Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
February wildlife guide: best sounds and sights in the UK
February can seem an unpromising month in the countryside, but there is plenty of wildlife stirring. Here is our guide on the best wildlife sounds and sights to spot in February.
When does a wood become a forest?
British woodlands are nature-rich and play a huge role in protecting our environment. But what's the difference between a copse, a wood and a forest? Wooden you like to know?
"February is never dull if you’re a great crested grebe" – don't miss their sublime water ballet this month
The great crested grebe's stunning courtship performance culminates with the grebes holding waterweed in their bills and paddling furiously in an upright position parallel to one another, in almost perfect unison. Learn all about this majestic waterbird – including what it looks like, breeding and nesting habitats, UK habitat and distribution – with your expert birder's guide
Best places to go fossil hunting in the UK: these are the best spots to unearth prehistoric gems
From the Jurassic Coast to North Yorkshire's crumbling east shores, our guide explores the best beaches in the UK to find fossils
Common UK fossils: Discover the treasures beneath your feet
There are many different types of fossils that can be found on UK shores. In this guide, we reveal 10 of the most common fossils to look out for on your next trip to the beach
What's new?
"Surprising discoveries": researchers find nearly 40 rare species in New Forest National Park
The mammals, plants and fungi were recorded during a series of camera trap and field surveys.
10 exotic – and sometimes deadly – animals that supposedly roam the British countryside, from big cats to raccoon dogs
When it comes to deangerous wildlife is Britain really a ‘deadly-free’ zone? James Fair investigates
Spoonbill vs common crane: What's the difference between these leggy and elegant waterbirds?
Do you know your spoonbills from your common crane? Carys McMillan from the Wildlife Trusts.explains the differences between these leggy and elegant waterbirds?
Active dogs for active people: these dog breeds are perfect for those who love long walks in the countryside
If you love the thought of country walks with a pet dog but aren’t sure which breed will suit you best, expert trainer Gwen Bailey can help you make up your mind
See into the astonishing world of bugs with these award-winning photos
From a dragonfly saying goodbye to its old skin to the hirsute face of a flower bee, here are some of the best British images from 2024's Royal Entomological Society Photography Competition
Birds
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Guide to Britain's geese species: how to identify and where to see
Geese are a familiar sight in the UK's estuaries, marshes and wetlands, particularly in autumn and winter. Learn all about these majestic birds, including identification tips, migration patterns and the best places to see them in the UK.
Starling murmuration guide: why and when they happen and best places to see one in the UK
What is a murmuration and when do they happen? Our expert guide explains the science behind starling murmurations and the best places to see them in the UK.
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
Guide to tit species in the UK: how to identify and where to see these charismatic birds
Learn more about the different types of tit species in Britain and how to tell them apart with our ID guide, which includes blue tits, great tits, crested tits, willow tits, long-tailed tits, marsh tits and coal tits
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.
Insects & invertebrates
Newly discovered ‘zombie’ fungus, that infects and kills cave spiders, named after Sir David Attenborough
The parasitic fungus was first found on an orb-weaving cave spider during filming of the BBC's Winterwatch series in Northern Ireland
Why do we find spiders scary?
Why are lots of people scared of spiders? Richard Jones investigates
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
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
Kayaker has "truly mind-blowing encounter" with huge bluefin tuna in Devon
A filmmaker captured the incredible moment the “Formula One Fish” leapt out of the water.
It's as heavy as a car, as pale as the moon and looks like a giant dustbin lid – meet one of the ocean's strangest fish
This bizarre beauty is the second largest bony fish in the world – and it can be seen in UK waters.
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...
Trees & plants
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'
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.
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