This is a predominantly subtidal species but can be found on the lowest parts of a sheltered rocky shore in summer.

The water stick insect looks just like a mantis. An underwater predator, it uses its front legs to catch its prey. Its tail acts as a kind of 'snorkel', so it can breathe in the water.…

Beautiful demoiselle’s are, well, beautiful! Often confused for a dragonfly, these giants of the damselfly world are hard to miss with their metallic blue and green colours.

This dazzling dragonfly can be seen darting above tree-lined ponds in certain parts of Britain.

This small, white heron is an increasingly common sight in parts of the UK as it spreads north from continental Europe.

This slim fish is usually found on gravelly parts of the seabed, close to shore, but can turn up in rockpools.

The common octopus is a highly intelligent, active predator. It even has a secret weapon - special glands produce a venom that it uses to incapacitate its prey!

Red squirrels are native to the UK but are a lot rarer than their grey cousins. They live in a few special places across the UK thanks to reintroduction projects.

A familiar black bird of our lakes, ponds and rivers, the coot is widespread; look out for its large and untidy-looking nest on the water in spring. The coot can be distinguished from the similar…