Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
Birdwatching can slow the brain’s ageing process, new research shows
Seasoned birders are found to have denser brain tissue, according to a new study
Red kite bird guide: identification, calls, and where to spot them
Subject of the world’s longest continuous conservation effort and most successful reintroduction programme, red kites are a dramatic emblem of what we are capable of.
Astonishing video reveals the moment a trout jumps a beaver dam, as beavers return to the UK
Close your eyes, and you'll miss it! Beaver Trust captures the amazing moment a trout finds its way past a new beaver dam.
Chris Packham is moving his dogs to a plant-based diet – should you? Here’s what the research says
Chris Packham has explained why he's transitioning his dogs onto a vegan diet
“Don’t forget your hat”. Wildlife photographer couldn’t believe what this deer was wearing on its head
A wildlife photographer in Richmond Park came across a deer with an unlikely accessory. It’s always wonderful to see deer in the UK, but one photographer got a special treat when he spied one of these animals sporting a new accessory: a jackdaw. Wildlife photographer Felix Belloin was in Richmond Park when he saw the unusual duo: the deer was standing calmly as if it didn’t notice the bird perched right on its noggin, pecking gently at its face. “Don’t forget your hat,” Belloin jokes while sharing the footage on Instagram. Although it looks odd, these two creatures actually help each other out. “Jackdaws help the deer lose some of their winter coat by collecting it, and using
What's new?
Why aren’t Britain’s insects better adapted to rain?
British insects are better adapted to wet weather than their Mediterranean cousins, but that doesn't mean they like the rain...
With bulbous eyes and two big teeth, this predator has been nicknamed "the vampire fish" – for good reason
Introduced in the 19th century, this predator has spread through UK rivers – and there are now efforts to eradicate it
Can sheep and goats cross-breed?'
Can sheep and goats crossbreed? There’s considerable debate, with evidence and claims on both sides.
The plant once linked to swingers is back, stealing the spotlight – and there’s so much you can do with it
Once burdened by a lingering urban legend, pampas grass is quietly reclaiming its place in gardens and homes
Are there any octopuses in UK waters?
Octopuses are highly sensitive to changes in their environment – which means they often have population 'blooms' in surprising locations...
Birds
"Unforgettable": this footage of Britain’s rarest breeding raptor will blow you away
Wildlife filmmaker shares gorgeous footage of Montagu’s harriers on the hunt for prey.
“He can’t stay down there for long.” A puffin needs to feed his hungry chick – but a crowd of vicious gulls are ready to ambush him
In a clip from the BBC's Wild Isles, David Attenborough narrates a clash between puffins and gulls
“I heard a very loud and unfamiliar noise": 15-year-old photographer spots unexpected animal in London park
This young wildlife photographer accidentally found a great spotted woodpecker chick in Bushy Park.
Crustaceans
Are there any killer whales in UK waters?
Did you know there are just two individuals remaining in the UK’s resident orca population, which will soon go extinct?
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
Dinosaurs
"Most unexpected is the size of the animal": massive flesh-eating dinosaur uncovered in Wales
The fossil of a jawbone kept in the National Museum of Wales for decades has finally been identified as a new species of dinosaur. Scientists estimate that the prehistoric predator measured up to 7 metres long – roughly the length of a bus.
Retired GP discovers new species of sail-backed dinosaur on Isle of Wight
A new iguanodontian dinosaur, named Istiorachis macarthurae, has been identified on the Isle of Wight and it’s unlike any that has been found before…
Hundreds of dinosaur footprints found in ancient Scottish lagoon have got scientists excited – here's why
Analysis of dinosaur footprints on Isle of Skye give insights into what - and how - dinosaurs used the area
Fungi
How to identify
It's incredibly cute, about the size of a pet cat – and hardly ever seen. Meet a highly secretive woodland creature
Thanks to ongoing reintroduction projects, pine martens are making a comeback in the UK – learn all about the elusive species with our expert guide to pine martens, including what they eat and best places to see one.
This deadly predator may look cute but don't be fooled as, although it's as small as a ferret, it can outrun your dog and kill animals considerably larger than itself
What is an American mink and how did they end up in the UK? What do they eat, where do they live and what is their environmental impact? Learn all about this controversial species with our comprehensive guide to mink.
This pretty flower is essential for pollinating insects, yet deadly for livestock – causing severe, irreversible damage to the liver
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
This long-legged animal makes mincemeat of big hairy house spiders. And it's probably in your home right now
This ubiquitous creature also spins in circles to scare off attackers...
Are these bees ‘flying under the influence’? Meet the boozy royal bees that go on a London ‘pub crawl’ in David Attenborough-narrated footage
Buckingham Palace is home to four beehives and when temperatures soar, their nectar starts to ferment – with hilarious consequences
The world's biggest ever scorpion was a prehistoric monster the size of a house cat – which once roamed Scotland
You wouldn't want to come across one of these in the woods
Mammals
“Their white winter camouflage could become a liability.” Golden eagle plummets from the sky to catch a vulnerable hare – will it succeed?
Mountain hares aren't adapting the timing of their moult, which leaves them vulnerable to predators
“A huge thrill.” David Attenborough meets a family of charismatic creatures in adorable BBC footage
In a clip from the BBC's Wild London, David Attenborough meets a family of foxes in Tottenham
A grizzly bear escaped and was loose on a remote Scottish island for 24 days. What happened next shocked bear experts
In 1980, Hercules the bear went ‘on the run’ on the island of Benbecula, attracting worldwide attention
Marine life
It dates to the Ice Age and was only found in four lakes – is this Britain’s rarest fish?
The vendace has hung onto life in the 21st century by a gossamer thread, explains Kevin Parr
It’s covered in slime, has frilly ‘antlers’ and can’t float in open water – is this the weirdest creature found in UK waters?
This bizarre fish is found around the southern and western coastline of the UK
It has a ‘dagger’ for a tail and is venomous – meet the scorpion-like creature gliding through UK waters
The creature also appears in ancient cultures around the world as a guardian of the sea
Trees & plants
Which trees are most prone to lightning strike?
Is it the tallest tree that's most at risk of lightning?
It’s one of the simplest plants on Earth and blankets woodlands. And now it could help solve crimes
The importance of moss has been highlighted by a team of researchers who helped solve a homicide using the plant
First Sycamore Gap saplings planted after famous tree was illegally felled
National Trust begins planting 'Trees of Hope’ to ensure the iconic tree lives on.
Where to see
It skims the moors like a ghost, sports a wingspan wider than your outstretched arms and can drop on prey with pinpoint precision
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.
From Robin Hood's hideout to a tree that's worth nearly one million pounds, here are the UK's most famous trees
A selection of the strangest, most significant and best-known ancient trees growing in the UK’s forests, parks and gardens.
It's the size of a double-decker bus and weighs a mighty 7 tonnes. Meet the ocean giant that swims - rather leisurely it must be said – through UK waters
Get to know the world's second largest fish with our guide to Britain's basking sharks, including facts about the species and the best places to see them in the UK.
Wildlife stories
“That was the biggest high you could imagine – completely fixing this broken thing”
Headlines about the nature emergency might paint a bleak picture, but a network of sanctuaries powered by dedicated volunteers across the UK is giving wildlife a second chance. James Fair visits an animal rescue centre in Herefordshire and discovers new hope
What’s the most common butterfly species in the UK?
While it’s an ever-changing statistic, we introduce you to the most abundant butterfly species – and which country holds the title for having the most butterflies
Astonishing BBC footage shows rescue puppies helping raise adorable orphaned baby chimps in West Africa –proving dogs aren't just man's best friend
At a sanctuary in Liberia, a group of devoted dogs are stepping up as unlikely carers to help raise orphaned chimpanzees
