Nature & wildlife

From ancient trees to butterflies and otters, our places are full of life. We're working hard to safeguard nature for years to come

A red deer stag and two hinds — Meet winter wildlife in Ennerdale

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Large blue butterflies on Rodborough Common

2020 weather and wildlife review

It's been a year of mixed fortunes for the UK's wildlife. While extreme weather and warm temperatures have had a huge impact on wildlife this year, many species thrived in the peace and quiet of lockdown. Discover how birds, animals and insects fared during the last 12 months and learn more about our work to protect the natural world.

Protecting nature

mountain hare sitting on snow, Dark Peak, Derbyshire — Look out for mountain hares as you walk on the High Peak moors.

Winter wildlife to spot

Wrap up warm and head outside in search of winter wildlife. From starling murmurations to red squirrels, there's a surprising amount to see. We've got some top tips to get you started.

Have a go at spotting some winter wildlife

A woman stands beside a fallen tree, gently lifting leafy lichen growth from the trunk

Our work to save rare lichen

We’re trying to save one of England’s rarest and oldest lichens by removing it from a fallen oak tree in the Lake District and transferring it to dozens of nearby trees. The lungwort lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria) is characteristic of the wildwood that took root after the last ice age and has been in decline since the 18th century. Find out more about the work we’re doing at Borrowdale to protect it.

Seal pup numbers set to soar at Blakeney

Our rangers are expecting around 4,000 pups from the grey seal colony at the Blakeney National Nature Reserve on the Norfolk coast. The booming population of grey seals in the area means we're having to change the way we count the new-born pups. Find out more about how we protect these curious creatures.

Ducks on Derwentwater, Lake District, Cumbria.

Everyone needs nature

This year, more than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort. Trees towering above us, serene coastal paths, the simplicity of a rushing stream and panoramic drama in the skies – these can answer our need for quiet and inspiration.

Ways to give back to nature

Gull chicks, Farne Islands, Northumberland

Promise for nature

Join us in our anniversary year and make a promise for nature. Whether you want to build a bug hotel or reduce energy use, we’ve got a great set of promises you can make. It's never been more important to look after the forests, rivers, oceans and parks we love to escape to. Together we can make a positive difference to the natural world.

Make your promise

Give back to nature

This year, more than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort. But climate change is accelerating the decline of these green spaces. Nature gives us so much, donate today and help us protect these precious places and the wildlife that live there.

Donate now