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Blog
Hairy caterpillar identification: 16 common UK species
Spotted a furry caterpillar undulating across the path in front of you or munching leaves in your garden? Learn to tell your tussocks from your tigers with our quick guide to some common UK species.
Amy Lewis • 10 Jun 2021
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Blog
Types of beetle in the UK: 10 British beetle species to spot
Of all the animal species known to science, one in four is a beetle. Discover 10 weird and wonderful beetles found in the UK.
Annabel Kemp • 01 Apr 2026
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Blog
Hawk-moth caterpillar identification: eight UK species
Hawk-moth caterpillars have one thing in common: they're pretty impressive. Usually large, distinctively marked and with a characteristic horn at the tail end, they're a good group to get to grips with when learning who's who.
Amy Lewis • 21 Jul 2021
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Trees woods and wildlife
Buckthorn, purging
Prickly and with the ability to purge. This plant’s common name harks back its use as a laxative. It’s a fierce, invasive species in North America.
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Policy paper
Reducing rhododendron in Scotland's rainforest
Without action, invasive rhododendron will increasingly dominate Scotland's rainforest. We're asking for a Rainforest Action Fund to tackle the issue.
PDF (7.41 MB)
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Trees woods and wildlife
Ancient woodland
Home to myth and legend, where folk tales began. It fuelled our ancestors and still houses thousands of species. Ancient woodland has grown and adapted with native wildlife, yet what remains only covers 2.5% of the UK.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Dunnock
More than just a little brown job. Dunnocks may not be the most glamorous of birds, but there is more to this species than meets the eye, especially when it comes to mating.
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Blog
Types of moss in the UK: what they are and where to find them
Moss is marvellous! Find out why and see some common species to spot.
Kate Lewthwaite • 30 Jul 2018
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Event
Spring butterfly walk at Heartwood Forest
Learn how to identify different butterfly species on a short guided walk through the insect-rich habitats of Heartwood Forest.
Sat 30 May 2026 • Heartwood Forest, Sandridge
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Trees woods and wildlife
Sika deer
Not as grumpy as it looks, the sika deer’s furrowed brow sets it apart from other deer species. Introduced to the UK in 1860, it is rapidly increasing in numbers.