Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
The strongest biological material on earth is made of thousands of self-regenerating microscopic teeth
This ordinary yet extraordinary marine animal breaks records for the incredible strength of its teeth. Here's everything you need to know about limpets and the different species found along British coastlines
New ultrasound discovery could be a game-changer for hedgehog conservation
British hedgehogs have long been in decline. We've seen as much as a 70% decline in rural areas, largely down to road traffic. New research using ultrasound could pave an exciting new path for hedgehog protection, reports Graeme Green.
The jawless, Demogorgon-like marine beast that creates gravel nests, lays thousands of eggs, and feeds on its host
Also called the 'vampire fish', a sea lamprey is one of the weirdest and most monster-like animals to exist in British waters. Kevin Parr investigates
“Unbelievable”: huge animal longer than bus seen leaping from Irish waters
No one knows exactly why these enormous sea creatures breach.
Ecological concerns arise after Welsh reservoir emptied during toad breeding season
The untimely reservoir drawdown could have killed as many as 1,000 toads that local conservationists had been working so hard to support
What's new?
This apex predator could be reintroduced to England after more than 150 years
A new study suggests England could once again support a powerful predator missing from its skies for generations
Are there downsides to feeding birds in your garden? Here's what the RSPB advises
If you’d like to make friends with the birds in your garden, here’s what you need to know about when and what to feed them.
Is there a shark in the River Thames? Here's what the experts think...
Video footage taken near Hammersmith Bridge in London showed what appeared to be the fin of large animal moving through the water
As tall as Napoleon and hungry for octopus, meet the sun-loving mammal once hunted for its fur
The common seal, or harbour seal, is typically a placid and gentle creature that lives along much of Britain's coast, if you know where to look...
This sofa-sized mammal dives to 300m depths and weighs the same as 100 tenpin bowling balls
We share all you need to know about grey seals on British shores, including where to find them and the typical lifespan of the water-loving pups
Birds
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.
"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.
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
Meet the venomous spider that's rapidly spreading its legs across Britain
The false widow spider, or Steatoda nobilis, has seen rapid expansion across the world
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...
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...
Mammals
These are the species disappearing before our eyes in Britain – Meet the UK's 17 most endangered animals
From once-common garden visitors to creatures now clinging to survival, Britain’s wildlife is in crisis. Discover the species on the brink – and the fragile places they still call home
With up to 178 entrances, 50 chambers and getting on for a kilometre of passageways this ancestral home can rival the grandest of houses
Just how big do badger setts get?
This 30cm long foreign reptile could dominate habitats near Bournemouth
A colony of western green lizards – which
are native to mainland Europe – could
have a negative impact on native lizard
populations at Boscombe Cliffs in Dorset
Marine life
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...
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
Trees & plants
Beware the Spanish bluebell, a beautiful but dangerous bloom
Gardeners are advised to look closely at bluebells in their gardens to stop an intruder and save our native species, Maria Hodson reports
Blooming lovely: 9 meaningful spring flowers to brighten up the season (and where to find them)
Discover the symbolism behind spring flowers
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
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
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.
“Don’t forget your hat”. Wildlife photographer couldn’t believe what this deer was wearing on its head
Check out the video captured at just the right moment
“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
