Explore the natural world
From learning how to identify trees to discovering the underwater world of rockpools, pick up some top tips to help you get closer to nature.
Wildlife
From coast to countryside, discover all kinds of wildlife at the places in our care, including marine animals and rare woodland species.
Insects
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Top tips for butterfly spotting
Discover how to spot butterflies without scaring them away, and find out what types of plants will attract them to your garden.
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Looking out for dragonflies and damselflies
Dragonfly and damselfly numbers have been changing in recent years. Read more about the threats to their populations, how to spot them and the difference between them.
Mammals
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Seal-spotting guidance
Take a look at our guidelines for responsible seal spotting and top tips for seal watching.
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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.
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Our guide to beavers
Did you know that beavers are helping us adapt to tackle climate change? Discover facts about these fascinating creatures.
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Our guide to 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.
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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.
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Red squirrel spotting tips
Learn how to spot red squirrels, the best times to see them and how to tell them apart from grey squirrels.
Birds
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Birds to spot 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.
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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.
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Guide to identifying birdsong
There are more than 600 known bird species in the UK and their calls are an important clue when bird spotting. Listen to our selection of distinctive birdsongs to get you started.
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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.