Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
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.
10 strange animals that live secretly in your house
Our houses host a surprising amount of wildlife – here are 10 secret dwellers to look out for.
Hedgehog SOS: vital new plan could save Britain's favourite animal from extinction
The new strategy outlines the major threats to hedgehogs that conservation NGOs, local councils and the Government must tackle collectively over the next decade to stop their decline.
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.
Save 30% and receive a Regatta fleece when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine
Save 30% and receive a Regatta fleece when you subscribe to BBC Countryfile Magazine
What's new?
Pine martens return to Devon after being absent for more than a century
A pioneering conservation project has reintroduced 15 of the elusive mammals to a secret location in Dartmoor.
UK’s first bison bridges take shape in Kent woodland
The bridges will offer people an aerial view of the UK's only wild bison herd.
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.
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.
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
Birds
Are birds smelly?
Birds aren't smelly are they? You would be surprised, says David Lindo
20+ great gifts for bird lovers: fun and practical present ideas for 2024
Find the perfect gift for your wildlife-watching friends.
Wagtail guide: how to identify and where to see these small, lively birds
Where to spot these charming birds across the UK, from urban car parks to riversides and meadows.
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
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.
Birds of prey guide: how to identify UK raptors and where to see them
Learn how to identify hawks, falcons and harriers from their wing shape, colour and flight patterns with Countryfile's expert guide to British birds of prey.
Insects & invertebrates
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
Where does all the insect poo go?
Wondering why the sky isn't full of in sect poo, or the ground not covered in the lovely stuff? We explain what happens to insect poo
Does Britain have any scorpions? Yes, surprisingly...
Surely Britain doesn't have any scorpions? Well... you may be surprised...
Mammals
World's biggest rodent on the loose in UK: Capybara escapes from zoo
Escapee capybara spotted 200m from her home but has so far evaded recapture
Badger culling to end in England by 2029, but will it help stop the spread of bTB? Here's what the experts say
An estimated 230,000 badgers have been killed in the past decade.
Red deer species guide: how to spot, where to see and when they rut
Discover more about the majestic red deer.
Marine life
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
Does the UK have any coral reefs?
Coral reefs don't just belong in the tropics, says Helen Scales
“Exceptionally rare” North Atlantic right whale spotted off the coast of Ireland for the first time in 114 years
The critically endangered species hasn’t been confirmed in Irish waters since 1910.
Trees & plants
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
What are the most poisonous plants in the UK - and just how deadly are they? Eating just 5 berries of one could kill you
Be aware of these poisonous plants says Phil Gates, as they can be easily mistaken for something safe and tasty...
Elephant-shaped tree among 12 magnificent oaks shortlisted for Tree of the Year 2024
Other nominees include the UK's widest oak, a tree believed to be more than 1,000 years old, and an ancient specimen shrouded in rainforest bryophytes.
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