During the breeding season, the common tern can be seen around our coasts and also inland at gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes. It nests in noisy colonies and can be spotted plunge-diving for fish…

This strange furry creature often found washed ashore after storms is actually a kind of worm!

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

These little critters are related to the woodlice you find in your garden and play a very important role on rocky shores.

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

This large round urchin is sometimes found in rockpools, recognisable by its pink spiky shell (known as a test).

Despite its dazzling colouration, this fabulous nudibranch can be easily missed, due to its small size!

As the bluebells fade, yellow archangel takes its turn to impress, with golden-yellow flowers carpeting our ancient woodlands.

This black and grey solitary bee takes to the wing in spring, when it can be seen buzzing around burrows in open ground.