Melancholy thistle
As its name suggests, the Melancholy thistle was once used to treat 'melancholia' (depression). Today, it can be found in upland hay meadows showing off its single, purple, thistle-like…
As its name suggests, the Melancholy thistle was once used to treat 'melancholia' (depression). Today, it can be found in upland hay meadows showing off its single, purple, thistle-like…
Our most familiar wild violet, the Common dog-violet can be spotted in a range of habitats from woodland to grassland, hedgerows to pastures. Its pansy-like, purple flowers appear from April to…
Living in the rocky uplands of mid Wales, Emma regularly walks her farm checking not only on the livestock but seeing the seasonal changes in the wildlife and landscape too. The upland habitats of…
This species can pack a powerful sting, so be sure not to get too close!
The spotted ray is one of the smallest species of skate, growing to only 80 cm.
Saw-wort gets its common name from the serrated, saw-like edges to its leaves. It is a plant of unimproved hay meadows and woodland edges, its purple, thistle-like flowers appearing over summer.…
A common plant of disturbed ground like roadside verges and field edges, the spear thistle has purple, fluffy flower heads that appear in summer. Its flowers attract insects and its seeds feed…
Although, commonly referred to as a ‘sea snail,’ this species in fact belongs to the fish family!
Last week, English sections of the river Wye were downgraded to 'unfavourable-declining' as a result of phosphate pollution impacting on important species such as the Atlantic salmon and…
A non-native species originating from Asia, the harlequin ladybird is prevalent in towns and gardens.
This is a predominantly subtidal species but can be found on the lowest parts of a sheltered rocky shore in summer.