The NHBS Guide to UK Grassland Fungi

In the past 75 years, over 90% of western Europe’s grasslands have disappeared. These overlooked and undervalued habitats deliver essential ecosystem services that contribute to the function of the planet – they provide key wildlife habitat, can store large amounts of carbon, and are instrumental in mitigating soil erosion and flood management, which is essential as our landscapes adapt to climate change.

Grassland fungi – such as those outlined in this identification guide – form a distinctive community in these habitats and are key indicators of ancient meadow and unimproved grassland. These species fruit from late summer until winter, and vary greatly in size, shape, colour and texture, from the pale, spherical Earthball to vibrant, slender coral fungi.

In this guide, explore a selection of grassland fungi groups, as well as individual species, that are commonly found across Britain, and read about their identifying features, size and distribution.

Groups

Waxcaps (Hygrocybe)

Identification: There are about 150 different species of Hygrocybe (meaning ‘watery head’) in the UK, and these are a very easily identifiable group. They are characterised by their vibrant, smooth waxy caps that come in a range of bright colours, including red, pink, yellow, orange and brown. When present on the fruiting body, gills are thick but evenly coloured and spaced.

Distribution: Found in nutrient-poor grasslands, such as grazed upland, and often grow alongside other groups including Pinkgills, Corals, Clubs and Earthtongues throughout late summer and autumn.

Size: 5-7cm

Club and Corals (Clavariaceae)

Yellow club fungus. — Yellow club fungus by Jo Graeser.

Identification: These distinctive fungi are easily recognisable by their slender, forking branches that are often rooted in buried wood. They have thick, dense finger or club shaped stalks that grow from a central base, often in clusters, and can be bright yellow, pale pink or white. Coral fungi produce yellow spores from the tip of their branches.

Distribution: Coral fungi predominantly grow on wood, but can also be found in soil, leaf litter or in short grasses and moss from July to November.

Size: 4-10cm

Wood Pinkgill (Entoloma rhodopolium)

Brown caps of wood pinkgill mushrooms (Entoloma rhodopolium) in Huntsville State Park. Texas. — Brown caps of wood pinkgill mushrooms (Entoloma rhodopolium) via Texas Mushrooms.

Identification: Often found in large groups, this very common pinkgill mushroom is defined by its convex, rounded fruiting body that flattens at the bottom of the skirt. Juvenile mushrooms have tightly packed white gills, and turn a light shade of pink with maturity. They feature a long, smooth, lightly coloured stem measuring 4-9cm long.

Distribution: Most commonly found throughout the summer until late autumn in deciduous broadleaf woodlands.

Size: 3-5cm

Note: Poisonous

Species

Earthtongue fungi (Geoglossum fallax)

Earthtongues - Glutinoglossum by Lukas Large, via flickr. — Earthtongues – Glutinoglossum by Lukas Large, via flickr.

Identification: A widespread species found across Britain and Ireland, Earthtongues are characterised by black or dark brown stromata with a single, club-like fruiting body growing from a cylindrical, scaly stem. The head is grooved and makes up a third of the body, and it is covered in fine hairs to protect its fertile spores.

Distribution: Grows in mossy, unimproved and acidic grassland such as old churchyards from August to November.

Size: 2-7cm

Common Inkcap (Coprinopsis atramentaria)

Inkcap Trio by Derek Winterburn, via flickr.

Identification: Starting off as a smooth, egg-shaped ball with scaled central area, the grey or greyish-brown cap later expands into a soft bell shape with a slight curve at its margin. The stem of an inkcap is smooth and reddish-brown in colour, with hundreds of crowded gills that are white at first, but later darken to brown and black before being auto-digested by the fruiting head.

Distribution: Fruits in small clumps on tree stumps, buried hardwood, woodland footpaths and parkland from May until November. Some solitary specimens have been sighted on occasion.

Size: 3-7cm

Note: Poisonous

Petticoat Mottlegill (Panaeolus papilionaceus)

Identification: Petticoat Mottlegills are recognisable by their smooth bell caps with a serrated edge, and can be pale brown, greyish-brown or pallid grey, with a darker centre. The fused-together gills are a pale, greyish brown with white edges that turn dark brown and black with maturity, and the thin, cylindrical stem is covered in a fine white powder.

Distribution: Commonly located in groups on rotted dung from June to November.

Size: 6-12cm

Common Earthball (Scleroderma citrinum)

Identification: Ranging from light ochre to mid-brown or green, with a yellow tinge on its upper surface, the Earthballs rounded, fruiting body is attached to the ground with white mycelial threads and is stemless. It has tough, thick skin covered in coarse scales that vary in size and shape, which rupture as the head matures to allow the wind and rain to disperse its spores – which are white when young, and darken to brown or purple with age. These empty shells often remain in sheltered woodland hollows for many months before decaying.

Distribution: Acidic, well-drained soil near forest paths or on shady banks from July to early December.

Size: 4-10cm

Common Parasol (Macrolepiota procera)

Parasol Fungi by Bernard Spragg, via flickr.

Identification: This edible species of mushroom is round in shape with a pale brown, spherical cap that darkens as it nears the crown. The cap breaks into a scaly texture that features a darker brown, central bump called an umbo. The broad, crowded gills of Common Parasol mushrooms are white or pale cream, and the cap has a white flesh when cut into. The tough, fibrous stem is surrounded by a smooth, white double-edged ring decorated with small brown scales that are comparable to snakeskin.

Distribution: Commonly found on verges, neglected grassland or cliffs, with multiple mushrooms growing in a slightly wavy line, from July to November.

Size: 10-25cm

The NHBS Guide to UK Bracket Fungi

Bracket fungi (basidiomycetes), also known as shelf or polypore fungi, can grow on both dead or living trees and cause widespread heartwood decay deep inside its host. These fungal bodies appear year-round depending on the species and produce bracket-shaped fruit on the trunk, roots or branches of the host tree that can span up to 70cm in diameter.

There are over 1,000 species of bracket fungi worldwide, and here you can explore a selection of bracket fungi found in Britain, detailing their identifying features, when and where they can be found.

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) – also known as Sulphur polypore’

Identification: This easy to spot, sulphur-yellow fungus can grow up to 40cm in diameter and features numerous thick, soft, overlapping brackets. When young, they have a velvety texture and orange bands across yellow flesh, which fades to light cream with age. Each bracket is fan-shaped with an undulating margin, while the underside has small pores and produces a yellow liquid when squeezed.

Distribution: June to November. Mainly grows on oak tree trunks, but can also be found on Yew, cherry, chestnut and willows.

Size: 10-40cm

Hen-of-the-Woods (Grifola frondosa)

Identification: This large, very distinctive fungus features many flat, interlocking lobes growing from a dense centre attached to the foot of a tree. The underside of the fronds are cream in colour, their top side can vary from brown to grey, and the flesh is pale cream. It’s very common for multiple growths to emerge from one host, and fully grown hen-of-the-woods can weigh several kilograms.

Distribution: August to November. Predominantly around the base of mature oak trees but they do occasionally grow on other deciduous species.

Size: Up to 70cm

Turkeytail (Trametes versicolor)

Turkeytail Fungi (Trametes versicolor) by Jo Graeser.

Identification: Turkeytail fungi produce thin but tough semi-circular caps in tight, overlapping tiers that have a slightly hairy, velvety texture. It has a range of concentrated coloured rings that are a mix of black, brown, grey, yellow, purple and green, however the outer ring along the edge of the bell is pale in colour. Often confused with Stereum ostrea (or False Turkeytail) this species can be correctly identified by its white underside featuring hundreds of visible pores.

Distribution: Can be found on fallen hardwood trees such as Beech or oak throughout the year, but is most abundant from late spring to autumn.

Size: 4-10cm

Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica)

Beefsteak fungus (WGP). — Image by David Short via flickr.

Identification: This bracket fungus can be pink, red or brown in colour, with a light underside full of pores that turn red with age. Featuring a slightly inflated edge that flattens as it matures, Beefsteak fungus is moist to the touch and produces smooth, round, pale pink spores.

Distribution: August to November. Usually found in broadleaved woodlands on oak trees.

Size: 6-25cm

Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus) – Also known as the Razorstrop fungus

Identification: Birch Polypore is a common bracket fungus that grows exclusively on birch trees. It has a rounded, brown-white cap with a rubber or leather-like texture and white pores on its underside.

Distribution: It can be found year-round on the lower trunk of birch trees and fallen birch branches.

Size: 10-20cm

Dryads Saddle (Cerioporus squamosus)

More Dryad's saddle. — Image by Andrew Hill via flickr.

Identification: This species of fungi grows in overlapping tiers on dead or dying broad-leaved trees, particularly elm, Beech and Sycamore. Recognisable by their distinctly textured, creamy-ochre brackets, these fungiemerge at soil level at the base of the host tree or higher up the trunk. The underside of the fruit features hundreds of honeycomb-shaped pores.

Distribution: This fungus fruits in the summer and again in autumn, and is most commonly seen from April to September on deciduous trees and fallen wood on the forest floor.

Size: Up to 70cm

Southern Bracket (Ganoderma australe)

Identification: Southern Bracket fungi can grow on both living and dying deciduous trees and first appear in the form of solid, white balls. Over a number of years, these develop into large, thick brackets with a flat brownish top and a white underside. As the fungus ages, the smooth top can become ridged and bumpy, and when the underside is scored it produces dark brown marks. This fungus can be easily confused with the Artists Fungi ( applanatum), however they can be distinguished by examining their spores under a microscope.

Distribution: This is the most common species of the Ganoderma genus and fruits on most deciduous trees from April to August.

Size: Up to 60cm

King Alfred’s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica)

Identification: These fungi present themselves in the form of hard, round lumps roughly the size of a golf ball and are a matt, pinky-brown colour when young. As they mature, they darken to a coal colour and become shiny in appearance. The outer surface is solid but cracks easily, while the inside of the fruit is easily identified by black and grey concentric rings that are darker than the flesh. King Alfred’s Cakes are also known as coal fungus as they can be used as kindling or firelighters.

Distribution: Can be found year-round in deciduous woodland, especially on fallen Beech and Ash branches.

Size: 2-10cm

Horses Hoof (Fomes fomentarius)

Horse Hoof Fungi, Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent. — Image by Nigel Turner via flickr.

Identification: As evident from the name, this species of fungi is typically shaped like a horse’s hoof, with a pointed top and wide bottom. Featuring concentrated ridges across its exterior and with a fleshy, fibrous inside, their blunt, rounded margin is often cream or yellow. Although they can vary from silvery-grey to black in colour, most specimens are shades of brown. Small circular pores under the bell start off cream in colour and darken to brown once the fruit has matured. On occasion, some Horses Hoofs appear in more of a traditional, flat bracket shape.

Distribution: Can be found growing year-round on weak, living or dead hardwood deciduous trees, particularly Birch.

Size: 5 to 45cm

The NHBS Guide to Grasshoppers and Bush-crickets

Here in the UK, we have 11 species of grasshopper and 23 species of cricket (around ten of these being bush-crickets), both subfamilies belonging to the order Orthoptera. Although similar in appearance, the two can be separated by their antennae – grasshoppers have short, stout appendages and bush-crickets have longer, thinner antennae. Bush-crickets also have a larger body size than grasshoppers, growing up to 5cm in length, and females have a distinctive ovipositor used to lay eggs.

Here, we look at a few species of grasshoppers and bush-crickets found in the UK, detailing ways to ID them and where they can be found.

Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus)

A brown grasshopper is sat on a small twig, it is dull in colour but has a vibrant yellow-orange abdomen under a darker wing — Image by Gilles San Martin via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2.5cm in length. This grasshopper is usually a mottled brown colour, but can vary from brown to grey, orange and purple. It has barring on the sides, and a very hairy underside which is the most straightforward way to identify this species. It is winged and able to fly. Their song consists of short, single chirrups repeated at short intervals.

Distribution: Common and widespread throughout Britain. Common Field Grasshoppers can be seen from May to October on short vegetation in dry, warm days. They can be found in grassy areas including farmland, grassland, heathland, moorland, towns and gardens.

Meadow Grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus)

A grasshopper on a green stem, it has a vibrant pink head, thorax and back legs. It has a green underbelly and black/yellow striping on its abdomen. Its wings are very short. — Image by Gilles San Martin via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2.3cm in length. Meadow Grasshoppers are usually green in colour, with some individuals brown or pink-purple coloured (pictured above). The wings are often brown and are long in males, whereas female wings are short and do not reach the end of the abdomen. This species has distinctive black knees and a dark brown stripe running across the flank to the eye. They are similar in appearance to Common Field Grasshoppers, but lack a hairy underside, which can be used to distinguish them from one another. Their song is a burst of around ten chirrups, making a ‘rrr’ sound.

Distribution: Common and widespread throughout Britain. Meadow Grasshoppers can be seen from April to October in damp pastures with long grass. They can also be found in meadows, grassland, heathland and moorland.

Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus)

A green grasshopper is standing on a bed of moss, it is light green in colour with dark brown striping on its abdomen — Image by Billy Lindblom via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2.3cm in length. As the name suggests, this species is mostly green in colour, but males can also be olive brown. Lines on the shoulders are incurved and white or cream in colour. Common Green Grasshoppers are winged and can fly, but their wings do not exceed the body’s length. They produce a long, loud ticking song which can last for 20 seconds or more and is reminiscent of a fast-paced freewheeling bicycle.

Distribution: Common and widespread throughout Britain, although a little patchier in the lowlands. This species appears early in spring and can be seen from April to September. It can be found in coarse, moist grass in meadows, woodland rides, hillside pastures and farmland.

Mottled Grasshopper (Myrmeleotettix maculatus)

a brown and green grasshopper. it has small antennae a green head and green patches on the thorax and rear legs. the rest of the body is mottled brown in colour — Image by Frank Vassen via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2cm in length. This small grasshopper is most easily identified by its antennae – males’ are club-tipped, and females’ have a thickened tip. The body has several colour variations including green, brown, grey and orange. Their song is a repetitive ‘zrr’ ‘zrr’ sound lasting around ten seconds before stopping abruptly.

Distribution: Widely distributed across the UK, but uncommon. Mottled Grasshoppers can be found from April to October in areas of dry, short grass with access to rocks or bare ground, including grasslands, heathland and old quarries.

Oak Bush Cricket (Meconema thalassinum)

A small, lime green cricket is sat on three leaflets. It has very long, flexible antennae that are trailing off of the leaf and long, yellow legs — Image by Alison Day via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 1.7cm in length. This species is the UK’s only native, arboreal cricket. It has a slender, lime green body with a yellow-orange or brown strip running along its back. Both sexes are fully winged, with wings reaching the end of the abdomen. Females have a long, upturned ovipositor and males have a pair of shorter, rounded claspers. The males do not produce a song, but instead drum their hind legs on nearby leaves.

Distribution: Common, found in England and Wales. The Oak Bush Cricket is common in the midlands and the south but is absent further north. It can be found in the canopy of mature trees in woods, hedges, garden shrubs and other deciduous trees from June to November.

Dark Bush Cricket (Pholidoptera griseoaptera)

A dark brown cricket is standing on a large leaf. It has very long thin antennae and a curved, pointed spine at the end of its body. Its long rear legs are outstretched, standing on another leaf — Image by Alison Day via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 2.1cm in length. This species is typically reddish to dark brown, with occasional yellow green through the abdomen and a paler area along the top of the thorax. It has very small forewings and long, hair-like antennae. Females have a large, upcurved ovipositor.

Distribution: Fairly common in central and southern England and Wales, where it can be found in woodland, hedgerows, grassland, farmland, towns and gardens. It can often be spotted in large numbers around bramble patches, where they are basking in the sun.

Roesel’s Bush Cricket (Metrioptera roeselii)

A brown and green cricket with long rear legs and an upturned hook at the end of the abdomen. — Image by Charlie Jackson via Flickr

ID Notes: A short-winged and usually flightless species, Roesel’s Bush Crickets are typically dark brown or yellow in colour, sometimes tinged green. They have a green face, slightly orange legs and a cream-coloured margin to their thorax, with two or three yellow spots on the side. Their monotonous song is recognisable for its long, mechanical sound.

Distribution: Common, found mostly in the southeast of the UK, but currently expanding its range north and west. This species can be found from June to October in rough grassland, scrub, salt marshes and damp meadows.

Great Green Bush Cricket (Tettigonia viridissima)

A large green cricket is resting on a leaf. It has long, slightly yellow legs and its green wings extend further than the abdomen — Image by Gunera via Flickr

ID Notes: This large bush-cricket can easily be distinguished by its size, growing up to 7cm long. It is a vibrant green with an orange-brown stripe running the length of its back. Their wings are typically longer than the abdomen, and females have a long, downward curved ovipositor. This species has a loud, long song which sounds like a high-pitched sewing machine running continuously.

Distribution: Common throughout south England and Wales. It can be found from May to October in scrub, woodland, grassland and heathland, with a preference for light, dry soils.

Further Reading
Grasshoppers of Britain and Western Europe

Paperback | June 2021

The first guide to the 261 species of orthopterans of Britain and western Europe ever published. Features stunning, detailed images and information on the distribution and identification criteria. Includes a CD with over 200 orthopteran songs to aid identification.

Orthoptera and Dermaptera

Paperback | July 2024

A photo-based identification guide covering 28 native breeding species of the UK. This guide is part of FSC’s AIDGAP series (Aids to Identification in Difficult Groups of Animals and Plants), providing accessible identification tools for naturalists over the age of sixteen.

Guide to British Grasshoppers and Allied Insects

Unbound | August 1999

A reliable, fold-out chart with an introduction and a key to British grasshoppers and related insects, ideal for carrying in-field.

The NHBS Guide to UK Centipedes and Millipedes

If you look under logs, stones or through piles of leaf litter, you may find a Myriapod (a type of arthropod with many legs, related to insects and spiders). Although these misunderstood animals may strike fear in some, these invertebrates play a vital role in maintaining our ecosystems. One of their main roles lies in nutrient cycling, where they feed on organic matter and detritus, breaking materials down into a simpler form and thus releasing nutrition back into the soil. They also play an important role, both as predators and prey, in the ecosystem’s food chain and are often celebrated for their effectiveness as a natural biocontrol agent.

The UK has more than 50 species of centipede. This group are generally carnivorous and have around fifteen pairs of legs, with one pair present on each body segment. They have large forcipules, a pair of pincer-like, modified front legs that are used to inject venom into their prey. There are around 65 species of millipede in the UK, which can be distinguished by their shorter, more clubbed antennae, the absence of forcipules and their tendency to have two pairs of legs on most body segments.

Here, we look at a few species of centipede and millipede that can be found in the UK, detailing ways to ID them and where they can be found.

Common Centipede (Lithobius forficatus)

A small orange-brown centipede on a piece of wood, curled up in a c shape — Image by Frank Vassen via Flickr

ID Notes: Also known as the Brown Centipede, Lithobius forficatus is one the largest centipede species in the UK, growing up to 3cm in length. They have long, thin segmented bodies that are a reddish-chestnut brown colour. Each segment has one pair of legs, with 15 pairs in total. They have long antennae and an elongated pair of back legs, giving the illusion of a second pair of antennae at the rear of the body. This species is best identified by thorned projections on the outer edges of the 9th, 11th and 13th segments.

Distribution: Very common and widespread across the UK. This species can be found year-round but is most numerous in spring and autumn. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, grassland and gardens, and will spend most of the day nesting in soil or sheltered areas under stones, bark or dead wood before emerging at night to hunt for prey.

Stone Centipede (Lithobius microps)

an orangey brown centipede with many legs on a rock — Image by Keith Lugg, the British Myriapod and Isopod Group

ID Notes: Similar in colour to the Common Centipede, Lithobius microps is a ground-dwelling species that is usually chestnut brown in colour, although red and orange varieties can also be found. It is much smaller than its common cousin, reaching around 1cm in length, and its 15 pairs of legs are slightly shorter and paler than those of the Common Centipede.

Distribution: Fairly common in the south of Britain. This fast-moving species can be found year-round in gardens and bare soil in rotting wood and under rocks and stones.

Banded Centipede (Lithobius variegatus)

A brown centipede with striped legs is crawling over a stick on muddy floor, it has many legs and a large head — Image by J. P. Richards, the British Myriapod and Isopod Group

ID Notes: Measuring up to 3cm in length, this small, yellow-brown centipede is easily distinguished by the banding on its legs – these alternate pale and dark, are usually brown in colour and are more obvious on the rear pairs. It has a dark band running centrally along its back and much larger jaws when compared to other Lithobius species.

Distribution: Widespread and common in the UK. It can be found year-round living under stones and decaying plant matter during the day, and is commonly found in garden compost heaps.

Flat-backed Millipede (Polydesmus angustus)

a flat, armoured millipede with many legs and segments walking along muddy ground — Image by J. P. Richards, the British Myriapod and Isopod Group

ID Notes: This millipede grows to around 2.5cm in length, with a width of 4mm. It has a long, flat body with around 20 body segments, each containing between one and two pairs of legs. It is orange-brown in colour and has numerous off-white coloured legs.

Distribution: Widespread and common in the UK. They can be found in almost any environment in which millipedes occur, with frequent sightings in woodland under dead wood and leaf litter.

Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus)

a brown millipede with two orange stripes running down its body on its back. it is walking across a tree stump — Image by S. Rae via Flickr

ID Notes: Up to 3cm in length, this species is one of the largest millipedes found in Britain. It is thick and cylindrical in shape, usually dark brown to black in colour. It has orange coloured stripes running the length of its body on its back, but these can sometimes appear as a series of orange patches.

Distribution: Common and widespread throughout Britain and Ireland. The Striped Millipede can be found year-round in meadows, fields and woodland under leaf litter and logs. It is also known to climb on walls and trees to feed on algae and can be found during the day.

White-legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger)

A curled up black millipede, with paler almost white legs — Image by AJ Cann via Flickr

ID Notes: The White-legged Snake Millipede can grow to around 6cm in length. It is tubular-shaped with a shiny black body and contrasting white legs, of which there are around 100. Immature millipedes are brown, often with pale, longitudinal stripes down the back. It has a pointed telson (legless tail segment) at the end of its body.

Distribution: Common and widespread in the UK. This species can be found year-round in most habitats containing millipedes, including woodland and gardens, or areas with rocks or rotting vegetation to provide cover.

Additional Reading

Atlas of the Centipedes of Britain and Ireland

Paperback | January 2023

A comprehensive atlas of the 55 species of centipede in Britain and Ireland,. tThis guide provides species accounts, distribution maps and detailed colour photographs for easy identification.

Key to the Identification of British Centipedes

Paperback | December 2008

An identification guide from the Field Studies Council AIDGAP series, this book contains keys to the 57 species of centipede found in Britain.

The NHBS Guide to Summer Foraging

Foraging for food is an easy way to connect people of all ages with nature. Some of us may forage unknowingly while picking juicy blackberries in the summer months, and some of us may be unaware of the vast array of edibles around us. Here we have selected a handful of items to forage through spring and summer, highlighting where you can find them and their culinary uses.

It is important to be certain of your identification, so if you are unsure, check all foraged foods with a professional because some plants have toxic look-alikes. Remember to forage responsibly by leaving plenty behind for wildlife and allowing plants to spore or set seed for regeneration.

Wild herbs

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

Garlic Mustard, also known as Hedge Mustard or Jack-by-the-hedge, is a hairy herb in the mustard family. This plant has heart-shaped jagged leaves which emit a distinctive garlic odour when crushed, and has small, white flowers with cross-shaped petals. The species can grow up to 1m in height and can be found in woodland, hedgerows, cultivated land and on the borders of agricultural farmland. Each part of this plant is edible, but harvesting is best between March–April and July–September. Garlic mustard is best enjoyed before flower stalks develop, as this can create a bitter taste. The roots of this plant can be used as a substitute for pepper and horseradish and is said to taste like wasabi. The leaves have a garlicky flavour, and can be used as a replacement for traditional, store-bought garlic.

Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)

Image by Leonora (Ellie) Enking via Flickr

Wild Garlic (also called ramsons, bear garlic or broad-leaved garlic) is easily identified by its distinctive fragrance. When walking through areas of Wild Garlic, which are often found in large groups, you may catch a whiff of their characteristic garlic smell in the air. These areas are typically damp, shady woodland and can often be found with bluebells close by, as the pair have similar growing conditions. This plant can be seen from late winter till the end of spring, with flowers appearing in April/May. It has distinctive white, star-shaped flowers that grow in clusters. Their leaves are elongated, and when crushed release a pungent smell.

With a milder taste than shop-bought garlic, this plant is suitable for use in pastas, pesto’s and soups and can be infused into oils and vinegars. Only the flowers and leaves are edible, so it is best to leave the root to allow for regrowth – it is also worth noting that younger leaves are better for cooking, as older leaves can create bitter flavours. This plant can be confused with the poisonous Lily-of-the-valley, so it is best to smell the leaves before consuming them – alternatives will not have a distinctive garlic smell.

Wildflowers

Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)

The Black Elder tree, a deciduous species, can grow to six metres in height and is identified by toothed, oval leaves. Each compound leaf has up to seven leaflets, arranged in opposite pairs with a single leaflet at the top. The flowers of this tree, elderflowers, bloom between May and June. Clusters of white, five-petalled flowers appear with prominent yellow stamens, and umbels of dark berries form in late August. Elderflowers can be found growing in a variety of conditions, and are largely non-selective with their environment, which can include hedgerows, woodland, scrubland, grassland and urban green spaces. Elderflowers have a long tradition of culinary use in the UK, using both berries and flowers for different purposes. Preserves, cordials, gins and puddings are all common uses of elderflower. The flowers can be eaten raw, but berries must be cooked before use. Elderflowers have a sweet and zesty taste and an aroma which is slightly lemony.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Although there are around 250 species of dandelion, here we refer to them collectively as they are difficult to distinguish from one another.

An instantly recognisable British wildflower, the dandelion features a bright yellow composite flower crown on a bed of large, jagged leaves. These species are very common and widespread, popping up almost everywhere from parks and gardens to roadsides and meadows. The roots, leaves, flowers and buds of the dandelion can be used for food and can be harvested from early spring to late autumn. The roots can be used as a coffee substitute and are famously used in the Dandelion-and-Burdock drink. Leaves can be added to salads and the dandelion flowers are often used in cakes. You can also make beer from the entire plant.

Fruit and berries

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

A hairy, perennial herb in the rose family, the Wild Strawberry can be found from May to August. The species is indiscriminate of their growing environment and can be found in a wide range of areas – it is found naturally growing in woodlands, hillsides, meadows, hedgerows and urban green spaces. Wild Strawberries can be identified by serrated, trifoliate (three leaflets) leaves and white, five-petalled flowers with a yellow centre. The berries of a Wild Strawberry appear similar to that of commercial strawberries but are generally smaller and rougher. These edible berries can be foraged from June onwards to make teas, cordials and puddings or can be infused into vinegars and sauces. With a sweet and juicy taste, these fruits can also be used as garnishes or used in salads.

Bramble (Rubus fruticosus)

A sure sign that summer has arrived, the Bramble is an iconic British summertime plant. This perennial shrub can be found up to 3m in height, featuring thorny stems which turn red with age and dark, jagged leaves. Come spring, a Bramble bush will have small groups of white or pale pink flowers with five petals. The fruit of this plant will appear up until autumn, with distinctive black, shiny berries. Ripening from green to purple-black, blackberries have a sweet, tart flavour. They are widespread in the UK and can be found in many habitats including woodland, hedges, fields and urban spaces. It is advised to pick blackberries away from busy roadways and paths to avoid pollutants and other contaminants. Picking from the upper half of the bush is also advised to avoid dog mess. The blackberry is a versatile fruit, with diverse culinary uses. It is commonly used to make jams, jellies and preserves but can also be used to make cordials and fruity teas.

Mushrooms

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)

Laetiporus sulphureus, named Chicken of the Woods, is a thick bracket fungus common in the UK. This fungus has bright yellow-orange clusters that fade to cream with age. The average cap can grow to around 45cm in width and is often found growing on the side of trees in broadleaf habitat between June and November. It is mainly found on oak trees, but can also be found on Yews, cherries, Sweet Chestnut and willow. It should be noted that if the fungus is found growing on Yews, or other poisonous trees, the fungus can cause sickness in humans. The firm texture of this fungus makes it a favorable alternative to chicken in vegetarian dishes, as the name suggests. It is often substituted in stews, stir fries, and marinated on skewers. When foraging, it is best to eat younger specimens to avoid a hard, leathery texture associated with older fungi.

Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea)

Giant Puffballs are an astonishing sight when found in the wild. Their distinctive white, spherical silhouette can reach up to 90cm in diameter. This fungus has a soft, spongy texture inside, and a thick, velvety texture on the surface. A stemless variety, this plant is found directly on the ground and is often found in small clusters or ‘fairy rings’. As the fungus ages, it becomes browner in colour, compared to the firm, white flesh of young specimens. Giant Puffballs can be found in meadows, open pasture and woodland from July to September. They are widespread in the UK but are localised in habitat. This fungus is popular with vegetarian dishes – its firm, thick texture makes it a great substitute for chicken. It is often pan fried like steak, roasted or breaded and fried.

Additional Reading

Guide to Foraging

Unbound | January 2016

An essential fold-out guide to the 25 most common and tasty plants to forage in Britain and Ireland.

The Foragers Cookbook

Paperback | December 2016

A unique cookbook containing 65 wild food recipes with detailed identification guides to 15 common edible plants.

Concise Foraging Guide

Paperback | May 2021

A waterproof practical pocket guide to 194 edible fruits, nuts, flowers, vegetables and more that can be foraged in the UK and Europe.

The NHBS Guide to UK Common Garden Beetles

Beetles are insects that form the order Coleoptera, meaning ‘sheath-winged’. They get their name from the adaptation of their front wings which have formed tough protective cases called elytra. This gives them an armour-like appearance while protecting the delicate wings underneath.

As one of the most diverse groups across the world, there are over 400,000 species – more than 4,000 of these can be found in the UK. In this post we will look at some of Britain’s beetles, detailing their key features and where to find them.

Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata)

Rose Chafer by Hedera Baltica via Flickr

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread across the UK, but scarce in number. Most common in southern England.

Identification: This large beetle is instantly recognisable by its iridescent emerald green carapace. Up to 2cm long, this broad beetle will often have white streaks across its wing case, which can occasionally appear purple or bronze in colour. The underside is covered in fine, pale hairs and there is an obvious ‘V’ shape on its back where the wing cases meet.

Where to find them: Grassland, woodland edges, scrub and farmland. Rose Chafers can also be found in towns and gardens, where they are considered a pest. You can find them between May and October when they can be spotted in sunny weather.

Cock Chafer (Melolontha melolontha)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widely distributed across the UK, more common in the south of England.

Identification: The UK’s largest scarab beetle, the Cock Chafer can grow up to 4cm in length. It has rusty brown wing cases with a black body and brown legs. Its underside is covered in fine, pale hairs and it has a pointed tail. It has distinctively large, fan-like antennae that can be used to distinguish the sex – males have seven feathers and females have six.

Where to find them: Meadows, farmland, grassland, woodland, heath and moorland, and gardens from April to July. These insects are mostly seen after sunset, where they can be found near streetlights and bright windows.

Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus)

A large, black and maroon coloured beetle standing on a piece of wood. — Image by Ben Sale via Flickr

Conservation status: A globally threatened species, the Stag Beetle is listed as a priority species in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Distribution: Nationally scarce. This species is mainly found in south-east England. It is most abundant in the Thames Valley and Hampshire and is locally common in some areas of the south-west.

Identification: A spectacular insect, the Stag Beetle is recognised for its antler-like mandibles. Males can grow up to 8cm, while the females grow to 5cm and have smaller mandibles. Both have a shiny black head, thorax and legs with chestnut-coloured wing cases.

Where to find them: They can be found from mid-May to late July in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens. Although usually found on the ground, males can be seen in flight during sunset on hot summer evenings.

Lesser Stag Beetle (Dorcus paralellapipidus)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Found throughout England and Wales.

Identification: Smaller than their threatened cousins, the Lesser Stag Beetle grows up to 3cm in length and can be distinguished by smaller mandibles and knobbed antennae. Although similar in shape and colour, this species has a broad head and matt black wing cases.

Where to find them: Hedgerows, woods, farmland, grassland, towns and gardens from May to September. They can often be found basking in the sun on tree trunks and can be seen flying near bright lights at night.

Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in the UK, particularly in south-west England. Distribution is patchier in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Identification: A small, shiny beetle growing up to 1cm in length, the Rosemary Beetle is a striking metallic green with orange and purple stripes. The head and thorax are mostly green with some red markings, and the legs are a brown-red.

Where to find them: Rosemary Beetles are found year-round but are commonly spotted between April and September. The species is closely associated with Lavender, Thyme and Rosemary.

Wasp Beetle (Clytus arietis)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread across the UK, less common in Scotland.

Identification: A narrow-bodied longhorn beetle, this species has a long, black body with yellow horizontal stripes. The Wasp Beetle has short brown antennae and brown legs.

Where to find them: Wasp Beetles can be found in farmland, woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens between April and July.

Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in the UK.

Identification: Growing up to 1cm in length, the Red Soldier Beetle is small and narrow. It has a rectangular body that is a vibrant orange red with black tips to the wing cases. Their orange legs are tipped with black feet and they have long antennae.

Where to find them: This species can be found from June to August, usually on open-structured flowers such as daisies and Cow Parsley, in grasslands, hedgerows, woodland, parks and gardens.

Red-headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in England and Wales.

Identification: A mid-sized beetle growing up to 2cm in length, the Red-headed Cardinal Beetle has a vibrant orange-red head and wing case. Its legs and antennae are black, the latter long and toothed.

Where to find them: Adults can be found in woodland, hedgerows, farmland, parks and gardens from May to July.

Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle (Staphylinus olens)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in the UK.

Identification: The Devil’s Coach Horse, easily recognised by its scorpion-like stance when threatened, is a medium-sized black beetle growing up to 3cm in length. It has large, powerful jaws and a long, thick abdomen. The body is covered in fine black hairs and the wing cases are very short.

Where to find them: Devil’s Coach Horse Beetles can be found from April to October in hedgerows, grassland, farmland and gardens. They require damp living conditions and are often found under stones and in compost heaps.

Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus)

Conservation status: Common

Distribution: Widespread in the UK.

Identification: Growing up to 3cm in length, the Violet Ground Beetle has a distinctive metallic violet colouring running along the edge of a black thorax and smooth wing cases.

Where to find them: Violet Ground Beetles can be found from March to October in woodland, grassland, moorland and urban areas. They are frequently found under logs and stones.

The NHBS Guide to UK Solitary Bees

There are around 270 bee species in the UK, and over 90% of these are solitary – they do not nest in colonies, do not produce honey and don’t have a queen. Instead, these bees lead solitary lives, only coming together to mate. The group can be divided into ground-nesting species, found on lawns, paths and loose soil, or aerial nesters which utilise hollow plant stems, dead wood and man-made bee hotels to build a nest for larval bees.

Here we look at a small selection of these important pollinators found in the UK, outlining ways in which they can be identified and where they can be found.

Mason Bees

Mason bees is the name used to refer to bees of the genus Osmia. There are around 500 different species of mason bee across the world, and around 20 of these can be found in the UK. This group gets their name from their use of mud or clay in nest building, which takes place in naturally occurring gaps or cracks, and other small, dark cavities. Some species of mason bee will also use hollow stems or bore holes made by wood-boring insects.

Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis)

Two small, orange bees are sat on a head of purple flowers. One is sat on top of the other bee. — Osmia bicornis by Tim Worfolk, via Flickr.

Distribution: Widespread and common throughout England and Wales. Rarer in Scotland. These bees can be found from early spring in grassland, farmland, towns and gardens. Red Mason Bees are common in built environments and are often seen nesting in the crumbling mortar of old walls. This species is also a common inhabitant of bee hotels.

Identification: These fluffy bees grow up to 1.1cm long and are typically identified by dense, gingery hair. On both males and females, the head and thorax are brown with an orange abdomen. Males are typically smaller than their female counterparts and have a distinctive white tuft of hair on the head. Female Red Mason Bees have dense orange hairs on the abdomen, with pollen collecting hairs on the underside. This species also has a pair of short, distinct horns on the head.

Red-tailed Mason Bee (Osmia bicolor)

Red Tailed Mason Bee on a wooden fence with four holes drilled in it. — red tailed mason bee by Nick Goodrum, via flickr.

Distribution: Nationally rare in the UK. Red-tailed Mason Bees can be found from March to July in the south and east of England and south Wales. This species occurs exclusively on calcareous grassland over chalk or limestone, in quarries, grassland and brownfield sites.

Identification: This species has dense, black hair on the head and thorax. Bright orange-red hair is present on the abdomen and the lower legs, forming stripes of orange and brown on the upper abdomen. Males are slimmer and less vibrant than females, and can have pale, duller brown hairs on their head, thorax and abdomen.

Mining Bees

Sometimes referred to as digger bees, this group are named after their burrowing behaviours in which they create their nests. There are roughly 65 species in the Andrena genus, making mining bees the largest bee genus in Britain.

Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva)

A female tawny mining bee on a leaf. — A female Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) by Lukas Large, via flickr.

Distribution: Widespread and common in England and Wales. Populations are growing in Scotland. This species can be found in farmland, heathland, parks, towns and gardens from March to June.

Identification: Similar in size to a honeybee, with dense orange hair and a black face. Females tend to be larger and have a thick, orange coat covering the upper thorax and abdomen. The underside is covered with black hair, along with the head and legs. Males are trickier to identify but are generally smaller and slimmer. They have long mandibles and are browner in colour, but can be distinguished by white tufts of facial hair on the head.

Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria)

Ashy Mining Bee on a ribbed, green leaf. — Andrena cineraria by Tim Worfolk, via flickr.

Distribution: Common and widespread across Britain and Ireland. Can be found nesting in gardens, woodlands, riverbanks and urban environments from March to July.

Identification: A distinctive bee growing up to 15mm in length. Females have two, broad grey bands at the top and bottom of the thorax. The abdomen is sparsely haired, revealing a glossy black exoskeleton and the legs are covered with dense black hair. They also have a patch of ashy grey hair on their faces. Males have similar markings but are generally smaller in size. The bands are less distinct, and they have a spread of grey hair across their thorax.

Leafcutter Bees

Named for their nesting habits, these bees are known to cut circular leaf pieces to use as building material for their nests. Leafcutter bees lay their eggs in natural tree cavities where they use up to 40 pieces of harvested leaves and petals to create a chamber for safe incubation. There are seven different species of leafcutter bee in the UK – they can be found nesting in beetle holes, plant stems, deadwood, cliffs or old walls.

Patchwork Leafcutter Bee (Megachile centuncularis)

Megachile centuncularis harvesting pollen from a pink flower. — Megachile centuncularis by Gilles San Martin, via flickr.

Distribution: Widespread and common throughout the UK, although less common in the north. Patchwork Leafcutter Bees can be found in a range of habitats from April to August, including grassland, farmland, woodland, towns and gardens. This species is strongly associated with willowherbs, honeysuckle and roses.

Identification: Easily identified by the vibrant yellow-orange pollen brush under the abdomen, extending right to the tip. This species is a similar size to honeybees, growing up to 13mm. The female has defined white bands across the abdomen. Males are more challenging to identify – similar in appearance to a dark honeybee, with the characteristic vibrant underside and tan coloured hair around their thorax.

Willughby’s Leafcutter Bee (Megachile willughbiella)

Megachile willughbiella female bee on the petal of a pink flower. — Megachile willughbiella female by Line Sabroe, via flickr.

Distribution: Common and widespread across Britain. Frequently observed in brownfield sites from June to August. This species is also readily found in bee hotels.

Identification: Up to 18mm in size, Willughby’s Leafcutter Bees are similar in appearance to Patchwork Leafcutter Bees. They appear similar to dark honeybees, with little hair. The species varies in shades of black, with orange and gold throughout the coat and an orange pollen brush. Males can be distinguished by oversized front basitarsi, giving the appearance of white, wooly mittens.

The NHBS Guide to UK Shore Crabs

A charismatic highlight of any rock-pooling session, crabs are both diverse and wonderful. Here we have a selection of the most common crabs in the UK, detailing their habitats and how to identify them.

Velvet Swimming Crab (Necora puber)