Little ringed plover
The little ringed plover first nested in the UK in 1938, but has since moved in happily! It has taken advantage of an increase in man-made flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and quarries that provide…
Water vole by Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
The little ringed plover first nested in the UK in 1938, but has since moved in happily! It has taken advantage of an increase in man-made flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and quarries that provide…
This small, white heron is an increasingly common sight in parts of the UK as it spreads north from continental Europe.
This tiny wading bird is most often seen in autumn, feeding on the muddy margins of wetlands.
One of our largest soldier beetles, often found on flowers where they hunt other insects.
Look out for a common lizard basking in the warm sun as you wander around heathlands, moorlands and grasslands. You might even be lucky enough to spot one in your garden, too!
This enormous water beetle is as rare as it is impressive.
Musk mallow has pretty pink flowers that can be seen along roadside verges, hedgerows and field margins in summer. It lives up to its name, producing a delicate, musky smell that increases indoors…
A bright red beetle, with black legs and knobbly antennae, the red-headed cardinal beetle lives up to its name. Look for it in woodland, along hedgerows and in parks and gardens over summer.
Elise has been coming to Potted Histories for four years. The activities help her overcome the pain that arthritis causes her, and to cope better with her diabetes because being outside makes her…
This brightly-coloured beetle is often found feeding on flowers on warm days in late spring and summer.
The common red soldier beetle is also known as the 'bloodsucker' for its striking red appearance, but it is harmless. It is a beneficial garden insect as the adults eat aphids, and the…
This beautiful beetle is fond of damp meadows and woodland rides, where it's often found on umbellifers or thistles.