Explore the vast array of wild species to be found across the UK
Common lizard
Look out for a common lizard basking in the warm sun as you wander around heathlands, moorlands and grasslands. You might even be lucky…
Sand lizard
The sand lizard is extremely rare due to the loss of its sandy heath and dune habitats. Reintroduction programmes have helped establish…
Marsh gentian
The bright blue, trumpet-shaped flowers of the marsh gentian contrast deeply with the pinks and purples of the wet heaths it inhabits.…
Common red soldier beetle
The common red soldier beetle is also known as the 'bloodsucker' for its striking red appearance, but it is harmless. It is a…
Water Scorpion
The Water Scorpion is not a true scorpion, but it certainly looks like one! An underwater predator, it uses its front pincer-like legs…
Beaver
Our largest rodent, the European beaver has a flat tail and webbed feet, and is well-suited to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Once hunted to…
Fulmar
Related to the massive Albatross, the Fulmar is a gull-like bird that nests on rocky cliff edges. Don't get too close, though - it…
Shelduck
One of our largest ducks, the Shelduck is a handsome creature with a dark green head, red bill and chestnut-brown band across its white…
Oystercatcher
The loud 'peep-ing' call of an Oystercatcher is a recognisable and familiar sound of the seashore. Look out for it hunting on…
Whooper Swan
The Whooper Swan is a very rare breeding bird in the UK, but has much larger populations that spend winter here after a long journey…
Orange-tip
A sure sign of spring arriving is seeing the dancing flight of an Orange-tip in a woodland or garden. This distinctive butterfly is on…
Sandwich Tern
Found around our coasts during the breeding season, the large Sandwich Tern can be spotted diving into the sea for fish such as sandeels…
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