Lichen Population at Winterton Dunes

A written report investigating the abundance of lichen at Winterton Dunes and whether paths created by trampling from visitors affects this. Click see more for further information.

The ghoulish, glistening inkcap

To explore the wonderous life of the glistening inkcaps, click see more.

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The magical features of fly agaric mushrooms

To explore the fascinating features of this mushroom, from identification to psychoactive properties, click see more.

A master of disguise; the green crab spider

The secret life of the green crab spider, click see more to learn about this illusive spider.

The deadly secrets of hemlock water dropwort

To explore the captivating but deadly properties of this plant, click see more.

The captivating life of the common pill millipede

Glomeris marginata is a distinctive species of millipede, however at first glance it’s easily mistaken as a woodlouse! To explore how to identify this species, and its intriguing behaviour, click see more.

The beauty of the early bumblebee

The Bombus pratorum is one of the most common bumblebee species found across the UK. Click see more to find out about this organisms anatomy, colony behaviour and why its known as early!

Wood mice and small mammal trapping

This post explores the life of Apodemus sylvaticus, one of the most common rodents found in the UK. To learn about the surveying techniques used to study the population size and health of this species, plus their surrounding environment, click see more.

The diverse and secret life of an ichneumon wasp

The ichneumonidae are a family of parasitic wasps under the order Hymenoptera. There are  approximately 2,500 species in the UK, with many being poorly understood and hard to identify. To explore the mysteries of these wasps, click see more.

The magnificent millipede; Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus

Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus, a distinctive species of millipede found across England. This organism can often be spotted in rural and urban areas such as your local park! Click see more to learn about this common critter.

The elusive identity of Polydesmus millipedes

The Polydesmida are an order of millipedes known as ‘flat-backed’. There are thousands of species in this order, which can be found across the UK in a variety of habitats. Unfortunately, it can be near impossible to identify individual species without the proper equipment and knowledge. To find out more, click see more.

Brown Roll-Rim; a mushroom with a poisonous past

 Paxillus involutus is a common fungi in the UK, yet despite its simple appearance this mushroom is extremely fatal to humans. To find out how to identify this species, and its poisonous effects, click see more.

The beneficial values of velvet foot

The velvet foot, or velvet shank, is a type of edible mushroom found on decaying wood. It is common across the UK, and fruits during the winter. To learn more about this culinary delight, click see more.

The leisurely life of the grey field slug

The grey field slug, one of the most common species of slug in the UK, and one of the most cited pests of crop plants. To find out more about this typical garden slug, click see more.

Parasol mushrooms; a delicious culinary delight

The parasol mushroom is an edible fungi with high nutritious value. Due to its distinctive features and large size it is a great mushroom to study for beginner foragers! Click see more to learn about the identification and properties of this species.

The mesmerising turkey tail mushroom

This colourful mushroom is famous for its medicinal properties, from being used in traditional Chinese medicine to current treatments. It may even be linked with treatments for cancer. To find out more click see more.

The spectacular smoky bracket fungi

Bjerkandera adusta, commonly known as smoky bracket, is a type of shelf fungi found across the UK. It is usually seen across summer to late winter, but can persist throughout the year. To find out more, click see more.

The embarrassing story behind King Alfred’s cakes

Daldinia concentrica, commonly known as King Alfred’s Cakes, is found commonly throughout UK woodlands, particularly on dead ash and beech trees. To find out more about this fungus, and the embarrassing story in which its names after, click see more.

The surprising benefits of stinging nettles

The common stinging nettle is a cause of irritation to many, however despite its sting, it is a very healing and beneficial plant for human health. To learn about its healing properties, including a recipe for nettle tea, click see more.

The delicate bird’s eye speedwell

Veronica persica is a small flowering plant seen throughout Britain. Its bright blue petals are very captivating, and while this flower may look sweet it has a distinctive bitter taste; however it is edible and often cooked down or made into a tea.

The misunderstood life of common ivy

Common ivy can be seen throughout Britain all year round, often seen surrounding trees or on garden fences and buildings. But are these plants actually harmful to the trees it climbs? To find out more, click see more.

White willow; a spectacular and spiritual tree

The white willow, Salix alba, is known for its silvery appearance and is found throughout Europe. It is surrounded by deep symbolism; being a feature in many spiritual beliefs. It also has important medicinal properties. To discover more, click see more.