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Species

Palmate newt

The palmate newt looks similar to the smooth newt, but favours shallow pools on acidic soils like heathlands. During the breeding season, males grow distinctive black webbing on their hind feet.…

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40 species to spot

Download and print our special 40th Anniversary Spotter Sheet and see what you can find!

From fabulous fungi to marvellous mammals, Birmingham and the Black Country is home to thousands of fantastic flora and fauna - we've put 40 of our favourites on this spotter for you to find.

 Find out more about these amazing local species below.
Species

Great crested newt

With its prominent, wavy crest, the great crested newt, also known as the 'warty newt', looks like a mini dinosaur! This protected species favours clean ponds during the breeding season…

Species

Smooth newt

You are likely to spot the smooth newt in your garden or local pond. It breeds in water in summer and spends the rest of the year in grassland and woodland, hibernating over winter.

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Species

Discover more about our amazing wildlife in the UK! Learn more about the plants and animals on your doorstep.

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Newts

Amphibians such as newts, frogs, toads are animals which have lungs and live on land for part of their lives but return to water each year to lay their eggs. Amphibians have two distinct phases of growth. The juvenile or "tadpole" phase is dependent on water, whereas the adult is land-living. The transition from tadpole to adult involves a complete reorganisation or metamorphosis of the body form.
Species

What is a Nudibranch?

Nudibranchs, also known as sea slugs, are much like their land-based relatives that you may spot in your garden. But, unlike your regular garden slug, the nudibranch can incorporate the stinging…

Species

Sand eel

Sand eels are a hugely important part of our marine ecosystem. In fact, the fledgling success of our breeding seabirds entirely depends on them.