I recently had the opportunity to attend the official launch of the UK’s National Seagrass Nursery, held by the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) as part of its Blue Meadows project. Based on the River Dart, in Devon, the National Seagrass Nursery spans 400 square metres, making it the largest of its kind in the UK. This exciting launch event brought together a variety of national and local stakeholders, all with a vested interest in safeguarding and restoring our seagrass meadows.
Seagrass plays a vital role in marine ecosystems, with a single hectare capable of supporting 80,000 fish and 100 million small invertebrates. These marine meadows are also important carbon stores, absorbing carbon up to 35 times more efficiently than tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, since the 1930s the UK has lost around 90% of its seagrass beds, with the decline driven by a combination of disturbance, disease and pollution.
The OCT’s Blue Meadows project is working to combat this decline, aiming to protect 10% of all UK seagrass meadows and restore 50ha of seagrass over the next decade. The National Seagrass Nursery is a key component of realising these ambitions, and I was lucky enough to enjoy a guided tour of the facility.
In recent years, the OCT has developed a two-pronged approach to subtidal seagrass restoration, using hydro marine seeding and seagrass mat technology in combination. Reflecting this dual approach, the nursery is divided into two sections. One side of the facility is dedicated to processing seagrass seeds that have been harvested from donor sites along the coast of the South West. These seeds are stored in large tanks and, over time, the organic matter that holds them against the flowering stem rots away, allowing the seeds to sink to the bottom. Some of these seeds will be planted directly into the seabed using the HMS OCToPUS, an innovative injection device reminiscent of a large caulking gun. Others will be taken to the other side of the nursery and planted into sand on hessian mats. These mats are then placed into shallow tanks of fresh seawater, which is pumped in from the nearby estuary. Here, they will grow into plantlets, and after 4–6 months they will be ready for planting into the seabed. The mats are then taken to the chosen restoration site and carefully pegged in place by divers.
Despite the innovative facilities and technology on display at this event, what I was most impressed by was the knowledge and dedication of the team. OCT and its supporters have worked incredibly hard and have already seen some early success with 208ha of seagrass currently protected and 3ha restored. The launch of the National Seagrass Nursery represents an exciting step in UK seagrass restoration, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this initiative. You can learn more about the Blue Meadows project here.
Tributes continue to arise from across the globe as people and institutions remember the life and legacy of Jane Goodall, who has died at the age of 91. The pioneering primatologist and conservationist was regarded as a world expert on chimpanzees, and her discoveries have revolutionised our understanding of ethology. She will be remembered as a tireless advocate for environmental protection and the animal kingdom.
The High Seas Treaty has now reached its 60th ratification, globally, meaning that it will take effect in January 2026. This important environmental milestone provides the foundation for legal mechanisms to create protected areas in international waters outside of national jurisdiction. Ratification represents a positive step towards ocean protection, however MPA designation is not an absolute guarantee that destructive practices will not be banned within the designated area. The British government’s move to continue the allowance of bottom trawling within UK MPAs demonstrates the apparent malleability of the legislation when governance sees an opportunity to override protection in favour of a perceived profit.
The UK itself is still a long way off ratification, but the government has committed to the introduction of legislation, the first step in the process, by the end of the year.
The government has moved to extend the ban on burning vegetation on deep peat. The new legislation means that burning will be banned on all peat that is over 30cm deep. Restrictions are not limited to SSSIs and will cover 676,628ha of deep peat in total – up from 222,000ha under the prior legislation. The ruling has been welcomed by nature groups as a positive step, both towards protection of peatland habitats and tackling the climate crisis.
The Climate Change Act 2008 under threat
Kemi Badenoch has vowed to repeal the Climate Change Act if the conservatives win the next election. The act, which was passed with almost unanimity in 2008, has served as the cornerstone of targets to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change over successive governments. Badenoch has stated that her prospective government would prioritise “growth, cheaper energy, and protecting the natural landscapes we all love”, in a declarative statement that has prompted widespread condemnation from senior conservatives, scientists, economists and businesses. The claims made to support her stance of repeal have been fact checked and reported here.
As part of our ongoing commitment to support wildlife and conservation, all NHBS staff members can apply for up to three days of paid time during each calendar year to spend on conservation projects of their choice. One of our Technical Advisors, Laura, recently spent a week working at RSPB Ynys Lawd / South Stack, in Anglesey. You can read all about her experience below:
Early in 2025, I applied to be a residential volunteer at RSPB Ynys Lawd / South Stack, Anglesey. I was lucky enough to be accepted and spent an incredible week, in early August, on the reserve.
RSPB Ynys Lawd / South Stack is an incredible reserve with swathes of heathland and farmland covering the rugged hills, eventually giving way to rocky sea cliffs. During springtime, large seabird colonies, including Razorbills, Guillemots, Puffins, Fulmars and Kittiwakes, nest in the cliffsides. Choughs and Ravens also call the reserve home, often dancing on the strong sea winds. All three types of Heather can be found there alongside Gorse and the South Stack Fleawort, thought to be endemic to the reserve. Cetaceans journey through the adjoining Irish Sea, with the most common visitors being Risso’s Dolphins, Common Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises.
I participated in the National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2025, run by the Sea Watch Foundation. This nine day citizen science event collects data on the distribution of whales, dolphins and porpoises around the UK. From the iconic Ellin’s Tower, we watched the seascape for an hour and noted any cetaceans that came past. The most memorable sighting was a pod of five Risso’s Dolphins with a calf! These distinctive dolphins are among the largest dolphin species, with some adult males growing up to 3.8 m long. Mature Risso’s Dolphins have unique bodily scarring patterns or ‘rake marks’, caused by members of their own species during social interactions, making them easier to individually identify. They’re also amazing acrobats, as we observed when we were lucky enough to spot a lone male doing backflips in the water! If you want to learn more about these enigmatic creatures, you can read our latest issue of British Wildlife.
Douglas Croft: NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries on Flickr
A lot of my time was spent engaging with visitors and discussing the array of wildlife that inhabits the reserve. From Ellin’s Tower, alongside cetaceans, I observed Grey Seals and seabirds. By August, most of the nesting seabirds had already left, however, the cliffs were by no means deserted. Kittiwakes, Herring Gulls, and Greater Black-backed Gulls were still populating the rocks. Gannets sailed past in the mornings, diving and emerging triumphantly with beaks full of fish. My personal favourite sighting was a juvenile Peregrine Falcon which swooped past the cliffs, honing its hunting skills with impressive dives and turns. Choughs are year-round residents, often announcing their presence with their distinctive “Chee-ow” call and playing in the strong sea winds.
Other days were taken up by roaming the reserve and ensuring it remained clean and free of litter. Handily, they had one of our old-style pond nets, which made it easy to ensure that the wildlife pond was kept free of rubbish.
All in all, I had a wonderful week, thanks in part to the beautiful surroundings and wildlife but also to the lovely staff and other volunteers who made me feel so welcome. It’s an experience I would heartily recommend.
Members of the fungal kingdom come in a remarkably diverse variety of shapes, sizes and colours. This blog provides an introduction to several captivating and commonly encountered fungal genera, highlighting their key characteristics, applications and identification tips.
We hope that this guide serves as a useful starting point to help recognise a few of the broad groups of mushrooms commonly encountered in the UK, but it should not be used for foraging purposes. There are around 15,000 species of fungi in Britain and identification can be extremely challenging, often requiring microscopic examination. Even in popular edible groups there are species or lookalikes that can cause serious illness, so it is vitally important to never collect or consume mushrooms unless you are absolutely certain of the identification.
There are around 600 species in the Amanita genus across the globe. This fascinating group exhibit great diversity but are best known for Fly Agarics and their distinctive crimson cap which features in mythology, folklore, art and media. While some members of this genus are edible, Amanitas are better known for their poisonous qualities and hallucinogenic properties. There are roughly fifty Amanita species that can be found within the UK. Around fifteen species are common and can be readily found near the base of trees, and five of these individuals are considered poisonous. Despite containing some edible species, the genusis generally avoided and are not considered safe for the novice forager.
Key Characteristics: Amanita’s form a mycorrhizal symbiotic relationship with trees – where they release enzymes and other organic acids to break down organic matter, making the nutrition in the soil more bioavailable. In turn, trees will provide Amanitas with nutrition synthesised through photosynthesis. These mushrooms can be characterised by white (or off-white) gills, that are closely spaced and free from the stipe and they are often seen with irregular patches, or ‘warts’ on the cap, which are fragments of the veil – a membrane that enclosed the young mushroom.
Uses or Applications: Research has shown potential for Aminata species in healthcare, particularly for their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Historically, Fly Agarics have also been used as an insecticide, where they were broken up into milk and used to trap flies.
Species Examples: Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa), Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria), Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina)
Introduction: More than 100 Mycena species can be found throughout Britain and Ireland, although less than half of these are considered common or widespread in distribution. They are often referred to as ‘bonnets’ and consist of small, delicate toadstools with fragile stems and a number of these species are known to be bioluminescent, caused by a chemical reaction within the tissue cells.
Key Characteristics: A small conical or bell-shaped mushroom with a thin stem. Mycena caps can be translucent or may have light striations and on the underside, gills are attached to the stipe and produce white spores. Due to their small size (caps from 0.5 – 15cm), some species may only be identified through microscopic examination and spore sampling.
Uses or Applications: Due to their small size, Mycena are not considered edible – some species within the genus are poisonous, and since the group are difficult to identify, they are generally regarded as unsuitable for foraging.
Species Examples: Common Bonnet (Mycena galericulata), Rosy Bonnet (Mycena rosea), Lilac Bonnet (Mycena pura)
Introduction: The Psyilocybe genus is a widespread group of mushrooms, some of which are well known for their psychoactive properties. They are found across the globe in a range of nutrient rich habitats, and can be found growing in clusters in mossy, grassy or forested areas in the UK. The genus is split into two clades, one of which is comprised of hallucinogenic species that have a blue staining reaction when bruised (however it is worth noting that not all blue-staining fungal species contain psilocybin).
Key Characteristics: Psilocybes fall into the ‘little brown mushroom’ category – a non-descript, brown to yellow coloured mushroom that is small to medium in size. These gilled toadstools typically produce a dark spore print, have a slender stipe and a hygrophanous cap that changes colour as moisture levels change in the mushroom tissue.
Uses or Applications: Psilocybes are often referred to as ‘magic mushrooms’ for their psychoactive properties. Species in this genus can contain compounds such as psilocybin, which induce hallucination and changes in perception for those who have ingested the compound and has been historically used to treat some psychiatric conditions.
Species Examples: Liberty Cap (Psilocybe semilanceata), Wavy Cap (Psilocybe cyanescens).
Introduction: A genus of puffball mushrooms with approximately fifty species across the globe. These instantly recognisable fungi are common and widespread around the UK and can be found on the ground in woodland and pasture with plenty of leaf litter, where they decompose organic matter.
Key Characteristics: Lycoperdon species have a distinctive set of characteristics that allow for easy identification. These small-medium sized balls do not have gills or spores and have no cap. They tend not to have a stipe, but some species do have a small one that can appear thicker. Some species have a tough outer skin, and inside, the mushroom should have white, spongy flesh that turns yellow or brown as the spores mature. Members of this genus are basidiomycetes – they produce spores within the basidia (a microscopic spore-producing structure) which are located inside the fruiting body, releasing a cloud of spores when squeezed.
Uses or Applications: Most species in the Lycoperdon genus are edible. They are said to have a mild taste and smell, making them choice edibles for many foragers. Although they have a tendency to become slimy once cooked, puffballs are a common substitute in various vegetarian dishes.
Historically, puffballs have been used in medicine for their hemostatic properties which stop or slow the flow of blood, and blacksmiths in particular are known to have kept puffballs in the forge for these properties, as well as their ability to aid in the healing of burns.
Species Examples: Common Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum), Pestle Puffball (Lycoperdon excipuliforme), Stump Puffball (Lycoperdon pyriforme)
Introduction: There are around 250 Boletus species worldwide, which until recently, were divided into smaller families and have since combined to form a larger genus. There are approximately 80 species of Bolete within the family Boletaceae in the UK, and many of these are choice edible species for foragers. As a largely mycorrhizal group, Boletes are commonly found in woodland or forest but may also be found in grassland habitats. Boletes can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours –appearing quite large with thick, meaty fruiting bodies or smaller in size with more delicate features. Species in this group are basidiomycetes – instead of gills, these mushrooms have spongy, pore-filled masses on the underside of the cap which release spores.
Key Characteristics: Boletes are usually large, fleshy mushrooms with a thick stipe, characterised by spore-bearing structures on the underside of the cap, called tubes. The group is basidiomycetes, which feature a spongy mass containing pores that disperse white to yellow spores into the air. A large number of Boletes are also known to form mycorrhizal relationships with trees, and can often be found under broadleaf and coniferous trees.
Uses or Applications: A number of Bolete species are edible, including the King Bolete, and are considered some of the most versatile edible fungi.
Species Examples: King/Cep/Porcini/Penny Bun Bolete (Boletus edulis), Summer Bolete (Boletus reticulatus), Bronze Bolete (Boletus aereus)
If you’d like to delve deeper into the world of fungi and attempt to identify the mushrooms species you come across, here are our top picks to get you started:
As anticipated, in 2025, UK seas have had their warmest temperatures since records began. The first seven months of the year average 0.2°C higher than any year since 1980.
The observable outcome of this is the sometimes-abundant appearance of marine species that are usually found in low numbers in UK waters – Common Octopus, Bluefin Tuna, Mauve Stingers and Barrel Jellyfish have all been observed at unprecedented levels. Although likely to delight some marine naturalists, the unusually high presence of these species could be indicative of ecosystem destabilisation and the collapse of the global aquatic food web.
An eco-populist shift for the Green party
Zack Polanski has won the election to lead the Green Party in the UK. Defeating Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns, two of the party’s four elected MPs, Polanski promises to actualise his vision of a green, mass membership, ‘eco-populist’ movement. The new leader aims to reverse the perceived ineffectuality of the established party approach by tactically parroting, and ideologically challenging, Nigel Farage and Reform UK.
The new leader is ‘open to’ collaboration with Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana’s temporarily titled ‘Your Party’ and has directly vowed to replace Keir Starmer’s Labour.
It is unclear what the Green’s ‘eco-populist’ shift will mean for UK politics, but Polanski’s election victory represents a significant development for a splintered but variously surging political left.
Campaigners from Wild Justice and the Badger Trust have launched a legal challenge against the government’s decision to award additional badger cull permits. The controversial decision to renew licences, despite a previously promised ‘phase out’, has been met with considerable pushback from campaigners who cite the shaky evidence used to justify the culling of badgers in the UK. Rosie Wood, chairperson of the Badger Trust, says that ‘Bovine TB is overwhelmingly a cattle-to-cattle spread disease.? Follow the evidence – end the badger cull, stop this egregious attack on nature and stop misleading the public, farmers and the taxpayer.’ Look out for her commentary on the ongoing case in an upcoming issue of British Wildlife.
A setback for the global plastics treaty
The United Nations meeting marked the most recent push to actualise a global plastics treaty. Representatives of 100 nations called for an ambitious and effective treaty to curtail global plastic production but were stalled by 234 lobbyists from the oil industry who argued instead for a focus on ‘recycling’ and the continuation of unregulated plastic production. This breakdown of negotiation is the latest in a long line of failures to meet deadlines for the treaty – meaning business as usual for oil states and the accelerated detriment for ecosystems.
NHBS has teamed up with the Wild Planet Trust as part of our ongoing commitment to support wildlife and conservation. We have donated over 30 habitat boxes alongside wildlife cameras for use both on their local reserves and zoo sites.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Reserves Warden Dave Ellacott, who is responsible for both the Primely and Clennon reserves. This week, we chatted to him about the work of the trust, his plans for the donated boxes and what successes and challenges he faces in his work.
Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about Wild Planet Trust, what you do and how the organisation began?
Wild Planet Trust – previously called the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust – operates zoos, but we also manage nature reserves. I look after two of them: Primley and Clennon. Primley is what remains of the old garden and parkland that surrounded Primley House, the former estate of the Whitley family and residence of the zoo’s founder, Herbert Whitley. In 1995, the first warden was brought in to transform it into a local nature reserve and public open space. It’s been a popular spot for locals ever since. Clennon serves a slightly different purpose. For the most part, there is no public access. This allows us to safeguard the habitat from disturbances caused by human presence. However, Paignton Zoo’s Nature Trail, which zoo visitors can access, offers the public the opportunity to experience a small corner of this reserve, including our traditionally managed coppice woodland. Both reserves play their part in supporting local ecosystems while offering people genuinely rewarding places to connect with nature.
What are you hoping to achieve with the installation of our habitat boxes across your three nature reserves?
These sites already have considerable natural assets – caves, some magnificent veteran trees, and areas we deliberately leave undisturbed. The habitat boxes should provide those additional ecological niches that might otherwise be absent. It’s about creating opportunities for species that need very specific conditions for nesting or shelter. Every habitat has its gaps, and these installations should help fill some of those spaces. We’re curious to see what takes up residence and how it might shift the balance of wildlife we’re already supporting.
A large part of the work that Wild Planet Trust does is focused on educating the next generation on the natural world. Why do you think this is so important?
While education isn’t really my area – I’m more focused on the practical side of habitat management – I can see how these reserves function as living demonstrations of what healthy ecosystems actually look like. When families explore the Nature Trail at Clennon or spend time wandering Primley’s varied landscapes, they’re experiencing woodland, meadow, and wetland habitats firsthand rather than just reading about them. There’s something valuable in that direct encounter with nature that you simply can’t replicate in a classroom. People need to feel that connection before they truly understand why conservation matters.
What conservation challenges have you faced over the past few years?
Ash Dieback has been particularly challenging – it’s an ongoing process of assessment, removal, and replanting that’s fundamentally altered the character of our woodlands. You’re constantly weighing safety against habitat value and planning for a very different canopy structure than what was there before. Then there’s the perpetual balancing act between maintaining public access and protecting sensitive habitats – you want people to engage with these places without compromising their ecological integrity. But we’re increasingly seeing the impact from climate change too, which adds another layer of complexity. From gradual shifts in species behaviour and plant communities, to the sudden loss of our 230-year-old Lucombe oak in Primley during Storm Kathleen last year – we’re continuously having to adapt our management approaches while working within realistic resource constraints. All of this means being strategic about where you can make the most meaningful impact.
Halting species decline and preserving vital ecosystems is a key aspect of the work you do. Do you have a favourite success story that you can share with us?
The transformation of Primley’s meadowland over the past three decades is probably our most satisfying long-term achievement. It’s been a simple but persistent approach – removing the annual hay crop to gradually reduce soil fertility and allow a more diverse plant community to establish. What was once a rather monotonous sward dominated by aggressive grasses has evolved into diverse wildflower meadow. The change has been incremental but vital for native biodiversity, supporting insects, birds, and small mammals. It’s a perfect example of how patient, consistent management can restore ecosystems, even if the results take decades to fully appreciate.
Finally, are you working on any other conservation projects at the moment that we can hear about?
Maintaining what we have certainly keeps us occupied, but we’re also developing some thoughtful enhancement projects. We’re planning watercourse improvements across both sites – installing leaky dams and other features that should improve flood resilience while creating diverse wetland habitats. The Ash Dieback situation, while challenging, has also created opportunities to diversify our woodland structure with more resilient native species. We’re thinking carefully about connectivity too – how these reserves can better serve as stepping stones in the broader landscape for wildlife movement. It’s about working pragmatically with the challenges we face while looking for those opportunities to genuinely improve what we can offer.
“Make Ecocide An International Crime Now” sign on the tarmac at a rally against climate change – Ivan Radic,Flickr
Progress towards the recognition of ecocide as an international crime
A motion (motion 061), supported by the Wildlife trusts among other environmental groups, invites IUCN members to support the recognition of ecocide as an international crime. Supporters, including wildlife trusts CEO Craig Bennett, argue that recognition would ensure that no actor can cause severe, widespread or long-term harm to nature without facing criminal consequences. Proponents have argued for decades (including a notable 10-year campaign led by barrister and green ambassador Polly Higgins) that international recognition of ecocide as a crime is essential if we are to collectively mitigate global environmental crises and protect nature. The motion will be considered at the next IUCN World Conservation Congress, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in October.
Restrictions on the use of lead ammunition in Britain
Almost all shotgun pellets and bullets containing lead are to be banned in the UK under restrictions which will be phased in between 2025- 2028. The persistence of the usage of lead in shooting has led to the death of an estimated 100,000 waterfowl each year, alongside countless other grit-eating birds, raptors and scavengers. The new restrictions have been welcomed by environmental groups and are consequent to a decades long campaign. The story up to this point was covered in British Wildlife Volume 36.4.
Image from Gulf Oil Spill Bird Treatment in Louisiana provided by International Bird Rescue Research Center. Photo by Brian Epstein via IBRRC, Flickr
The global impact of chronic oiling
The Guardian and Watershed Investigations have revealed damning statistics which underly a lack of understanding of the extent of oil spills in global seas. Extensive research, through the analysis of hundreds of thousands of satellite images over a five-year period shows that only 474 of more than 90,000 oil slicks from ships were reported to authorities between 2014 and 2019. The figures suggest that the extent of anthropogenic oil pollution has been grossly underestimated.
Lost jellyfish rediscovered
A species of stalked jellyfish, Depastrum cyathiforme, that had not been seen anywhere globally for more than 40 years and had never captured on camera has reemerged in the Outer Hebrides.
Naturalist, Neil Roberts, took the first photographs of the thistle shaped jellyfish in 2023. Its rediscovery, revealed by British Wildlife magazine, has been confirmed by a follow-up search that successfully located another individual. Marine naturalists have called for further exploration to establish whether populations exist outside of South Uist, around wider Britain and mainland Europe.
Course attendees learning small mammal survey techniques at the Field Studies Council’s Preston Montford activity centre
In the lead-up to this year’s National Mammal Week (21st-27th April), NHBS was kindly invited by the Mammal Society a preview of their new Mammal Identification and Ecology residential training course.
The Mammal Society is an active charity and learned society dedicated to the study and conservation of all British mammals. Founded in 1954, the organisation plays a crucial role in promoting research, education, and advocacy for mammal conservation. The Mammal Society works closely with scientists, policymakers, and the public to gather data, inform policy, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving Britain’s mammals species. The society’s efforts are vital in addressing the challenges faced by mammals, including habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.
Course attendees surveying habitat at the Field Studies Council’s Preston Montford activity centre
A golden ticket
I was fortunate enough to receive the golden ticket to this enriching experience – a preview of a new immersive, hands-on training course focused on British mammals. Heading to Field Studies Council (FSC) Preston Montford activity centre, I was looking forward to engaging with ecologists, conservationists, and enthusiasts, all united by their passion for conserving UK mammal populations. I was also excited to gain insights into the equipment and methods used for monitoring mammals and to enhance my own identification skills.
The training course aimed to introduce participants to the skills needed for mammal identification and help us familiarise ourselves with various monitoring methods. These skills are crucial for accurately tracking population trends, population movements, and the factors influencing changes in conservation status. With one in four mammal species threatened with extinction in Britain, gathering detailed data is more important than ever.
The FSC’s centre, surrounded by fields, woodland, ponds, and the nearby River Wye, provided an ideal backdrop for a mix of fieldwork and classroom-based learning. With the added presence of an evening bar, this was a most appropriate venue where course participants could exchange their thoughts and evaluations.
Diving into mammal identification
The course kicked off on Friday evening with a hands-on session preparing Longworth Small Mammal Traps. We strategically placed 40 traps in an area of mixed habitat (the more traps you put out the better the chances of success). We added hay to each trap and baited them with seeds and blowfly pupae to attract rodents and shrews. The next morning, our efforts were rewarded with the capture of a Wood Mouse and a Common Shrew. It was fascinating to learn about the shrew’s high metabolic rate and the importance of providing food in the traps.
Longworth Small Mammal Traps ready for deployment (left) and a mix of hay, seeds and blowfly larvae (right).A Wood Mouse (left) and a Common Shrew (right) from the Longworth traps.
Additional monitoring methods included audio recording equipment, a Mammal Footprint Tunnel, and an improvised close-focus camera trap. The overnight footage from the camera revealed some curious Rabbits, adding to the excitement of our findings.
Footprint tunnel (left) and a trail camera tunnel (right) left out to survey mammals.
Classroom insights and field adventures
Saturday was packed with classroom sessions in a room that had been kitted out with mammal skins, skulls, nests, owl pellets, droppings and publications. The morning session was devoted to gaining a deeper understanding of small mammals and their ecological roles. The afternoon session focused on herbivores, teaching us how to identify the six species of deer in the UK and recognise signs of Wild Boar presence, such as uprooted turf.
A highlight of the day was the field session, where we searched for signs of mammal activity. From tunnels through grass and soil to footprints, droppings and gnawed hazelnuts, the landscape was teeming with evidence of our furry neighbours. The evening session on carnivores was equally engaging, with discussions on the UK’s mustelids, the elusive Wildcat, and the controversies surrounding mammal persecution and reintroduction.
The evening concluded with a session on bats, followed by a thrilling field trip with bat detectors and thermal imaging monoculars.
Dan dissecting owl pellets to assess the contents.
Sunday morning saw us checking the results from our field monitoring equipment. The most challenging part for me was the classroom session on tracks and signs, where I struggled with a footprint quiz. Dissecting owl pellets was a unique experience, revealing the remains a Field Vole and a Common Shrew in the pellet I looked at.
Owl pellets (left) and exposed Field Vole skull, bones and fur (right).
The final session covered sea mammals, such as dolphins, whales and seals after which a weekend of comprehensive learning was rounded off with a course evaluation.
Post-event musings
The Mammal Society’s training course was an invaluable experience, combining hands-on fieldwork with insightful classroom sessions. I returned with a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of the UK’s mammals, as well as the importance of ongoing conservation efforts. Equally, I gained a refreshed appreciation for the profound knowledge and dedication of the members of the Mammal Society. I also learned about some handy wildlife recording apps, such as the Mammal Society’s own Mammal Mapper, and iRecord for all biological recording. Whether you’re a seasoned ecologist or a curious enthusiast, you’re sure to return from this training enlightened and motivated.
Often seen as mere picnic nuisances, the UK is home to a surprising variety of wasps, including both social and solitary species. While many of us will be familiar with the iconic black and yellow social wasps, numerous solitary species display incredible diversity in both form and behaviour. Distinguishing them can seem daunting, but key features like body shape, coloration, and reproductive behaviour can offer valuable clues.
Here, we’ll explore a selection of common wasp species, and some wasp families found across the UK, detailing their identifying characteristics and the typical habitats they can be found in.
Common European Yellowjacket (Vespa vulgaris)
Common wasp DSC_5493_edited-1 by Clifton Beard, via flickr.
Identification: Between 11-19mm in length with striking black and yellow stripes.These social wasps have six abdominal sections, each with one stripe, and there is a very distinguished waist between the thorax and the abdomen, which has black dots and rings. The species has a conspicuous face on a triangular shaped head with a black anchor or dagger shaped mark towards the base, and a pair of long, robust antennae. They have yellow cheeks and yellow legs.
Distribution: Widespread throughout the UK. Common Social Wasps can be found in almost all habitats, particularly grassland, heathland and woodland from mid-March to November.
Red Wasp (Vespula rufa)
Rote Wespe (Vespula rufa) by Frank Vassen, via flickr.
Identification: Growing up to 20mm in length, Red Wasps can easily be distinguished from V. vulgaris by reddish-brown markings on their upper back segments.
Distribution: Widespread, and frequently found in open woodland, moorland and hedge banks from the end of March until September.
Identification: Hornets are Britain’s largest social wasp species. Around 15-35mm in size. The abdomen is yellow and unbanded, with brown markings on the upper parts, while the thorax is black and reddish-brown. Their legs are a reddish brown – a characteristic that can distinguish them from Asian Hornets – and antennae are yellow or brown in colour.
Distribution: Widespread distribution and commonly found throughout England and Wales. Hornets can be found in many lowland habitats and are known to associate with ancient woodland, wood pasture and can be found in parks and gardens in more urban areas. Queens emerge from overwintering in early April, while workers can typically be seen from late June to November.
Identification: Typically smaller than native hornets, this invasive species can grow up to 3cm in length. Their abdomen is dark in colour with fine yellow stripes, and the fourth segment towards the base of the hornet is distinctly yellow orange in colour, while the thorax is entirely black or dark brown and appears velvety in texture. From the front, the head appears orange and the legs have yellow tips.
Distribution: Yellow-legged Asian Hornets were first recorded in England around 2016, after they were accidentally introduced from Asia. They have mostly been recorded in the south of England, particularly the South-east.
Wasp Families
The diversity of wasp families in the UK is vast and presents a significant identification challenge. In this blog, we have chosen to focus on a number of wasp families to demonstrate the wonderful diversity of this group.
Ichneumon Wasps
Sabre Wasp – Rhyssa persuasoria by Nature Spot. Ichneumon wasp by nutmeg66, via flickr. Barylypa propugnator by Nature Spot.
There are around 2,500 species of Ichneumon wasp in the UK. These small insects can vary in size but generally reach up to 1 ½ inches in length. They exhibit a wide range of colours and patterns, some with brightly coloured bands, and others with more subtle markings. Ichneumon Wasps can be distinguished by a slender sickle-shaped abdomen and a pair of long antennae, each with at least 16 segments. They have a narrow waist, long jointed legs and two pairs of wings. These parasitic wasps inhabit flower-rich meadows, gardens and woodland – they can often be seen around umbellifers or investigating vegetation and dead wood.
The UK is estimated to have 86 Gall Wasps, a group of well-studied parasitic wasps.This group gets its name for a unique reproductive behaviour where adults lay eggs in the soft tissues of trees, flowers and other plants, creating a gall as the larva develop. Usually on the underside of leaves, branches and around acorns, these wasps produce conspicuous galls on their host plant – interestingly, they usually only infect a specific species of genus, for example, Citrus Gall Wasps will exclusively parasitise citrus trees.After overwintering, the larvae will emerge in spring and can be seen throughout summer. They are typically under 5mm in size, shiny, and are black or brown in colour with a humped thorax and wings.
Cuckoo Wasps
Crysis cf impressa close-cropped by Nigel Jones, via flickr. Chrysis fulgida by Ryszard, via flickr. Chrysis viridula by Tim Worfolk, via flickr.
Instantly recognisable by their brilliant metallic body colours in shades of blue, green, purple and red, these small chrysidids are also known as jewel or ruby tailed wasps. There are around 31 species of Cuckoo Wasp in the UK, which can be seen in sunny weather from April to October in a range of habitats; particularly in sandy soils around coastal areas, gardens and ancient woodlands. The group are often seen investigating the nests of other Hymenoptera species in order to reproduce – these parasitic species will enter the host nest and lay their own eggs in the host cells. Once hatched, Cuckoo wasp larvae will eat the eggs and larvae of the host species before restarting the cycle – hence the name ‘cuckoo’.
Recommended Reading:
Wasps of the World | Feb 2024
A richly illustrated guide to wasps around the world, providing a breathtaking look at the characteristics, habitats and lifestyles of these extraordinary insects.
Wasps | May 2021
Written by a leading authority on these remarkable insects, Wasps reveals a world of staggering variety and endless fascination and is packed with over 150 incredible colour illustrations.
Hymenoptera | May 2023
Comprehensive and packed with richly illustrated keys and thousands of colour photographs, this volume provides the reader with an enjoyable introduction to a huge group of organisms.
FSC Discovery Guide: Buzzing Insects | March 2025
From Marmalade Hoverflies to Chocolate Mining-bees, discover 30 stripy insects that buzz, whizz and hover through meadows, parks and gardens with this compact fold-out guide.
2025 marks the fifth year that NHBS has participated in Plantlife’s #NoMowMay campaign which encourages people across the UK to put away their lawnmowers and let their grass grow wild throughout the spring, with the aim of providing vital habitats for a wide range of species. As in previous years, we requested that the verges and lawns surrounding the premises be spared from mowing or strimming from late April and all through May to allow more plant species to flower.
We’ve seen good numbers of daisies, buttercups and Germander Speedwell alongside a handful of charming clover species including Red and White Clovers and Black and Spotted Medick. Ribwort Plantain, Common Vetch, Ox-eye Daisy and docks are adding height in places and a handful of common grass species are present and swaying nicely.
Common Spotted Orchid
We do have one beautiful Common Spotted Orchid flowering now as June begins, though sadly, there’s not been returning Bee Orchids this year, for the first time while we’ve been participating in the campaign.
There’s been a fair few bees, wasps, flies and beetles visiting the flowers, though invertebrate activity all round has felt somewhat diminished from previous years. Through May we had scattered sightings of Orange-Tip, Peacock and Tortoiseshell butterflies, and now as June is arriving Meadow Browns have emerged.
#NoMowMay is a fantastic initiative by Plantlife that has highlighted the importance of giving wild plants places to thrive through a crucial stage in their lifecycles and therefore enrich and advance the opportunities for pollinator species, and the wider web of life that depends upon green spaces, including us humans. It’s vital that spaces are left wilder for longer than May, and to encourage this, Plantlife are encouraging the public to let their lawns or grassy areas continue to bloom through June (and again, ideally beyond) with #LetitbloomJune! We’re hopeful that our lawn will be left to flower throughout the summer too.
Outside NHBS at the beginning of June 2025
At NHBS we offer a large variety of books for learning more about habitat maintenance, the importance of species who rely on the restoration and reinvigoration of wilder spaces and many helpful field guides for identifying who’s growing in and visiting your local park or garden!
