Our only venomous snake, the shy adder can be spotted basking in the sunshine in woodland glades and on heathlands.

Also known as the two-coloured mason bee, this beautiful bee is famous for nesting in old snail shells.

The Four-spotted chaser is easily recognised by the two dark spots on the leading edge of each wing - giving this species its name. It can be seen on heathlands and near ponds and lakes.

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

Living up to its name, the red-tailed bumblebee is black with a big, red 'tail'.

This large shrike visits the UK in small numbers each year, passing through on migration or spending the winter here.

These energetic dolphins are often spotted in large groups which will approach boats, bowriding and leaping alongside. At sea, they can form superpods - huge groups made up of thousands of…

The water scorpion is not a true scorpion, but it certainly looks like one! An underwater predator, it uses its front pincer-like legs to catch its prey. Its tail actually acts as a kind of '…

The short-eared owl, or 'Shortie', is an unusual owl because it prefers to be out and about in the daytime. It is most easily spotted in winter, when resident birds are joined by…

As the name suggests, this tall, white heron is considerably larger than the similar little egret. Once a rare visitor to the UK, sightings have become more common over the last few decades, with…