Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
How sleep patterns could be helping hedgehogs adapt to climate change
A new study in England has revealed that European hedgehogs vary their hibernation start dates by up to 93 days to ensure they’re getting enough food for winter.
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.
Secrets of the cuckoo: how satellite tags are shedding crucial light on one of the world's most epic avian migrations
Understanding cuckoo migration patterns – and the dangers these birds face – can help us consider how we might help protect them, say experts.
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?
It's five metres long, has thick armour and outlived the dinosaurs - but now Britain's 'royal fish' is on the brink of extinction
Urgent conservation action is required if we're to save the sturgeon from being lost from UK waters, say experts.
What's new?
Seal pup's adorable reaction as it's released back into wild "pure magic"
Workers at a seal rehabilitation centre on the south coast of England shared the heartwarming moment of freedom.
More than 100 endangered crayfish found dead in Northumberland
The native white-clawed crayfish were found with mysterious orange patches all over their bodies.
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
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.
The best mushroom identification books of 2024
Forage for fungi confidently with our pick of the best mushroom identification books.
Birds
Birders descend on Yorkshire village to glimpse extremely rare scarlet tanager from the Americas
The tiny bird, thousands of miles from its home, was blown off course by a storm during its annual migration, say experts.
This odd-looking bird from the Mediterranean just bred in Britain for the first time ever
The glossy ibis – with its long, curved bill and glistening feathers – bred at a Cambridgeshire wetland, according to a new report. And there were more surprising discoveries...
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Crustaceans
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.
Endangered crayfish released in UK rivers to boost dwindling populations
Bristol Zoological Society has been rearing white-clawed crayfish for release into safe rivers, following threats from the introduction of an invasive American species
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.
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.
Ragwort guide: what is ragwort, where does it grow - and just how poisonous is it really?
Is ragwort dangerous to humans or animals? Learn what it is, where it can be found, its benefits for wildlife and the dangers associated with it in our expert ragwort guide.
Insects & invertebrates
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.
Does the UK have venomous spiders? 'Um' yes...
All UK spiders are venomous, says Fergus Collins, but that doesn't mean we have to fear them as their venom is unlikely to affect us
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
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.
Three rescued seal pups filmed "dancing together under the water” before release back into the wild
The juvenile common seal pups have been moved to a ‘deep seal pool’ in East Sussex as their health improves.
Watch the emotional moment a seal pup is born and takes its first few, rather floppy, steps. Fortunately mum is quickly on hand
“This is especially impressive”. Mother seal gives birth with volunteers watching from the cliff edge
Trees & plants
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
Jobs for the garden this winter
Winter is a great time for gardeners to take stock, tidy up, protect plants and plan ahead. Find out exactly when and how to complete your winter garden jobs with our month-by-month winter gardening guide
Where to see
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.
Wild bison thriving in the UK
Follow the herd with our gallery documenting the first year of wild bison living in Britain.
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
