Field maple
An inconspicuous tree for much of the year, the Field maple comes to life in autumn when its lobed leaves turn golden-yellow and its winged fruits disperse in the wind. Look for it in hedges and…
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Water vole by Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
Chwilio
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…
My opening night
In the drama of the open spaces around her, Emily can play the role of a lifetime. She knows the wildlife of the nature reserve as intimately as Yorick knew Hamlet, and with an audience of birds,…
Red ant
Turn over large stones or paving slabs in the garden and you are likely to find a red ant colony. This medium-sized ant can deliver a painful sting, so be careful! In summer, winged adults swarm…
In your neighbourhood
Wherever you live, there are so many weird and wonderful wild creatures to discover.
Turnstone
The turnstone can be spotted fluttering around large stones on rocky and gravelly shores, flipping them over to look for prey. It can even lift rocks as big as its own body! Although a migrant to…
Common squid
The common squid is a weird and wonderful predator found all around our coasts.
Risso’s dolphin
Risso’s dolphins are mysterious creatures usually only found in deep, offshore waters.
Oh Deer!
Some of them roar. Some of them bark. Others even have fangs. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of the UK’s deer.
Common eelgrass
This seagrass species is a kind of flowering plant that lives beneath the sea, providing an important habitat for many rare and wonderful species.
Bizarre bums
In the animal kingdom, bums can do so much more than just poo! Discover some weird and wonderful animal bums.
Far from home
Every year, birdwatchers get excited as unexpected species appear in the UK. Find out where these wayward wanders come from.