The Holm oak is an introduced species that has been widely planted near the coast and in parkland. It is self-seeding in the south of the UK. Its young leaves are spiny like Holly leaves, and it…

The grayling is one of our largest brown butterflies and a master of disguise - its cryptic colouring helps to camouflage it against bare earth and stones in its coastal habitats and on inland…

This big, beautiful fungus is a common one that can often be spotted popping out of trees.

Edible periwinkles are a common sight when rockpooling and can be found in huge numbers on the shore.

This is a predominantly subtidal species but can be found on the lowest parts of a sheltered rocky shore in summer.

The rose chafer can be spotted on garden flowers, as well as in grassland, woodland edges and scrub.

Our largest starfish, the spiny starfish can reach an impressive diameter of 70cm!

This metallic green beetle can be seen visiting flowers on sunny days in spring and summer.

This dazzling dragonfly can be seen darting above tree-lined ponds in certain parts of Britain.

These globe-spanning seabirds can often be seen offshore in autumn, shearing low over the waves.