Tree sparrow
A scarce and declining bird, the tree sparrow can be spotted on farmland and in woodlands; it is not an urban bird in the UK. It has a brown cap and black cheek-spots, unlike the similar house…
Chwilio
Speckled wood butterfly - Vicky Nall
Chwilio
Minera Quarry Nature Reserve
Witness the incredible power of nature as it slowly reclaims this former industrial site. What will Minera Quarry’s next chapter hold?
Dark bush-cricket
The dark bush-cricket, as its name suggests, is dark brown or reddish. It can be found in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens throughout summer. Its irregular chirpings are a familiar sound of summer…
Oak marble gall wasp
The oak marble gall wasp produces brown, marble-shaped growths, or 'galls', on oak twigs. Inside the gall, the larvae of the wasp feed on the host tissues, but cause little damage.
Heatwaves and wildfires
During extended heatwaves and drought, the risk of wildfires increases. The impact on people and wildlife is devastating, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to avoid them. Whether visiting the countryside, your local park, or a nature reserve, remember these top tips.
Grayling
The grayling is one of our largest brown butterflies and a master of disguise - its cryptic colouring helps to camouflage it against bare earth and stones in its coastal habitats and on inland…
Sweet chestnut
The sweet chestnut is famous for its shiny brown fruits, or 'chestnuts', that are wrapped in a spiky, green casing and make a tasty winter treat. Look for this tree in woodlands in south…
Limestone pavement
Slabs of smooth grey rock, incised with deep fissures and patterned with swirling hollows and runnels sculpted by thousands of years of rainwater, form an unlikely wildlife habitat. Look a little…
Horse chestnut
A tall, broad tree of woodlands, roadsides and parks, the introduced horse chestnut is familiar to many of us the 'conker' producing tree - its shiny, brown seeds appearing in their…
Wood melick
Wood melick is a slender, drooping grass that grows in dense patches in ancient woodlands and along shady banks. It has nodding flower heads, with brown, egg-shaped spikelets that contain the…
Common starfish
A most familiar seashore inhabitant, the common starfish truly lives up to its name in UK seas and rockpools!
Little cuttlefish
This little cuttlefish really lives up to its name - it only reaches about 6cm long!