Our only venomous snake, the shy adder can be spotted basking in the sunshine in woodland glades and on heathlands.

This elegant wading bird is a rare visitor to the UK, though occasionally one or two of pairs will nest here.

As the name suggests, this shieldbug can often be found on juniper trees. Look out for its distinctive markings.

The common octopus is a highly intelligent, active predator. It even has a secret weapon - special glands produce a venom that it uses to incapacitate its prey!

Tansy is an aromatic plant of rough grassland, riverbanks and verges that has button-like, yellow flower heads. It is the main foodplant of the rare Tansy Beetle, now found at only two places in…

Selfheal is a low-growing, creeping plant that likes the short turf of grasslands, roadside verges or even lawns. Its clusters of violet flowers appear in summer.

This common hoverfly can be recognised by the dark markings behind its head, which often resemble the Batman logo.

This glossy wading bird is a scarce visitor to the UK, though records have become more common in recent decades.

The hen harrier has been severely persecuted for taking game species and has suffered massive declines in numbers as a result. Thankfully, conservation projects are underway to reduce conflict…

A voracious predator that will even eat other dragonflies, the golden-ringed dragonfly is the UK's longest species. It can be found around acidic streams in moorland and heathland habitats.…