Wildlife
Identify species, read the latest news stories and discover the best spots to see wildlife in Britain
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...
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
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.
Does the UK have any coral reefs?
Coral reefs don't just belong in the tropics, says Helen Scales
What's new?
Are birds smelly?
Birds aren't smelly are they? You would be surprised, says David Lindo
Does Britain have any scorpions? Yes, surprisingly...
Surely Britain doesn't have any scorpions? Well... you may be surprised...
What is Britain's largest flying insect? Here's a clue - it has an impressive wingspan of 130mm
Richard Jones takes a look at the contenders for the title of Britain's biggest flying insect
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Red deer species guide: how to spot, where to see and when they rut
Discover more about the majestic red deer.
Birds
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.
UK pipits guide: where to see and how to identify these ground-dwelling songbirds
These unassuming birds offer a delightful surprise for those who take the time to look.
Water pipit guide: how to identify, where to see and what they sound like
A fascinating songbird found in alpine and wetland habitats across Europe and Asia.
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
Discover Britain's biggest spiders, giant arachnids with legs up to 7cm long
Discover Britain's largest spiders that roam the UK's landscapes and homes, from the damp undergrowth of gardens and ditches to the shadowy corners of buildings
Does slug slime have medicinal properties? Well it might have, but we don't recommend trying it
Is there any truth in the myth snail and slug slime has medicinal properties? Malacologist Tony Cook investigates
What is the point of wasps?
Are wasps a nuisance or a necessity? Find out the truth...
Mammals
Fallow deer guide: where they live, what they eat - and how they differ from other deer species
Learn all about the beautiful fallow deer in our expert guide
First beaver kit born in Northumberland for over 400 years
Camera trap footage shows a newborn beaver and its family exploring Wallington Estate in north-east England.
Man spots black 'panther' running loose in Worcestershire. Big cat experts have their say...
Does the latest video of a black cat in the UK countryside offer evidence there are big cats roaming the British Isles? James Fair investigates
Marine life
“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.
Stunning rainbow sea slug seen for the first time in Devon
A father and daughter were amazed to find the multicolour nudibranch while rockpooling near Wembury on the south coast of Devon.
Rare 'jumping sharks' spotted off the coast of Wales
Two thresher sharks, which are known for their ability to jump fully out of the water, were seen swimming off the Pembrokeshire coast earlier this week.
Trees & plants
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?
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
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