Song thrush sitting on grass amongst small blue flowers at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent — Song thrush at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

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.

Whether you’re intrigued by woodland giants or want to learn more about colourful wild flowers, explore the world of trees and plants.

More trees and plants

A woman lying upon a slanted piece of wood in the summer surrounded by woodland and trees taking part in forest bathing at Wallington, Northumberland,

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A beginner's guide to forest bathing

Forest bathing is a way of relaxing and slowing down the mind by immersing yourself in nature. It can help reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels and improve concentration.

Giant redwood trees in the country park at Tredegar House, Newport, South Wales.

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How the giant sequoia came to England

Once upon a time a giant American conifer was the ultimate status symbol. We trace the story of how it arrived on our shores.

Wildflower meadow including oxeye daisies at Holnicote Estate, Somerset

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Wild flowers in Britain

Explore the stories behind some famous British wild flowers and how wildflower meadows support important species from butterflies to bees.

Sheep enjoying the shade of an oak tree in the parkland at Wentworth Castle Gardens, Yorkshire

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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.

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.

More wildlife

Common spotted orchid seen at Collard Hill in Somerset

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Seven things to spot in a summer meadow

Discover what wildlife and wildflowers you can see in meadows this summer, including butterflies, grasshoppers, moths and orchids.

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Top tips for butterfly spotting

Learn how to spot butterflies without scaring them away, and find out what types of plants will attract them to your garden.

Young grey seals on the beach at Horsey, Norfolk

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Seal-spotting guidance

Take a look at our guidelines for responsible seal spotting and top tips for seal watching.

Common darter dragonfly on blade of grass at Croome, Worcestershire

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Looking out for dragonflies and damselflies

Dragonfly and damselfly numbers have been changing in recent years. Find out about the threats to their populations, how to spot them and the difference between them.

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.

Puffins on the Farne Islands, Northumberland

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Our guide to puffins

Every year, thousands of puffins come to the places in our care to breed. Find out more about what they eat, when they breed and the best time to see them.

A boy exploring a rock pool on the rugged beach at Northumberland Coast, Northumberland

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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’.

Turquoise waters and purple heather at Zennor Head, Cornwall

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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.