Crack willow
So-named because its gnarled trunk can split as it grows, the Crack willow can be seen along riverbanks, around lakes and in wet woodlands. Like other willows, it produces catkins in spring.
Chwilio
Speckled wood butterfly - Vicky Nall
Chwilio
Reed sweet-grass
Reed sweet-grass is a towering grass with large, loose flower heads that can be found on marshy ground near rivers, streams and ponds. It can become invasive, but does shelter various aquatic…
Saucer bug
An underwater predator, the Saucer bug uses its front pincer-like legs to catch its prey. It can be found at the bottom of muddy, weedy ponds; but handle with care - it can inflict a painful bite…
Shoresearch Cymru rocky shore surveys November 2021
Now we’re properly into winter, we’re expecting to see less living on shore, especially in terms of some algae. This month we tried a different approach with our volunteers and were rewarded…
Peatlands
The UK’s peatland soils store around 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon, but are heavily degraded and release the equivalent of 23 million tonnes of CO2 every year. Restored peatlands can capture more carbon, reduce flooding, clean our water, and allow wildlife to thrive.
My chapel
Elaine visits Thurrock Thameside Nature Park every day if she can on her lunch break from work, to watch wildlife and unwind. As a Christian, nature makes Elaine feel connected to God and creation…
Shoresearch intertidal surveys - Feb 2023
We began the month with our Have-a-go sessions, each of them very well supported by our building band of Shoresearchers. Thank you, all. The month ended with the three group surveys and a training…
Bittern
The shy and retiring bittern is a master of blending in and can be very difficult to spot in its reedbed home. It does sound like a booming foghorn, however, when it calls, so can often be heard…
Wet woodland
Wet woodlands in the UK can be wild, secretive places. Tangles of trailing creepers, tussocky sedges and lush tall-herbs conceal swampy pools and partially submerged fallen willow trunks, likely…
Giant puffball
This football-sized fungus can be seen in autumn, sometimes growing on grass verges.
Mauve stinger
This species can pack a powerful sting, so be sure not to get too close!
Mint moth
A small, day-flying moth that can often be seen visiting garden herbs.