Oystercatchers in flight along the coastline at the Norfolk Coast — Oystercatchers in flight at the Norfolk Coast | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Nature

Get closer to nature with our guides on ancient trees, spotting wildlife and identifying birdsong. Have a go at forest bathing, rock pooling or learn about wild flowers, plus much more.

Whether you’re intrigued by woodland giants or want to learn more about colourful wild flowers, explore the world of trees and plants.

More trees and plants

A woman lying upon a slanted piece of wood in the summer surrounded by woodland and trees taking part in forest bathing at Wallington, Northumberland,

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A beginner's guide to forest bathing

Forest bathing is a way of relaxing and slowing down the mind by immersing yourself in nature. It can help reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels and improve concentration.

Interior of a greenhouse with pelargoniums, succulents and other plants potted on a bench, and other larger houseplants on the floor

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A potted history of houseplants

Wander through our collections and gardens to learn the high-society origins of the ferns, orchids and pelargoniums in your home.

Fungi growing on the woodland floor next to a fallen tree trunk

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Facts about fungi

Fungi play a vital role in the natural world and decomposition process, helping break down organic woodland material. Learn all you need to know about these important organisms.

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Coppicing is an ancient woodland management technique that was once used to ensure a regular supply of timber and firewood. Discover how it's used today at the places we care for to create a range of habitats for plants and wildlife.

There’s such a range of wildlife to discover wherever you are. Learn more about what you can spot this season and the places that wildlife calls home.

More wildlife

Fallow deer (Dama dama) grazing on the Crom Estate, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

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Deer-spotting tips

Find out about fallow, red and muntjac deer, how to tell them apart and other top tips for seeing and photographing them at the places we care for.

Red squirrel sitting on a mossy rock eating a nut

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Red squirrel spotting tips

Find out how to spot red squirrels, the best times to see them and how to tell them apart from grey squirrels.

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Birds to spot through the seasons

Find out how the changing seasons affect the birds you’ll see out and about, with spotting tips and photo galleries to guide you.

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How to spot water voles

Discover how to identify burrows, food, footprints and latrines, and how to tell the difference between water voles and brown rats, even when they're swimming.

Discover pockets of ocean life in a rock pool, learn how to identify common fossils at the coast or even record your favourite coastal sounds.

Our guide to puffins

Every year, thousands of puffins come to the places in our care to breed. Find out more about what they eat, when they breed and the best time to see them up close.

Close view of fossils at the disused Loftus Alum Works, North Yorkshire

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Common fossils to find at the coast

Do you know your ammonites from your devil’s toenails? Discover how to identify some of the fossils commonly found around the UK coast and where you might see them.

Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon

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Discover the wonders of a rock pool

As the tide goes out, the secrets of the sea are revealed in rock pools left behind. Exploring the wonders of a rock pool is no. 37 of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Walkers on the South West coast path to Old Harry, Studland Bay, Dorset

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Sounds of our shores

We worked with the British Library and the National Trust for Scotland to create the UK’s first ever coastal sound map. Find out about the project and top tips for making your own recording of the sounds of our shores.