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.
What's the tallest tree in the UK? The towering record breaker that's still growing
Did you know the tallest tree in the UK is over 63 metres high?
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.
How do you know if a river is healthy? This wildflower only thrives in clean water
All you need to know about water crowfoot, including where it grows and how to identify it
Sycamore Gap tree: 'Astonishing' new shoots emerge from stump
Eight green shoots have been found growing from the base of the famous tree, 10 months after it was illegally felled.
10 dangerous weeds: If these criminal weeds are in your garden, or on your land, you could find yourself in a legal battle
We take a look at some dangerous weeds that could cost your pocket
Precious lost rainforest to return to Wales with "exciting" new restoration project
A mix of planting and natural regeneration will be used to bring 146 acres of Atlantic rainforest back to Pembrokeshire.
Bilberry guide: how to identify, where to find them and how they're different to blueberries
Bilberry: the little purple powerhouse you might not know about
So, you think you've got Japanese knotweed in your garden? Don't panic, say the experts, and ignore the scare stories
Initially introduced as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance, Japanese knotweed has become a botanical bully.
Remarkable before-and-after photos capture the scale of Scotland's ecological recovery
The unique photographic record, which spans 70 years, brings Scottish nature restoration into sharp focus, says Simon Birch.
Best edible weeds: 4 tasty wild plants that can grace your dining table - or picnic
Enjoy foraging? Here are four tasty weeds that will grace any dining occasion
No Mow May 2024: Why it's time to let the weeds grow
Want to help the wildlife in your garden? All you have to do this month is… nothing. Welcome to No Mow May 2024
Why are crab apples sour?
Botanist Phil Gates explains just why crab apples have a sour taste when their cousins taste so sweet
How to identify spring blossom
As light flows slowly into our woodlands and hedgerows, once-bare branches begin to bloom. The brief blossoming of blackthorn, rowan, wild cherry and hawthorn is a magical spectacle, wreathed in ancient folklore. Learn how to identify spring blossom found in the UK and best places to spot blossom with our ID guide.
Blackthorn guide: how to identify, folklore and uses
As February turns to March, millions of tiny blooms spring from the spiny shrubs in our hedgerows, covering their dark stems in creamy white blossom – later in the year, sloe berries appear. Learn all about blackthorn through the seasons with our expert guide.
Snowdrops guide: best walks, how to grow and when they bloom
After the darkness of winter, snowdrops are a welcome sign that spring will soon be here. Our snowdrop guide looks at the best snowdrop walks in the UK, when to plant snowdrops, when they bloom and how to care for 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.
What are conkers and how do you find the best conker?
Prepare for battle with conkers this autumn
Journey into Britain’s forgotten rainforests
When we think of rainforests, the Amazon or the Congo spring to mind, but Britain has its own share, full of wild character, thronging with life and in desperate need of protection. Guy Shrubsole tells the story of these secret forgotten habitats.
British trees: common types and how to identify them
Can you spot an oak from a horse chestnut tree, or an birch from a hazel? Learn how to identify common tree species in the UK with our expert guide on British trees.
Hawthorn tree guide: berry, blossom and why it's called the May tree
Learn all about the hawthorn tree, including what its leaves, blossom and berries look like, and why it is referred to as the May tree.
Common lime tree: petals, leaves, caterpillars and symbolism
Learn all about one of Britain's most spectacular tree species with our beginner's guide to common lime trees.