Nature & wildlife

From ancient trees to endangered species, our places are full of life. We're working hard to safeguard these habitats for years to come

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High Brown Fritillary in the sun on a plant — High Brown Fritillary

Rare butterflies booming after conservation boost

A new study by Butterfly Conservation has found that rare butterflies like the Adonis Blue are booming at our places.

Read about our progress

Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl Surrey

Anniversary sees former site of A3 at Hindhead recognised as a wildlife haven

The Devil’s Punch Bowl, once separated from Hindhead Common by the A3, has become one of the top wildlife sites in south east England, thanks to collaborations with Natural England and Highways England.

Read about this success for wildlife

A storm petrel which has landed on the ground at The Leas at night

Stormies over Souter

Once a year, under the cover of darkness, some very special overseas visitors arrive on The Leas.

Bird flying above the garden at Mount Stewart House, Garden and Temple of the Winds, County Down — Follow our top tips to identify birds when you visit one of the places we look after

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.

Top tips for budding birders

A bee on lavender, Avebury, Wiltshire — Bee on lavender, Avebury, Wiltshire

Help us protect the environment during Brexit

With Brexit fast approaching, how can you ensure the natural places you love are protected into the future?

Help us to protect nature

Beekeeper at Dudmaston — Alison is our resident beekeeper on the estate

Dudmaston Shropshire

Diary of a beekeeper

Bees are crucial for our environment, but sadly their numbers are in decline. Alison, Dudmaston's beekeeper, tells us how she's keeping our colonies alive and well.

More about wildlife at Dudmaston

Purple emperor butterfly — Look for the elusive purple emperor butterfly

Chilterns Countryside Buckinghamshire

Purple Emperor butterflies success at Bradenham

The Purple Emperor, one of Britain's most elusive butterflies, has been spotted for the first time at National Trust’s Bradenham estate near West Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. Careful woodland and grassland management by the National Trust’s rangers at Bradenham has made this possible.

Find out more

Children playing at Nymans — Children playing in the garden at Nymans

Inspiring young nature lovers

We're working to help a new generation of children discover the outdoors.

See how we're connecting children with nature

Barn Owls at Charlecote — Volunteers with newly fledged Barn Owl chicks during a survey at Charlecote

Once common, now rare: ten species that need our help

Once common wildlife like water voles and cuckoos are now rare and under threat. Our rangers are working with farmers to create nature habitats and help struggling birds, butterflies and wildflowers.

What we're doing

Find nature on your doorstep

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

Find outdoor places near you