Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
What's the most common bird of prey in the UK?
There are around 560 birds of prey species worldwide – but which is the most common to be found in the UK?
What's the most common owl in the UK?
Around 250 species of owl have been discovered around the world – but which is the most common owl to be found in the UK?
What’s the most common bat in the UK?
It has been estimated that there could be a billion bats around the world – but which is the most common bat to be found in the UK?
“Unbelievable”: huge animal longer than bus seen leaping from Irish waters
No one knows exactly why these enormous sea creatures breach.
Beautiful old tree trapped in urban jungle wins prestigious Tree of the Year contest
The results of the Woodland Trust’s annual competition have been revealed, and the winner might surprise you
What's new?
What's the most common mushroom in the UK?
There is estimated 2.5 million species of fungi worldwide, but only a small fraction produce mushrooms – but what is the most common mushroom found in the UK?
Ireland is one of only a few countries on the planet that doesn't have snakes. Here's why...
Legend has it St Patrick really didn't like snakes...
What’s the most common deer in the UK?
It has been widely reported that there are two million deer in the UK – but which is the most common species to be found in the UK?
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.
Staggering footage shows two enormous animals the size of lions battling in a London park
See the incredible power of red deer in this dramatic video recorded in London's Richmond Park.
Birds
Amazingly this baby animal can call its parents from inside the egg
Scientists stunned to find birds 'talk' in code – and astonishingly it's the same code we use
Birds talk just like us say scientists
Could white storks return to London?
Conservationists ask residents for their views on mooted plans to reintroduce these long-legged birds to the capital.
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 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.
Don’t mistake deadly invasive hornet for native endangered insect that mimics it, warn experts
As reports of the invasive Asian hornet increase, gardeners are being urged to distinguish it from the endangered hoverfly
Insects & invertebrates
Spider season is here – will conkers keep them away?
It’s been said that conkers supposedly emit a toxic chemical that spiders will avoid – but is this actually true?
Hottest UK summer on record – why are butterflies still failing to thrive?
Butterfly numbers are up on 2024’s record lows but long-term declines continue, according to Butterfly Conservation’s 2025 Big Butterfly Count.
Do 'killer bees' deserve their deadly, notoriously aggressive reputation? Are they really more dangerous than the average honeybee?
Mammals
This odd kangaroo-like animal is native to Australia – but it's been spotted roaming wild on a Scottish island
Surely the UK doesn't have any wallabies? Well, you may be surprised...
Where are big cats roaming wild in the UK? We take a look at the leopards and pumas supposedly on the run
We take a look at the big cats - both real and legend – that have roamed the wilds of the UK
Could rabies have entered Britain? British animal found with rare rabies-causing virus
Rabies-like virus discovered in British bat
Marine life
'Alien-like' coral spawning event in London amazes scientists
The Horniman Museum is home to a special coral breeding centre that hopes to give fragile corals a brighter future.
Drone captures orca interaction unlike any other off Scottish coast
The two orcas were "almost embracing each other, something I have never seen before," says skipper James Fairbairns, who recorded the rarely seen behaviour in the Sound of Rum.
“Spooky but spectacular” creatures filmed on night dive in Cornwall
Wildlife filmmaker Adam Radage captured the animals while freediving with friends in Falmouth Bay.
Trees & plants
“A remarkable discovery”: Rare fern found in Welsh valley 150 years after being wiped out by Victorians
The young holly fern was rediscovered by a naturalist on the rugged slopes of Cwm Idwal in Eryri National Park.
What's the tallest tree in the world?
Did you know the tallest tree species in the world can grow to more than 100 metres?
It's incredibly fast growing, notoriously invasive and known as the demolisher of houses - but how true is this plant's deadly reputation?
Initially introduced as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance, Japanese knotweed has become a botanical bully.
Where to see
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.
The UK's best and most beautiful heathlands for wildlife - including some that are home to the world's rarest insects
\these beautiful heathlands are well worth a visit
Wildlife stories
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