Bats are often portrayed as vampire-like creatures and something to fear, especially at this time of year. However, many UK bat species are actually very small and vulnerable, eating only insects, and could welcome a helping hand as winter approaches. Playing an important role in pollination and seed dispersal, these nocturnal mammals are vital to […]
Conservation charity The RSPB has released some top tips on helping wildlife this season, with spokesperson Beth Markey offering her advice on how to make our gardens nature-friendly in preparation for winter. Don’t tidy your autumn garden At this time of year, it’s really important to avoid the urge to cut back and tidy too […]
International conservation charity Zoological Society of London (ZSL) launched a brand-new pop-up experience in London this week. Based within a store just off Carnaby Street, the initiative is part of ZSL’s For People. For Wildlife. UK Aid Match appeal which aims to raise vital funds to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. Made from recycled card, […]
Wildlife photography pulled Paul Williams back from the brink. After years struggling with mental illness, triggered by PTSD while serving as a police officer, Paul discovered the power of photography to improve wellbeing. Finding solace in the natural world, Paul created this enchanting book of beautiful photographs to tell the story of how nature helped […]
The Natural History Museum has revealed images from its Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition 2019. A sleeping seal, a zombie beetle and a tragic turtle are just some of the captivating and emotive photographs selected by judges from this year’s entries. Now in its fifty-fifth year, the competition showcases the world’s best nature photography […]
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has confirmed 2019 as a ‘Painted Lady Year’ after nearly half a million were recorded in just three weeks as part of this summer’s The Big Butterfly Count. The high number of Painted Lady butterflies occur as a natural phenomenon about once in every decade, when migratory butterflies arrive in the […]
Following on from the best-selling An Anthology of Intriguing Animals, author and wildlife journalist Ben Hoare brings us The Wonders of Nature, a beautifully illustrated compendium that, alongside a selection of amazing animals, features plants, rocks, minerals and microorganisms. The hardback book features wonderful designs, photography and imagery to draw children into a world of fascinating facts. […]
The Wildwood Trust near Canterbury is celebrating the arrival of four extremely rare wildcat kittens. Keepers are particularly pleased with how well first-time mum Jura is coping with her litter – the largest number bred to one mother at the charity. Wildcat Keeper Jack Poncé said; “We are so proud of our lovely kittens, two […]
CJ Wildlife would like us to spare a thought for our garden birds this summer as they may be struggling to find essential food and water in the heat. Although most wild birds are well adapted and have several ways to regulate their body temperature, the heat still brings with it a number of problems […]
UK wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is urging us all to take part in The Big Butterfly Count to help asses the health of our environment. Launching today and celebrating its 10th year, the world’s largest butterfly survey attracted more than 100,000 people in 2018 who counted over one million butterflies. Participants are encouraged to spot […]
BBC2’s Animal Babies: First Year on Earth is a fascinating new three-part wildlife series following the first difficult and dangerous year of six animal infants as they overcome daily threats to survive. In episode one, we learn how the first three months are critical as our animal babies rapidly get to grips with their new […]
One of the biggest international birding events will take place in England’s smallest county next month. Birdfair, held on the shores of Rutland Water Nature Reserve, attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year, all passionate about bird watching, eco-tourism and wildlife conservation. Often referred to as the ‘Glastonbury of the birding world’, Birdfair is […]
BAFTA award-winning Michaela Strachan has been a regular on our TV screens for many years presenting popular wildlife programmes including The Really Wild Show, Countryfile, Orangutan Diaries and, most recently, Springwatch. In an exclusive interview for Discover Animals, Michaela talks to Abbe & Simone about some memorable wildlife encounters, living in South Africa, conservation projects […]
To celebrate our glorious UK birdlife – and to highlight the devastating loss of over 40 million birds from the UK in 50 years – the RSPB has launched a free birdsong radio app. Broadcasting a soothing soundscape featuring species in serious decline, such as the turtle dove, nightingale, snipe, greenfinch and curlew, Birdsong Radio […]
Sea sparkle – or bioluminescent plankton – is a magical blue light, made famous in Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The Beach, and whilst it usually occurs in tropical waters such as those around the Maldives islands, it made headlines recently on BBC Earth when a display was captured off the shore of North Wales. How to find […]
The Wildlife Trusts has welcomed news that the Government is designating 41 new Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) to help protect the seas around our shores. The new zones will form a vital series of underwater habitats which can be nursed back to health and join 50 previous MCZs awarded by the Government in 2013 and […]
If your kids love nature, why not send them on a butterfly trail with these inspiring books – perfect to enjoy alongside The Big Butterfly Count taking place this July too … How to be a Butterfly Written by Laura Knowles and illustrated by Catell Ronca Ideal for younger children eager to learn more about […]
The world’s leading conservation charity WWF is encouraging everyone to Wear it Wild on Friday 7th June and help raise vital funds to protect our planet. One in six species is at risk of extinction because of climate change. WWF believes that if we are going to tackle this crisis we need to be fiercer, braver and […]
A new national beetle survey has been launched by wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and Royal Holloway University of London. Volunteers are needed for a two week period in June to help find and record sightings of the noble chafer beetle, to help conservationists save this threatened species. Noble chafers are small, […]
The Wildlife Trusts’ annual nature challenge is back for its 5th year and promises to be wilder than ever! Last year, over 350,000 people took part in 30 Days Wild, all pledging to experience nature every day during June. Those signing up to the challenge this year will receive a free pack of inspirational ideas to […]
World Penguin Day is celebrated every year across the world on the 25th April to raise awareness for these amazing flightless birds. A penguin adoption with World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) offers a great way to help protect the future of these captivating creatures and their habitat – and would make a great gift too! […]
Children’s classic The Wind in the Willows has been adapted by The Wildlife Trusts as part of a new hard-hitting campaign on general release in cinemas this weekend. The film trailer, voiced and backed by conservationists and actors Sir David Attenborough, Stephen Fry, Catherine Tate, Alison Steadman and Asim Chaudhry, calls for a wilder future […]
The Tropical Butterfly House, Falconry and Wildlife Park in Sheffield will be holding a celebration event this weekend to mark its 25th anniversary. Renowned for keeping a collection of exotic animals and endangered species from around the world, the park has seen many changes over the years. From opening with just three staff, a butterfly […]
Today (Wednesday 20 March) marks the official arrival of spring. It is also a chance for wildlife lovers across the UK to add their entries to the first ever crowd-sourced nature diary to celebrate the fact. The digital diary – a project by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), researchers at Land Lines, the […]
Forests are found all over the world in many different climates. From the rainforests of South America to the evergreen in Germany, the mangrove forest in India to the redwood in the USA, a huge variety of animals call the forest their home. In this wonderful hardback book by Robert Hunter, little readers are introduced […]
