Start your journey of discovery
Delve into history, get tips from our experts, learn a new skill and go behind the scenes of your favourite places.
Nature
Get closer to nature with our guides on ancient trees, spotting wildlife and identifying birdsong. Have a go at forest bathing, rock pooling or learn about wild flowers, plus much more.
Nature near you
Noticing nature is good for us and the planet. If you're enjoying the new BBC series, Hamza's Hidden Wild Isles, you'll have seen wildlife cameraman and presenter, Hamza Yassin, encouraging us all to get outdoors to discover the nature around us. These guides will help you get closer to the natural world wherever you live.
Top tips for hill and mountain walking
Learn about the essential clothing and equipment to take with you, keeping your energy levels up, staying safe and leaving the environment as you found it.
How you can help nature on your doorstep
The small actions we take for nature can help make big changes and there are lots of ways to make a difference. Find out how you can play your part with ideas to help wildlife at home and in the community.
Nature in towns and cities
Towns and cities are full of nature. This spotter guide will help you identify and discover some of the plants and wildlife in your street, garden or local park.
Naturehood
We’ve worked with walking app Go Jauntly to bring you Naturehood – a series of city walks and challenges that’ll get you closer to the nature on your doorstep. Download the app and discover 25 nature activities with a chance to earn badges. Or seek out the city trails in Manchester, Birmingham and London to explore the nature hidden in plain sight.
Trees and plants
Whether you’re intrigued by woodland giants or want to learn more about colourful wild flowers, explore the world of trees and plants.
Wild flowers in Britain
Discover the stories behind some famous British wild flowers and how wildflower meadows support important species from butterflies to bees.
A guide to bluebells in the UK
Discover how the native British bluebell differs from the Spanish variety, and find out how this wild flower has been used in medicines and inspired storytellers for centuries.
How to spot different types of blossom
Blossom is popping up all over the place, but do you know your damson from your blackthorn? Find out how to spot different types of blossom in your local area with our blossom-spotting guide.
A guide to identifying British trees
Learn how to identify trees from their leaves, bark and shape, how to tell similar species apart and how they change as they get older.
Wildlife
There’s such a range of wildlife to discover wherever you are. Learn more about what you can spot this season and the places that wildlife calls home.
Top tips for spotting otters
Although otter numbers are on the rise, the shy and elusive marine mammals are still notoriously difficult to find. To boost your chances, here are our top tips on how to spot them in the wild.
How to spot water voles
Discover how to identify burrows, food, footprints and latrines, and how to tell the difference between water voles and brown rats, even when they're swimming.
UK bats
The places we look after are home to every kind of bat that lives in the UK. Use our handy guide to identify different species and find out where to spot them.
Birds to discover through the seasons
Find out how the changing seasons affect the birds you’ll see out and about, with spotting tips and photo galleries to guide you.
Coast
Discover pockets of ocean life in a rock pool, learn how to identify common fossils at the coast or even record your favourite coastal sounds.
Common fossils to find at the coast
Do you know your ammonites from your devil’s toenails? Discover how to identify some of the fossils commonly found around the UK coast and where you might see them.
Our guide to puffins
Every year, thousands of puffins come to the places in our care to breed. Discover more about what they eat, when they breed and the best time to see them.
Discover the wonders of a rock pool
As the tide goes out, the secrets of the sea are revealed in rock pools left behind. Exploring the wonders of a rock pool is no. 37 of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
Sounds of our shores
We worked with the British Library and the National Trust for Scotland to create the UK’s first ever coastal sound map. Find out about the project and top tips for making your own recording of the sounds of our shores.
