Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
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.
Britain's toughest animals – and how they survive the cold in winter
Only the strong survive a cold climate. How does UK wildlife cope in winter and which are the hardiest species found in the UK?
What's new?
'Big cat' caught on camera in Cambridgeshire most likely a leopard, says expert
But not everyone is convinced. While one expert says "the form is possibly of a large black cat like a leopard", another believes it is a “well-fed but otherwise totally typical moggie”.
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.
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.
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...
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
Birds
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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Bird migration guide: which species migrate and where do they go?
Throughout the year, millions of birds migrate to and from the British Isles. Our expert guide explores why some birds arrive in the UK in particular seasons and others leave, which species migrate and where they go when they leave Britain's shores.
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
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
Butterflies at crisis point: Survey shows shocking decline in numbers and records lowest-ever numbers
A wildlife charity has called on the Government to declare a ‘Nature Emergency’ after its annual Big Butterfly Count saw lowest numbers on record
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
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
Unveiling our ancient woodlands: Just how old are they and what makes them so remarkable?
Just how old are ancient woodlands? And how do you know how old they are? Amy-Jane Beer explains
What flowers grow on Britain’s highest mountains? The mountain flora that flourishes on our loftiest peaks
We take a look at the beautiful flowers that make their home at altitude
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.
Best winter wildlife spectacles in Britain
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?
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
