British wildlife
Find out about the wonderful wildlife that makes the UK its home.
The British Isles are home to an astounding variety of plants and animals - there are over 4,000 species of beetles alone - and new species are still being discovered and arriving here from overseas.
Be inspired to get outdoors with friends and family and learn what's living in your neighbourhood. Uncover threats to native wildlife, including invasive species, and explore what's being done to protect it. Discover how you can help your local nature and opportunities to contribute to conservation efforts and scientific research.
Summer in the UK
It's a time of lazy days lounging in the Sun while listening to the thrum of insects, and taking walks in the woods under the shade of leafy trees.
Visits to the beach bring the delights of rockpooling, while picnics along the coast can - if you're lucky - come with glimpses of playful dolphins and large-mouthed basking sharks. It's a glorious chance to enjoy the wildlife around us.
Urban wildlife
Some wildlife is closer to home than others. Find out about creatures you're likely to encounter in UK towns and cities and explore ways of making your home and garden a more welcoming place for these wild neighbours.
Wildlife at risk
Sadly, not all is well with British wildlife. In fact, we have brought about a devastating state of affairs: 56% of UK species declined between 1970 and 2013.
This is down to a combination of factors, but all of them ours in the making.
Conservation, reintroductions and rewilding
It's not all bad news, however.
Discover positive steps being taken to protect the UK's biodiversity, including the reintroduction of native species driven extinct by human impact, and research informing other conservation opportunities.
Get involved
Do you want to learn more about your local wildlife and how you can help it thrive? Would you like to develop a new skill or find new ways to explore nature outdoors with your family? You'll find ideas here.
You can also play an important role in monitoring the spread and impact of invasive species and how native wildlife is faring.
![](/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/green-cities/blp-hti-double.jpg.thumb.768.768.)
Do your bit for nature
Biodiversity is connected to almost every aspect of our lives, but it needs our help. Small actions can make a big difference.
![](/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/british-wildlife/seaweed-survey-tall-hti-top.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg)
Big Seaweed Search
Explore the UK coast and submit your seaweed sightings to help study the effects of environmental change.
![](/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/Citizenscience/mitten-crab/mitten-crab-watch-hti-top.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg)
Mitten Crab Watch
Record any sightings of the Chinese mitten crab, an invasive species, that you see in UK waterways.
![](/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/british-wildlife/amc-different-angle-tall-hti-top.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg)
Centre for UK Nature
Develop your wildlife interests and identification and recording skills using our facilities and resources.
New arrivals: non-native and invasive species
The flora and fauna of the UK are ever-changing. For centuries, the addition of new plant life has enhanced British gardens. But some has escaped into the wild and is negatively impacting our native species. Other harmful alien species have been introduced accidentally. The warming climate is also affecting the distribution of species.
Learn more about new arrivals to the UK and invasive species to keep a look out for.
Unexpected sightings and discoveries
Occasionally we get unexpected visitors to our shores, from birds that have been blown off course, to marine life that has strayed from its usual feeding grounds. And there are still new species being discovered, often by amateur naturalists or closer to home than you'd think.
So why not get on out there and see what you can spot?
![](/content/dam/nhmwww/discover/british-wildlife/lime-hawkmoth-caterpillar-tall-hti-double.jpg.thumb.768.768.jpg)
Identify nature
Seen a strange bug, found a new plant in your garden or stumbled across an intriguing animal bone while out walking?
UK wildlife news
-
News
Rewilding Scottish Highlands could help UK hit 30x30 conservation goal
Northern Scotland is among the quarter of Europe that could be suitable for rewilding.
15 August 2024 -
Science news
New technology protects crops by testing the air for the DNA of plant diseases
Plant infections can now be detected in our crops before they’re even visible.
2 August 2024 -
News
Flies cross mountains and continents in one of the largest migrations on Earth
One of the world’s largest migrations is made by some of its smallest inhabitants.
12 June 2024 -
Science news
UK’s hidden biodiversity could be revealed by technology that samples the air for DNA
By sequencing airborne eDNA, a new project hopes to find out more about the UK’s wildlife.
10 June 2024
Invertebrates, including insects and spiders
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles and amphibians
Fish
Plants, including trees and flowers
Seaweeds
Fungi and lichens
Along the UK coast
Britain has thousands of kilometres of beautiful coastline. Learn about important coastal and marine habitats and the wildlife they support, and what you might encounter on a walk along the shore.