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

Green Hairstreak Butterfly

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A pair of Glanville fritillary butterflies share a meal

A butterfly summer 

Butterflies are one of the most treasured elements of the UK's wildlife, guiding us deep into the heart of nature. Find out how we're looking after them and discover the best spots for butterflying.

Natterer's bat (Myotis natteren) hanging on tree trunk.

The secret life of bats in spring 

Over the last year, the bats of Sherborne Park Estate have become the unlikely stars of the BBC's Springwatch series. Discover how rangers keep them safe during the spring as well as some intriguing bat facts to whet your appetite.

Learn their secrets
Wicken Fen - Barn Owl in flight

All about barn owls 

Flying on silent wings with deadly accurate hearing, barn owls are the perfect hunters. From young owlets to fully grown adults, find out more about how these incredible birds survive and discover where you can spot one near you.

Hare among grass and thistles

See hares this season 

Usually shy and reclusive creatures, hares make themselves known in early spring with females 'boxing' away unwanted advances from males in open fields. Later in the summer, the quieter times of dusk and dawn harbour the best chances for seeing the UK's fastest land mammal.

Cattle walking into the water of Lough Erne Play Video
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Cows on the moo-ve

We all love a holiday, but cows on the Crom estate in Northern Ireland have particularly unusual way of getting to their summer destination. Every year the herd takes the plunge for a 100-metre swim across Lough Erne, carefully guided by our rangers. It’s all worth the effort though as they’re rewarded with 40 acres of fresh pasture on the island of Inishfendra, where their grazing helps to keep the scrub under control and allow wild flowers, bees and butterflies to flourish.

A water vole nibbles on grass

How to spot a water vole 

Small, shy and incredibly quick, water voles are notoriously tricky to spot, but thanks to the efforts of rangers, your luck could be in. Keep your eyes on the river bank and watch out for the tell-tale signs of their star-shaped paw prints and hastily discarded meals.

Tansy beetle at Beningbrough Hall

Our rare parkland wildlife 

Discover the rare wildlife that lives in our parklands. Next time you go out walking in your local park, look out for the unusual plants, insects and birds that live in parklands that haven’t changed for centuries.

Get close to nature
One of Winchester City Mill's resident otters

Looking after otters 

With their numbers on the rise, your chances of spotting one of these elusive creatures have never been better. Look out for the tell-tale signs of webbed footprints on muddy river banks or strategically placed droppings on rocks or grassy mounds. Find out where you can catch a glimpse.

Puffins on the Farne Islands, Northumberland

Puffins on the Farne Islands 

The puffins have touched down on the Farne Islands and the breeding season is well under way. Throughout May and June, the colonies will be alive with colour and activity as these charismatic birds introduce their new pufflings to the world.

Row of lime trees at The Argory

A 25-year plan for nature 

We welcome the government's plan to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment over the next 25 years.

Visitor at the Giant's Causeway

Send us your best shots 

Our annual photography competition is open for entries. This year we're looking for two special images to feature on our 2019 Handbook and membership card. We want photos that capture what nature means to you - a favourite landscape or wildlife wonder at one of our places.

Competition details and rules

Find nature on your doorstep

Experience nature through the seasons and spot the UK's native species in their natural habitat

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