The cherry orchard in blossom at Greys Court, Oxfordshire | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

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

White and pink blossom on a tree in spring

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How to spot different types of blossom

Blossom is popping up all over the place, but do you know your damson from your blackthorn? Find out how to spot different types of blossom in your local area with our blossom-spotting guide.

Wildflower meadow including oxeye daisies at Holnicote Estate, Somerset

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Wild flowers in Britain

Explore the stories behind some famous British wild flowers and how wildflower meadows support important species from butterflies to bees.

A close up of some bluebells in the rain

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A guide to bluebells in the UK

Discover how the native British bluebell differs from the Spanish variety, and find out how this wild flower has been used in medicines and inspired storytellers for centuries.

Sheep enjoying the shade of an oak tree in the parkland at Wentworth Castle Gardens, Yorkshire

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A guide to identifying British trees

Learn how to identify trees from their leaves, bark and shape, how to tell similar species apart and how they change as they get older.

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

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Our guide to identifying birdsong

There are more than 600 known bird species in the UK and their calls are an important clue when bird spotting. Listen to our selection of distinctive birdsongs to get you started.

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Top tips for butterfly spotting

Learn how to spot butterflies without scaring them away, and find out what types of plants will attract them to your garden.

Blue tit in December near Bradworthy, Devon

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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.

Common darter dragonfly on blade of grass at Croome, Worcestershire

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Looking out for dragonflies

Dragonfly and damselfly numbers have been changing in recent years. Find out about the threats to their populations, how to spot them and the difference between dragonflies and damselflies.

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.

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.

Puffins on the Farne Islands, Northumberland

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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.

A boy exploring a rock pool on the rugged beach at Northumberland Coast, Northumberland

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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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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.