Vervain
An introduced plant, vervain is widely naturalised in the UK. It is a great source of nectar for all kinds of insects and can be seen on rough grassland, waste ground, coastal cliffs and roadside…
Chwilio
Speckled wood butterfly - Vicky Nall
Chwilio
Greater water parsnip
Large scale drainage in the UK has seen a massive reduction in the range of this sensitive aquatic plant which now only occurs in around 50 sites in England.
Purple laver
This purply-brown seaweed is a common feature on our rocky shores and on our dinner plates.
Glowing in the dark is just the start …
Did you know that 90% of fungi in existence are unknown to science? DNA tests on soil samples can produce fungi which don’t match any known species. These are the ‘Dark Taxa’ – a great name for…
Common evening-primrose
An introduced species, Common evening-primrose is now naturalised on waste ground, roadside verges and railway cuttings. It has long been used to produce the herbal remedy, evening-primrose oil.…
Ivy-leaved toadflax
Ivy-leaved toadflax is an introduced species in the UK that has become widely naturalised. Look for creeping along old walls and pavements, and shingle beaches. Its flowers resemble those of…
Lawson cypress
The Lawson cypress is a large, conical-shaped, evergreen tree that has been introduced into the UK and widely planted in gardens and parks. It has also naturalised along damp banks and woodland…
Tall melilot
Tall melilot was introduced into the UK as a fodder crop, but has now become naturalised. It displays golden, pea-like flowers on tall spikes, which are followed by black, hairy seed pods.
My outer space
By filming Kimmeridge Bay's underwater wildlife, Andy's on a mission to open our eyes to the magic and diversity that lies hidden just below the surface. He's proud to show how…
My social network
For our regular volunteers, weekly work parties on our nature reserves are not just about helping to protect local wildlife. They are also a chance to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and…
Red valerian
Red valerian was introduced in the 1600s from Europe, but is now naturalised in the UK. Its pinky-red flowers grow from old walls, roadside verges, railway cuttings and cliffs, and provide nectar…
Herring gull
The herring gull is the typical 'seagull' of our seaside resorts, though our coastal populations have declined in recent decades.