Listen out for the 'chattering' song of the reed warbler, while wandering the UK's lowland wetlands in summer. A small, brown bird, they are quite hard to see.

This distinctive bug is often seen basking on low-growing plants in spring and summer.

Bilberries appear in summer and early autumn and are often turned into jams, pies and sauces...

This bog-loving butterfly is mostly found in the north of the UK, where it takes to the wing in summer.

Mackerel are a sign of summer's arrival, when they appear inshore in huge numbers all around the UK. As well as being a sustainable seafood choice, they are an important food source for many…

This is a predominantly subtidal species but can be found on the lowest parts of a sheltered rocky shore in summer.

This metallic green beetle can be seen visiting flowers on sunny days in spring and summer.

This streaky brown bird is a summer visitor to Britain, favouring open woodlands in the north and west.

Look out for the swift-like shape of the hobby as it darts over heathlands and wetlands in summer. They are keen hunters, chasing and catching fast-flying dragonflies and small birds on the wing…

This brightly-coloured beetle is often found feeding on flowers on warm days in late spring and summer.