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Red deer stags at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Dennis Richardson

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.

Sense nature 

One of the best ways to encounter nature is to use your senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. In this guide, we’ll take you through the seasons and some of the plants and wildlife you can discover by slowing down and tuning in to what's around.

A kingfisher at Holincote, Somerset

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.

Visitors catching and identifying meadow insects at a BioBlitz biodiversity survey

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.

A visitor exploring and taking a picture in the urban garden at Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester

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.

A beginner's guide to forest bathing 

Learn about forest bathing, 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.

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,

Ancient and notable trees 

Ancient trees are links to our past, they're species-rich habitats that support countless other organisms. Discover what makes a tree ancient and how to recognise them.

A wide shot of a few cedar of Lebanon trees bordering the lawn at Upton House, Warwickshire

Facts about fungi 

Ancient trees are links to our past, they're species-rich habitats that support countless other organisms. Find out what makes a tree ancient and how to recognise them.

Fungi growing on the woodland floor next to a fallen tree trunk

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.

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

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.

Our guide to barn owls 

Barn owls are instantly recognisable from their heart-shaped faces and distinctive feathers. Learn where they prefer to hunt and nest, and the kinds of habitats they use at the places in our care.

Barn owl, perched in early evening at Orford Ness, Suffolk

Seal-spotting guidance 

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

Young grey seals on the beach at Horsey, Norfolk

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.

Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) emerging from log roost.

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.

A goldfinch perches on blackthorn blossom on the Norfolk coast

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.

A man and young girl look into a rock pool with a beach and blue skies behind

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.

Puffins on the Farne Islands, Northumberland

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’.

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

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.

Turquoise waters and purple heather at Zennor Head, Cornwall
A visitor with a camera up to his face, one eye closed, as he takes a photo of a nearby statue of a figure with a pointy hat and cloak on

Start your journey of discovery

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