A common plant of disturbed ground like roadside verges and field edges, the spear thistle has purple, fluffy flower heads that appear in summer. Its flowers attract insects and its seeds feed…

Edible periwinkles are a common sight when rockpooling and can be found in huge numbers on the shore.

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

These mat like growths found on kelp and seaweed are actually colonies of tiny individuals animals.

Living up to its name, the Robin's pincushion is a red, round, hairy growth that can be seen on wild roses. It is caused by the larvae of a tiny gall wasp that feeds on the host plant, but…

Common couch is a tall, tuft-forming grass of roadside verges, waste ground and arable land. It is very tough and can shade out more delicate plants. Look for flat, blade-like leaves and thin…

The shiny, translucent porcelain fungus certainly lives up to its name in appearance. It can be seen growing on beech trees and dead wood in summer and autumn.

Sometimes called 'Marsh samphire', wild common glasswort is often gathered and eaten. It grows on saltmarshes and beaches, sometimes forming big, green, fleshy carpets.

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

This unassuming orchid is easily overlooked. It is found patchily across the UK, but has been declining for decades.

Europe's largest frog is not naturally found in the UK, but was introduced to Kent and has spread throughout the southeast.