species - the shore crab and European lobster - apart
Tragic mass stranding leaves 77 pilot whales dead in Orkney
The reason for one of the biggest mass strandings in Scottish history is currently a mystery, says Mel Hobson
Crayfish claws back: how scientists hope to save one of the UK’s most endangered native species
Thanks to a new conservation breeding programme, we might hear the pitter patter of tiny claws in Hampshire.
Dinosaurs
How to identify
How to identify animal tracks and footprints
The muddy and snowy footpaths of the countryside are the perfect canvas for animal hoof, paw and footprints. Learn how to identify animal tracks in winter in the British countryside with our handy wildlife guide
The best mushroom identification books of 2025
Forage for fungi confidently with our pick of the best mushroom identification books.
British butterfly guide: how to identify and the best places to spot
Britain is home to 59 species of butterfly, which all play an important role in pollination. In our expert guide, we take a look at butterfly identification, common butterfly species, how long butterflies live, and where to see them in the UK.
Insects & invertebrates
A spider that changes colour and a stick insect that breaths through its tail – meet Britain's weirdest bugs
Keep your eyes peeled in the wilds of Britain for these extraordinary insects
Spider experts just surveyed an abandoned military site in England – and they found something astonishing
The old military testing site in Suffolk was crawling with thousands and thousands of spiders, says the British Arachnological Society. But there was more...
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.
Mammals
Scientists just eradicated thousands of invasive predators from a group of remote UK islands. Here's why
More than 6,000 non-native stoats have been removed from Orkney – an archipelago off the north coast of Scotland.
What's the difference between reindeer and deer?
Wondering how reindeer differ to other deer species? We explain
Are pumpkins poisonous for hedgehogs?
Pumpkins are bad for hedgehogs, so don't be tempted to disposed of Halloween leftovers in your garden. The good news is, there are plenty of ways you can help these spiny mammals.
Marine life
Shark found washed up on Brighton beach rescued by quick-thinking scuba diver
Sharks are often disoriented after being caught and released by fishermen and can beach themselves.
Strange furry animal with iridescent fringe found washed up on East Sussex beach
The unusual-looking marine worm was filmed at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve on the south coast of England.
Huge pod of dolphins stuns English fisherman
The pod of 30 bottlenose dolphins leaped in front of his boat off the Sussex coastline for 15 magical minutes.
Trees & plants
8 weird and wonderful winter woodland mysteries: find these odd natural phenomena on your next walk
Take time to look closely at the details of the woodland, and you'll be rewarded, even in the depths of winter
Holly tree guide: what it looks like, berries and folklore
Learn all about the leaf, berries and folklore of one of Britain's most festive tree species with our beginner's guide to holly.
Fungi uncovered: Discover the weird and wonderful world of these bizarre lifeforms
JV Chamary explains all you need to know about fungi, from what it is and how it differs to plants to how it reproduces
Where to see
Best winter wildlife spectacles in the UK
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?
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.
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.
Wildlife stories
Britain's most endangered animal species: Discover the rarest creatures in the UK
Some once-common native species are disappearing from the British countryside – our guide looks at 17 of the most endangered animal species in the UK that have suffered acute declines in recent years.
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