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

Blue tit sits in a winter tree — Winter is a great time to spot wildlife in our outdoor spaces

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Several long-tailed blue butterflies from the Mediterranean were spotted across the UK in August

2019 wildlife and weather review

With unpredictable weather across the seasons, the weather has once again made winners and losers out of the UK's wildlife and bought new visitors from abroad. We continue to work throughout the year to protect and restore habitats for all our wildlife.

Nature's highs and lows

A seal pup on the Farne Islands — Hundreds of seal pups are born on the Farnes each year

Seal pups spotted on the Farne Islands

The first Atlantic grey seal pups of the season have been spotted on the Farne Islands, just off the Northumberland coast. This means our rangers can start this year's seal count to see if numbers are still on the increase, as has been the trend over the last five years. Globally, the Atlantic grey seal is very rare, so it's very important that we know how the population on the Farnes is faring. Find out where you can see seals.

Seal spotting walks

Get closer to nature

Help birds in your own garden by making a bird feeder

The tempting array of dishes on offer to birds in our gardens is enticing rarely-seen goldfinches, woodpigeons and long-tailed tits. According to research, more than half of British homeowners feed the birds in the garden, supporting 133 different species. Do your bit for the birds near you by making your own feeder.

Bird flying above the garden at Mount Stewart House, Garden and Temple of the Winds, County Down

How to improve your bird spotting skills

Discover some top tips to help you improve your chances of spotting and identifying feathered friends in the British countryside.

Water voles are among the creatures the project at Holnicote will help

How we're protecting rivers from climate change and flooding

In what is the first project of its kind in the UK, we're restoring the tributary of the river Aller, which flows through the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor, Dorset. The groundbreaking approach, carried out in partnership with the Environment Agency and the European project Interreg 2 Seas Co-Adapt, will help protect the river from climate change and flooding, as well as create more space for wildlife.

Keeping our rivers flowing

Meet the rangers safeguarding nature

What does a red squirrel ranger actually do?

Meet red squirrel ranger, Glen, who is in charge of food rations, keeping predators away and making traffic signs for road crossing squirrels.

Ranger Martin's favourite autumn walk

Forget orange, green is the colour of autumn across the Cragside estate. The pinetum is a particularly special place at this time of year – the rows of towering spruce are really spiky across the top. Have a slow meander through; it’s very atmospheric.