Identify caterpillars
With dozens of butterflies and thousands of moths in the UK, there's a huge variety of caterpillars to be found. This caterpillar identification page will help you identify some of the most commonly seen caterpillars.
Search
Chwilio
Get the drop on COP
COP26 is nearly upon us, having been delayed from 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. You may have heard it referenced in the news or even in passing on the street, but the name gives little away.…
My country
Josh has been lucky to grow up in this beautiful landscape. We’re here to make sure his children can do the same.
Pink sea fan
Did you know we have colourful corals in UK seas? Pink sea fans are a type of horny coral - related to the sea fans found in the tropics. Don't be fooled by their name though, pink sea fans…
Sea slater
These little critters are related to the woodlice you find in your garden and play a very important role on rocky shores.
7-spot ladybird
One of our most common ladybirds, the black-on-red markings of the 7-spot ladybird are very familiar. Ladybirds are a gardeners best friend as they eat insects that love to nibble on garden plants…
LDP Process
The Local Development Plan process has several stages. The entire process usually takes several years. There are opportunities for input and comment at every stage. You can find out what stage your local planning authority is at on their website. Some planning authorities will add you to their email list to you up to date on their progress.
Calaminarian grassland
This is a strange, sparse habitat of grassland growing on old mining tracks and slag heaps, on river gravels and naturally exposed metal-rich soils in the mountains. Only the toughest metal-loving…
Kingfisher
Blink and you may miss the fantastic kingfisher! It's often seen as a flash of blue flying low over a river.
Scarlet elfcup
As its name suggests, the scarlet elfcup is a bright red, cup-shaped fungus. It is widespread, but scarce, and can be found on fallen twigs and branches, in shady, damp places.
What to feed hedgehogs and badgers
Putting out a bit of food can help see mammals like hedgehogs through colder spells.
Candidate Sites Process
An important part of the Local Development Plan process is the submission and assessment of Candidate Sites. Early in the process, the Local Planning Authority will invite landowners, developers and the public to suggest sites for development or protection, to be included within the new Local Development Plan. You can suggest sites that should be protected, such as new nature reserves, at this stage.