Explore the vast array of wild species to be found across the UK
European badger
The black-and-white striped Badger is an iconic species in the UK and our biggest land predator. It is a common species, turning up in…
Common Gull
Despite its name, the Common Gull is not as common as some of our other gulls. It can be spotted breeding at the coast, but is also…
Red-breasted Merganser
The streamlined Red-breasted Merganser is a handsome bird and a great fisher - its long, serrated bill helps it to catch and hold its…
Common Sandpiper
The Common Sandpiper breeds along rivers, and by lakes, reservoirs and lochs in upland Scotland, Northern England and Wales. It can be…
Grayling
The Grayling is one of our largest brown butterflies and a master of disguise - its cryptic colouring helps to camouflage it against…
Dark green fritillary
The dark green fritillary is actually an orange butterfly with black spots. It gets its name from the dark green hue to the undersides…
Shoveler
Living up to its name, the Shoveler has a large and distinctive shovel-like bill which it uses to feed at the surface of the water. It…
Golden Plover
From spring, look out for the beautiful, speckled gold-and-black breeding plumage of the Golden Plover. It can be found in its upland…
Small tortoiseshell
The pretty small tortoiseshell is a familiar garden visitor that can be seen feeding on flowers all year-round during warm spells.…
Barnacle Goose
The black-and-white Barnacle Goose flies here for the 'warmer' winter from Greenland and Svalbard. This epic journey was once…
Moorhen
A familiar black bird of our lakes, ponds and rivers, the Moorhen is widespread; look out for its large and untidy-looking nest on the…
Common blue
The common blue butterfly lives up to its name - it's bright blue and found in all kinds of sunny, grassy habitats throughout the…