Hawthorn shieldbug
Our largest shieldbug, the red-and-green hawthorn shieldbug can be seen in gardens, parks and woodlands, feeding on hawthorn, rowan and whitebeam. The adults hibernate over winter.
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Chwilio
Purple emperor
The male purple emperor is a stunning butterfly with a brilliant purple sheen. Look for it feeding around the treetops in woodlands, or on damp ground, animal droppings or even carrion in the…
Return to Skomer Island.. and our LIVE web cameras!
Our Skomer Island team are back for the 2022 season! Already greeted with auks on the cliffs, and impressive show from the aurora borealis and lots of work to do, we spoke to Skomer Warden,…
Ecological Surveys, EIA and HRA
Surveys should be carried out by professional ecologists, registered with IEEM. When surveys involve protected species, such as bats, great crested newts or dormice, the surveyor should hold a license from Natural Resources Wales.
Coot
A familiar black bird of our lakes, ponds and rivers, the coot is widespread; look out for its large and untidy-looking nest on the water in spring. The coot can be distinguished from the similar…
Moorhen
A familiar black bird of our lakes, ponds and rivers, the moorhen is widespread; look out for its large and untidy-looking nest on the water in spring. It can be distinguished from the similar…
Act swiftly! Public asked to help endangered high-flying birds
The Wildlife Trusts & RHS call on gardeners to help swifts, swallows, and martins
How to conserve water
If we all do our part in saving precious water supplies, we can make a huge difference for the environment.
My studio
With her sketchbook, Carol loves to get lost in the detail of the shore’s wildlife, plants, textures and fossils. And she always comes away feeling enriched.
Skomer Young Birders' Week 2026
Skomer Young Birders’ Week is running for 2 sessions in 2026, 6th – 9th September and 9th – 12th September. Booking opens on Monday 8th December. It is open to anyone aged 18-25.
Skomer Shearwater Week 2026
Skomer Shearwater Week is running for 3 sessions in 2026, 30th August-1st September, 1st-3rd September and 3rd-5th September. Booking opens on Monday 8th December.
Forest bug
The shoulders of the Forest bug are distinctive - they are square-cut, almost rounded, unlike the other 'spiked' shield bugs. This bug can be found in woodlands, feeding on the sap of…