A new report issued this week by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed that Britain’s larger moth population has dropped by a worrying one third over the last 50 years. These latest findings are a real concern for nature as moths – along with butterflies and bees – are a crucial indicator of the health of our wider environment.
ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos have extended their popular virtual story events until the end of March, offering families a unique opportunity to hear much-loved animal tales at bedtime. Giving the country’s home-schooling heroes a night off, zookeepers will read a series of six well-loved and new titles by Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, kicking […]
Call of the Wild is a brand-new podcast launched by WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) to highlight the need for us to act now if we are to make a difference in the fight to save our planet. In each episode, host and WWF ambassador, Cel Spellman, meets a familiar face from the worlds of sport or entertainment and teams up with a top wildlife expert to talk about what we can do to help nature restore itself.
National Nest Box Week (14-21 February) is organised every year by the British Trust for Ornithology as a way to encourage more people to help birds find a suitable place to nest. Putting up a nest box in your garden will help our feathered friends through nesting season, which runs from March to August, by providing them with a clean, warm environment to lay their eggs and raise their chicks.
Stag beetles are Britain’s largest land beetle, with males reaching up to 7.5 centimetres in size. They are also one of the most spectacular looking insects, with a male’s huge mandibles (antler-like jaws) making them easy to spot. Despite their appearance, stag beetles are harmless if left alone, and from mid-to-late-May are more likely to […]
The common pipistrelle bat is a very small species of bat that is native to the British Isles; in fact it is the smallest of the UK’s 18 species. It has a wing span of about 22 to 25 centimetres with an average life span of 4-5 years. It is a species of conservation concern […]
The Wildlife Trusts have announced that 2021 will be a record year for beaver releases. Plans developed by the Wildlife Trusts of Dorset, Derbyshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Nottinghamshire and Montgomeryshire will see new beaver families moving into these counties for the first time.
Wildlife charity the RSPB is urging the public to spare a thought for our garden birds during this spell of cold weather as many parts of the country continue to be covered in snow and ice. Birds need more energy to stay warm at this time of year, but as temperatures drop and daylight hours […]
Love is in the air at Highland Wildlife Park for endangered Amur tigers, Botzman and Dominika, after they were caught bonding together on camera for the first time recently. Staff at the wildlife charity began carefully introducing the pair in November, following Botman’s arrival from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in October, and encouraged by how well the new couple were getting on, decided to let them meet […]
Poppy Goes Wild An enchanting new children’s book about a young girl on a mission to rewild her grandad’s farm offers inspiration at a time when connecting with nature has never been more important. In Poppy Goes Wild, we follow the title character as she embarks on a journey to return the countryside to how […]
Registration is now open for the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch which takes place over the weekend from January 29th to 31st. Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK are expected to take part this year as they celebrate their love of nature and come together to count the nation’s garden birds. Those who […]
The Wildlife Trusts has published its Marine Review for 2020, revealing both highs and lows for our coastal wildlife. Compiled by the Trusts’ Living Seas teams, who are the eyes and ears of the UK coast, the report looks back at some memorable moments from the past year. In good news, thousands of people thrilled at the […]
This year The Wildlife Trusts’ is encouraging everyone to do one wild thing a day over Christmas and let nature bring some much-needed festive cheer. Launching on 25th December, 12 Days Wild is a mini, seasonal version of summer’s 30 Days Wild and a reminder that even during the longest days and darkest nights, the natural […]
Wildlife charity The RSPB has issued some guidelines to help us when feeding our garden birds over the festive season. Christmas may be different for many of us this year, but our garden birds will be just as hungry with less food around during winter. If you’d like to help our feathered friends this season, here’s […]
A new Beaver Trust documentary film is being launched this weekend to raise awareness for the British beaver and the fragile future they face without more public and government support. The charity’s short film, Beavers Without Borders, explores the benefits and challenges of reintroducing beavers to Britain’s landscapes, four hundred years after they were hunted […]
Britain’s favourite bird has long been associated with Christmas, but do you know how the mighty robin became iconic at this time of year? The robin’s association with the festive season is believed to have begun when scarlet-jacketed postmen started delivering Christmas cards during the mid-19th century. The robin redbreast soon became linked to this tradition, […]
If your kids are mad about nature, they’ll love our pick of the best gifts and stocking fillers for a really wild Christmas. Browse our favourite games, toys and activities and kick start your festive shopping here… 🎅 Kids Explorer Kit Perfect for exploring nature, spying on wild animals and bird watching. Includes safari vest/hat, binoculars, […]
Red Squirrel Awareness Week (21st to 27th September 2020) is held every year to highlight the plight of one of our most iconic British mammals. Once a common sight throughout the UK, the red squirrel population has rapidly declined since the 1950s, with the loss of woodland habitat a contributing factor. With fewer than 40,000 remaining […]
We chose a beautiful sunny day in August to take the kids to Port Lympne wildlife park in Kent and enjoyed a great day out visiting some rare and endangered animals from around the world. Our tickets, booked in advance as required, allow visitors to choose half-hour arrival slots to ensure social distancing is maintained from […]
“ZSL’s work is vital in driving forward a vision of a world where wildlife thrives, but ZSL now faces its toughest challenge to date – the national institution is now itself, at risk of extinction.” Sir David Attenborough is fronting a TV appeal to save conservation charity Zoological Society of London (ZSL) “from extinction”. The […]
The Pocket Book of Garden Experiments by Helen Pilcher Looking for fun activities to keep the kids amused while staying at home? The Pocket Book of Garden Experiments by Helen Pilcher is packed full of ideas and perfect for families wanting to spend some quality time together. Bring out your inner-scientist, stretch your imagination and […]
Invisible Nature: A secret world beyond our senses By Catherine Barr Illustrated by Anne Wilson If your little ones have inquisitive minds and a love for all things nature, the fascinating new book by Catherine Barr will light up their imaginations. Ever wondered how dolphins find friends and vampire bats locate prey, or why reindeer […]
If you would like to do something positive for wildlife without having to leave your home, People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is calling for volunteers to take part in its annual Living with Mammals survey which launched this week. Many of Britain’s mammals are under threat, but recording sightings from your garden, balcony or […]
Nature conservation charity The RSPB is inviting us to join them for a daily Breakfast Birdwatch weekdays between 8 and 9am. A time when many of us would have been on our way to work or doing the school run, we now find ourselves with an opportunity to enjoy nature in our gardens at home. […]
Spending time in nature and green spaces can relieve stress and anxiety with people reporting to feel much happier and healthier following an activity outdoors. In response to the recent coronavirus outbreak, and for those staying at home, The Wildlife Trusts has issued some simple tips and ideas to keep active while looking after yourself […]
A recent survey conducted by scientists from ZSL (Zoological Society of London)’s London HogWatch programme and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) has revealed a mixed picture for native hedgehogs across the capital. The research, carried out over a two-week period in 2019, involved placing hundreds of cameras in several green spaces across London, from […]