Great black-backed gull
This huge gull can be seen around most of the UK's coasts in summer, with some venturing inland in winter.
Chwilio
Speckled wood butterfly - Vicky Nall
Chwilio
Scaup
This dashing diving duck is a winter visitor to the UK's seas, coastal lakes and occasionally inland water bodies.
Shoresearch Rocky shore surveys - May 2022
Throughout this month we visited 3 sites for group Shoresearches, and timed species searches for invasive species, since it was INNS week. We ended May with 3 days’ worth of have-a-go sessions.…
Common cockchafer
This large, brown beetle can be seen swarming around streetlights in spring. They live underground as larvae for years and emerge as adults often in large numbers. Listen for their characteristic…
Gorse shieldbug
As the name suggests, this large shieldbug is often found on gorse bushes.
Common hawker
A large hawker, the common hawker can be seen throughout the summer and into autumn. A fast-flying insect, it catches its prey mid-air. Look for it around ponds in the uplands of the north and…
Abercorris Nature Reserve
A lovely slice of broadleaf woodland creating a wildlife corridor, joining and contrasting with the large coniferous plantations of this remote valley.
Ruff
The UK hosts a small, but important, breeding population of ruff. The ruff is a large sandpiper that is so-called due to the large ruff of feathers around the males' neck. This is used in a…
Arable fields
Most arable fields are large, featureless monocultures devoid of wildlife, but here and there are smaller fields and tucked away corners that are farmed less intensively, or are managed…
Pale tussock
This large, fluffy-legged moth is often attracted to lights in May and June.
Sea lemon
A large colourful sea slug found on rocky shores around the UK.
Lesser stag beetle
The lesser stag beetle may be smaller than its famous cousin, but it is still a large beetle with large jaws. It can be seen in woods, parks and hedgerows during summer, and depends on dead wood…