Credit: Apodemus sylvaticus bosmuis, Rasbak
Wildlife Explorer
The landscape of Birmingham and the Black Country has a rich social, economic and natural heritage shaped by a complex history of rural, industrial, and more recent suburban and commercial land use. The wildlife is as varied and valuable as that of any other part of the United Kingdom.
The rare and the special are here, from scarce mammals like water voles and polecats to dragonflies and kingfishers, plus a huge variety of plant life, as documented in the trailblazing book ‘Flora of Birmingham and the Black Country’. Adding spice to this is an astounding mix of species reflecting the many peoples and trades that have come here from around the world – for example plants grown from Argentinian seeds, and African parakeets.
Blue shieldbug
This dazzling blue-green shieldbug is a predator, hunting other insects.
Willow emerald damselfly
A recent colonist to south east England, the metallic-green willow emerald damselfly spends much of its time in the willow and alder…
Frog orchid
This unassuming orchid is easily overlooked. It is found patchily across the UK, but has been declining for decades.
Scarlet pimpernel
The scarlet pimpernel is now in decline due to intensive agricultural practices. It can be found in arable fields, on roadside verges…
Common toad
Despite its warts and ancient associations with witches, the common toad is a gardener's friend, sucking up slugs and snails. It is…
Curlew sandpiper
This elegant wader is an uncommon autumn visitor, often joining flocks of dunlin.
