The red mason bee is a common, gingery bee that can be spotted nesting in the crumbling mortar of old walls. Encourage bees to nest in your garden by putting out a tin can full of short, hollow…

The common pipistrelle is so small, it can fit into a matchbox! Despite its size, it can easily eat 3,000 insects a night: look for it flitting around the garden or a lit lamp post as it chases…

These bulky beetles can sometimes be found on flowers in woodland rides or along hedgerows.

This long-lived bivalve can be found buried in the sand on the south and west coasts of the UK.

With black-and-yellow markings, the Hornet robberfly looks like its namesake, but is harmless to us. This mimicry helps to protect it from predators while it perches in the open, waiting for its…

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.