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Blog
Which birds migrate? Who you can spot this summer
Swallows, swifts and martins aren’t our only summer migrants – keep your eyes peeled for these species and record your sightings through Nature’s Calendar.
Charlotte Varela • 12 May 2018
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Trees woods and wildlife
Bracken
Huge, widespread, ancient. Bracken is thought to be the most common plant in the world and is found on all continents except Antarctica. In the UK, they thrive in woodland.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Velvet shank
A burst of sunshine in wintry woods, the bright orange of velvet shank fungus is a treat for the eyes on a dark day. Not only are they a cheery sight but they are also edible.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Timothy grass
A gentle and swaying irritant. Though this grass is a favourite with insects and farmers, it may well be to blame for your hay fever! It is a very common allergen, but is now being used in a cure to your seasonal sneezes.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Barnacle lichen
Looking like little barnacles growing on tree trunks, get to know barnacle lichen which you'll find on the bark of living trees in ancient wood.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Beefsteak fungus
Sticky and gruesome, beefsteak is a woodland fungus with the disconcerting appearance of a raw cut of meat.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Oak lace bug
An insect pest which attacks oaks, the oak lace bug can reduce growth and weaken trees. With number of other diseases already affecting oaks, the arrival of the oak lace bug would pose a serious threat.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Blue tit
The blue tit might be famed for its bright, bold plumage, but it’s much more than just a pretty face. Spot it performing acrobatic displays while on the hunt for juicy caterpillars.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Buzzard
High-flying comeback kids. Soaring buzzards are a common sight above our woodlands once more. These impressive birds of prey have quadrupled in number since 1970.
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Blog
Bird of prey calls and identification
Learn how to identify the UK's birds of prey with our quick guide to their calls, key features and likely hangouts.
Amy Lewis • 10 Sep 2021