Nature Photographers Ltd

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • NPL Blog
Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
{ 132 images found }
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • New Zealand Holly Olearia macrodonta (Compositae) HEIGHT to 3m. Bushy shrub. BARK Brown and stringy. BRANCHES Much divided. LEAVES Ovate with sharply-toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are whitish, daisy-like and borne in dense clusters. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of New Zealand. Planted here for hedging and self-sown; not hardy so found mainly in coastal W Britain.
    133238.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    133455.jpg
  • ANNUAL MERCURY Mercurialis annua (Euphorbiaceae) Height to 50cm. Hairless, branched and bushy annual. Found on waste ground and in cultivated soils, often near the sea. FLOWERS are yellowish green and borne in spikes on separate sex plants (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are bristly. LEAVES are narrowly ovate, shiny and toothed. STATUS-Locally common in the S but mainly coastal.
    131462.jpg
  • Peach Prunus persica (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Small, bushy and rounded deciduous tree. BARK Dark brown. BRANCHES Straight, with smooth, reddish, angular twigs. LEAVES Alternate, lanceolate, finely toothed, often creased into V-shape. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pink flowers, to 4cm across, are usually solitary; open at same time as leaf buds; yellow-tipped anthers. Fruits is familiar peach, to 8cm long, rounded and downy, flushed pink; sweet, juicy flesh when ripe. Seed contained inside a woody, thickly ridged ‘stone’. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to China but long cultivated elsewhere. Here, it does best in a walled garden.
    134548.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    133471.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    132546.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    132491.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    132489.jpg
  • FINE-LEAVED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe aquatica (Apiaceae) Height to 1.3m. Upright, bushy biennial with shiny, hollow and grooved stems. Found around the margins of still and slow-flowing waters. FLOWERS are white and borne in flat-topped umbels, 2-5cm across, both terminal and arising opposite leaf stalks (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are ovoid. LEAVES are delicate-looking; submerged ones are 3- or 4-pinnate with fine lobes while aerial leaves are 3-pinnate with ovate segments. STATUS-Widespread in England, E Wales and Ireland but extremely local.
    131527.jpg
  • STONE PARSLEY Sison amomum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, bushy perennial with an unpleasant smell (nutmeg and petrol) when bruised. Found in grassy places on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 1-4cm across, with unequal rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are fresh green; lower ones have oval leaflets, upper ones have narrow leaflets. STATUS-Local, in S.
    131523.jpg
  • SPIKED WATER-MILFOIL Myriophyllum spicatum (Haloragaceae) Aquatic. Bushy, submerged water plant with long, trailing stems. Grows in slow-flowing or still freshwater. FLOWERS are inconspicuous, greenish and are borne in leafy spikes with undivided bracts (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are rounded and warty. LEAVES are pinnate and feathery, the segments up to 3cm long; usually in whorls of 4 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    131373.jpg
  • BLACK HOREHOUND Ballota nigra (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Straggly, bushy and hairy perennial that has a pungent and unpleasant smell when bruised. Grows on disturbed ground and roadside verges. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and pinkish purple with a concave upper lip; borne in whorls with striking calyx teeth (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are stalked and ovate or heart-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales but scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131341.jpg
  • Plum Yew (Japanese Cow-tail Pine) Cephalotaxus harringtonia (Cephalotaxaceae) HEIGHT to 6m<br />
Small, bushy, yew-like evergreen tree. LEAVES Leathery and spineless, in dense clusters on slightly down-curved twigs. <br />
C. harringtonia var. drupacea is a more frequently seen variant with shorter leaves growing almost vertically on the gracefully curving shoots and showing their silvery-green lower surfaces. C. harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ is an upright form with much darker foliage; leaves reach 7cm in length, although they are shorter near the tip of the current year’s growth. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Creamy-white male flowers are borne in small clusters on the underside of twigs; female flowers (on separate sex trees) borne on very short stalks, later giving rise to small greenish plum-like fruits. <br />
STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Known only as a garden plant, originally from Japan, and never seen growing in the wild.
    134917.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    134806.jpg
  • Peach Prunus persica (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Small, bushy and rounded deciduous tree. BARK Dark brown. BRANCHES Straight, with smooth, reddish, angular twigs. LEAVES Alternate, lanceolate, finely toothed, often creased into V-shape. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pink flowers, to 4cm across, are usually solitary; open at same time as leaf buds; yellow-tipped anthers. Fruits is familiar peach, to 8cm long, rounded and downy, flushed pink; sweet, juicy flesh when ripe. Seed contained inside a woody, thickly ridged ‘stone’. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to China but long cultivated elsewhere. Here, it does best in a walled garden.
    133776.jpg
  • Peach Prunus persica (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Small, bushy and rounded deciduous tree. BARK Dark brown. BRANCHES Straight, with smooth, reddish, angular twigs. LEAVES Alternate, lanceolate, finely toothed, often creased into V-shape. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pink flowers, to 4cm across, are usually solitary; open at same time as leaf buds; yellow-tipped anthers. Fruits is familiar peach, to 8cm long, rounded and downy, flushed pink; sweet, juicy flesh when ripe. Seed contained inside a woody, thickly ridged ‘stone’. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to China but long cultivated elsewhere. Here, it does best in a walled garden.
    133744.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    133575.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    133472.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    133456.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    133215.jpg
  • New Zealand Holly Olearia macrodonta (Compositae) HEIGHT to 3m. Bushy shrub. BARK Brown and stringy. BRANCHES Much divided. LEAVES Ovate with sharply-toothed margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are whitish, daisy-like and borne in dense clusters. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of New Zealand. Planted here for hedging and self-sown; not hardy so found mainly in coastal W Britain.
    133198.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    133188.jpg
  • SILVER RAGWORT Senecio cineraria (Asteraceae)  Height to 80cm. Bushy, woody and silvery grey perennial. Grows on coastal cliffs and walls. FLOWERS are yellow and borne in heads, 15-25mm across, with silvery woolly stalks and bracts; heads in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are downy. LEAVES are pinnate, green and downy above but white woolly below. STATUS-Introduced and familiar as a plant of municipal car parks and other formal sites; also naturalised on the coast of SW England.
    132236.jpg
  • ORANGE BALSAM Impatiens capensis (Balsaminaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright, hairless and bushy annual. Found in damp ground beside rivers. FLOWERS are 2-3cm long and orange with brown blotches and a curved spur; borne on stalks that arise from leaf axils (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are explosive capsules. LEAVES are wavy, with fewer than 10 teeth. STATUS-Naturalised locally in England and Wales.
    131943.jpg
  • FLIXWEED Descurainia sophia (Brassicaceae) Height to 80cm<br />
Much-divided, bushy and hairy annual found on waste and bare ground, usually on sandy soils. FLOWERS are 3mm across, the 4 pale yellow petals equal to the sepals; in terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are slender, cylindrical pods up to 4cm long. LEAVES are grey-green and finely divided. STATUS-Widespread but distinctly local.
    131565.jpg
  • FLIXWEED Descurainia sophia (Brassicaceae) Height to 80cm<br />
Much-divided, bushy and hairy annual found on waste and bare ground, usually on sandy soils. FLOWERS are 3mm across, the 4 pale yellow petals equal to the sepals; in terminal clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are slender, cylindrical pods up to 4cm long. LEAVES are grey-green and finely divided. STATUS-Widespread but distinctly local.
    131536.jpg
  • STONE PARSLEY Sison amomum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, bushy perennial with an unpleasant smell (nutmeg and petrol) when bruised. Found in grassy places on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 1-4cm across, with unequal rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are fresh green; lower ones have oval leaflets, upper ones have narrow leaflets. STATUS-Local, in S.
    131522.jpg
  • ALLSEED Radiola linoides (Linaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Low-growing, rather bushy annual found on damp ground, usually on sandy or peaty ground and acid soils. FLOWERS 1-2mm across with tiny white petals; borne in dense terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are oval, 1-veined and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local, and most common in SW England.
    129725.jpg
  • Plum Yew (Japanese Cow-tail Pine) Cephalotaxus harringtonia (Cephalotaxaceae) HEIGHT to 6m<br />
Small, bushy, yew-like evergreen tree. LEAVES Leathery and spineless, in dense clusters on slightly down-curved twigs. <br />
C. harringtonia var. drupacea is a more frequently seen variant with shorter leaves growing almost vertically on the gracefully curving shoots and showing their silvery-green lower surfaces. C. harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ is an upright form with much darker foliage; leaves reach 7cm in length, although they are shorter near the tip of the current year’s growth. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Creamy-white male flowers are borne in small clusters on the underside of twigs; female flowers (on separate sex trees) borne on very short stalks, later giving rise to small greenish plum-like fruits. <br />
STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Known only as a garden plant, originally from Japan, and never seen growing in the wild.
    134940.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    134505.jpg
  • Peach Prunus persica (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Small, bushy and rounded deciduous tree. BARK Dark brown. BRANCHES Straight, with smooth, reddish, angular twigs. LEAVES Alternate, lanceolate, finely toothed, often creased into V-shape. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pink flowers, to 4cm across, are usually solitary; open at same time as leaf buds; yellow-tipped anthers. Fruits is familiar peach, to 8cm long, rounded and downy, flushed pink; sweet, juicy flesh when ripe. Seed contained inside a woody, thickly ridged ‘stone’. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to China but long cultivated elsewhere. Here, it does best in a walled garden.
    133743.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    133457.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    133192.jpg
  • SPINY RESTHARROW Ononis spinosa (Fabaceae) Height to 70cm. Similar to Common Restharrow but upright and bushy, with spiny stems. Favours grassland on clay and heavy soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and deep pink, the wings shorter than the keel (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pods that are longer than the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate with narrow, oval leaflets. STATUS-Local, mainly in England.
    132044.jpg
  • ALTERNATAE WATER-MILFOIL Myriophyllum alternifolium (Haloragaceae) Aquatic. Bushy, submerged water plant that grows in freshwater, favouring acid conditions. <br />
FLOWERS are inconspicuous and yellow; in leafy spikes with tiny bracts (May-Aug). FRUITS are warty and rather ovoid. LEAVES are pinnate and feathery, the segments up to 25mm long; in whorls of 3-4 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131739.jpg
  • STONE PARSLEY Sison amomum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, bushy perennial with an unpleasant smell (nutmeg and petrol) when bruised. Found in grassy places on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 1-4cm across, with unequal rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are fresh green; lower ones have oval leaflets, upper ones have narrow leaflets. STATUS-Local, in S.
    131393.jpg
  • Peach Prunus persica (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Small, bushy and rounded deciduous tree. BARK Dark brown. BRANCHES Straight, with smooth, reddish, angular twigs. LEAVES Alternate, lanceolate, finely toothed, often creased into V-shape. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pink flowers, to 4cm across, are usually solitary; open at same time as leaf buds; yellow-tipped anthers. Fruits is familiar peach, to 8cm long, rounded and downy, flushed pink; sweet, juicy flesh when ripe. Seed contained inside a woody, thickly ridged ‘stone’. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to China but long cultivated elsewhere. Here, it does best in a walled garden.
    134529.jpg
  • Plum Yew (Japanese Cow-tail Pine) Cephalotaxus harringtonia (Cephalotaxaceae) HEIGHT to 6m<br />
Small, bushy, yew-like evergreen tree. LEAVES Leathery and spineless, in dense clusters on slightly down-curved twigs. <br />
C. harringtonia var. drupacea is a more frequently seen variant with shorter leaves growing almost vertically on the gracefully curving shoots and showing their silvery-green lower surfaces. C. harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ is an upright form with much darker foliage; leaves reach 7cm in length, although they are shorter near the tip of the current year’s growth. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Creamy-white male flowers are borne in small clusters on the underside of twigs; female flowers (on separate sex trees) borne on very short stalks, later giving rise to small greenish plum-like fruits. <br />
STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Known only as a garden plant, originally from Japan, and never seen growing in the wild.
    132952.jpg
  • GOAT’S-RUE Galega officinalis (Fabaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Bushy, much-branched perennial that is hairless or slightly downy. Found on disturbed and waste ground. FLOWERS are 10mm long and pale bluish lilac; in elongated spikes up to 5cm long (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical pods. LEAVES comprise 9-17 oval leaflets. STATUS-Naturalised in C and S England, often on roadside verges.
    141468.jpg
  • GOAT’S-RUE Galega officinalis (Fabaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Bushy, much-branched perennial that is hairless or slightly downy. Found on disturbed and waste ground. FLOWERS are 10mm long and pale bluish lilac; in elongated spikes up to 5cm long (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical pods. LEAVES comprise 9-17 oval leaflets. STATUS-Naturalised in C and S England, often on roadside verges.
    141469.jpg
  • FINE-LEAVED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe aquatica (Apiaceae) Height to 1.3m. Upright, bushy biennial with shiny, hollow and grooved stems. Found around the margins of still and slow-flowing waters. FLOWERS are white and borne in flat-topped umbels, 2-5cm across, both terminal and arising opposite leaf stalks (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are ovoid. LEAVES are delicate-looking; submerged ones are 3- or 4-pinnate with fine lobes while aerial leaves are 3-pinnate with ovate segments. STATUS-Widespread in England, E Wales and Ireland but extremely local.
    131517.jpg
  • NARROW-LEAVED PEPPERWORT Lepidium ruderale (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Bushy, hairless annual with an unpleasant smell when crushed. Found on disturbed ground, often near the sea. FLOWERS are 1mm across and greenish, the petals usually absent (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are small, elliptical, flattened and notched. LEAVES comprise pinnately lobed basal leaves and untoothed ones on stem. STATUS-Mainly in S.
    136772.jpg
  • Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Rosaceae Height to 8m <br />
Deciduous, bushy tree. Bark Dark brown, pitted with white lenticels. Branches Spiny, with glossy-green twigs. Leaves To 7cm long, ovate, toothed; green, but red in some cultivars. Reproductive parts Flowers white, stalked; pink in some cultivars. Fruits, to 3.5cm long, rounded, red or yellow. Status Introduced, widely planted and often naturalised.
    132487.jpg
  • Flixweed - Descurainia sophia
    160443.jpg
  • Flixweed - Descurainia sophia
    159397.jpg
  • Japanese Umbrella Pine Sciadopitys verticillata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. Broadly conical evergreen, often with a finely tapering crown, but may be bushy. BARK Red-brown, peeling in long vertical strips. LEAVES Needle-like, up to 12cm long and borne in umbrella-like clusters. Needles are deeply grooved on both sides, dark green above, but more yellow below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow and produced in clusters; female flowers are green, and grow at tips of shoots, ripening into ovoid, 7.5cm-long, red-brown cones after 2 years. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but grows well in many parts of Britain and Europe.
    134944.jpg
  • Japanese Umbrella Pine Sciadopitys verticillata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. Broadly conical evergreen, often with a finely tapering crown, but may be bushy. BARK Red-brown, peeling in long vertical strips. LEAVES Needle-like, up to 12cm long and borne in umbrella-like clusters. Needles are deeply grooved on both sides, dark green above, but more yellow below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow and produced in clusters; female flowers are green, and grow at tips of shoots, ripening into ovoid, 7.5cm-long, red-brown cones after 2 years. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but grows well in many parts of Britain and Europe.
    134932.jpg
  • Japanese Umbrella Pine Sciadopitys verticillata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. Broadly conical evergreen, often with a finely tapering crown, but may be bushy. BARK Red-brown, peeling in long vertical strips. LEAVES Needle-like, up to 12cm long and borne in umbrella-like clusters. Needles are deeply grooved on both sides, dark green above, but more yellow below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow and produced in clusters; female flowers are green, and grow at tips of shoots, ripening into ovoid, 7.5cm-long, red-brown cones after 2 years. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but grows well in many parts of Britain and Europe.
    132648.jpg
  • Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Length 45-55cm Abundant rodent. Introduced to Britain, now the most familiar squirrel. Diet is omnivorous and renowned for its cunning in exploiting food sources. Adult has plump but elongated body and long bushy tail. Rounded ears lack ear tufts. Coat is mainly grizzled grey with whitish chest and belly. Some individuals are variably tinged with brown in summer. Utters teeth-smacking ‘tchack’ when alarmed. Native to North America, introduced here in 1876. Now widespread and common, its adaptability allowing it to thrive in woods, parks and gardens.
    122574.jpg
  • Edible Dormouse Glis glis Length 28-33cm Plump rodent that recalls a miniature Grey Squirrel. Introduced to Britain, possibly in Roman times. Adult is fat-bodied in autumn but sleek in spring, after losing weight in hibernation. Has a mainly grey coat but throat and belly are whitish and hint a dark stripe down back is sometimes seen. Note the large eyes, rounded ears, and long toes. Tail is long and bushy. Utters chattering grunts and squeals. Introduced and now widespread in the Chilterns. Favours mature deciduous woodlands and mature gardens.
    128465.jpg
  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
    144326.jpg
  • Pine Marten Martes martes Length 55-80cm Secretive and mainly nocturnal mammal. Diet includes small mammals, Rabbits, birds and frogs. Agile climber, capable of catching Red Squirrels. Adult has slender body and long, bushy tail. Head is pointed and ears are relatively large. Fur is thick, sleek and mainly dark orange-brown with creamy yellow throat patch. Mostly silent. Formerly widespread but widely persecuted and eradicated from many areas; now restricted mainly to remote parts of Scotland and Ireland. Favours broken ground, often with tree cover.
    144349.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    156673.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    156670.jpg
  • Grey Squirrel - Sciurus carolinensis - Skull showing deformity in incisors. Length 45-55cm Abundant rodent. Introduced to Britain, now the most familiar squirrel. Diet is omnivorous and renowned for its cunning in exploiting food sources. Adult has plump but elongated body and long bushy tail. Rounded ears lack ear tufts. Coat is mainly grizzled grey with whitish chest and belly. Some individuals are variably tinged with brown in summer. Utters teeth-smacking ‘tchack’ when alarmed. Native to North America, introduced here in 1876. Now widespread and common, its adaptability allowing it to thrive in woods, parks and gardens.
    155190.jpg
  • Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Length 45-55cm Abundant rodent. Introduced to Britain, now the most familiar squirrel. Diet is omnivorous and renowned for its cunning in exploiting food sources. Adult has plump but elongated body and long bushy tail. Rounded ears lack ear tufts. Coat is mainly grizzled grey with whitish chest and belly. Some individuals are variably tinged with brown in summer. Utters teeth-smacking ‘tchack’ when alarmed. Native to North America, introduced here in 1876. Now widespread and common, its adaptability allowing it to thrive in woods, parks and gardens.
    102208.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    110373.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    137885.jpg
  • Pine Marten Martes martes Length 55-80cm Secretive and mainly nocturnal mammal. Diet includes small mammals, Rabbits, birds and frogs. Agile climber, capable of catching Red Squirrels. Adult has slender body and long, bushy tail. Head is pointed and ears are relatively large. Fur is thick, sleek and mainly dark orange-brown with creamy yellow throat patch. Mostly silent. Formerly widespread but widely persecuted and eradicated from many areas; now restricted mainly to remote parts of Scotland and Ireland. Favours broken ground, often with tree cover.
    142623.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    144154.jpg
  • Pine Marten Martes martes Length 55-80cm Secretive and mainly nocturnal mammal. Diet includes small mammals, Rabbits, birds and frogs. Agile climber, capable of catching Red Squirrels. Adult has slender body and long, bushy tail. Head is pointed and ears are relatively large. Fur is thick, sleek and mainly dark orange-brown with creamy yellow throat patch. Mostly silent. Formerly widespread but widely persecuted and eradicated from many areas; now restricted mainly to remote parts of Scotland and Ireland. Favours broken ground, often with tree cover.
    144350.jpg
  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
    136126.jpg
  • Crane Grus grus L 95-115cm. Stately, long-legged, long-necked bird with bushy tail-end. In flight, wings are broad and long; flies with neck and legs outstretched. Typically wary. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey plumage with black and white on head and neck; back sometimes appears rather brown. Note patch of red on hindcrown. Juvenile is similar to adult but head is pale buffish grey and lacks adult’s black and white markings. Voice Utters a loud, trumpeted rolling krrruu. Status Small population is resident in NE Norfolk, and successful breeding has occurred; also a scarce passage migrant and very occasional winter visitor.
    127648.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    156671.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    156669.jpg
  • Allseed - Radiola linoides (Linaceae) Height to 5cm<br />
Low-growing, rather bushy annual found on damp ground, usually on sandy or peaty ground and acid soils. FLOWERS 1-2mm across with tiny white petals; borne in dense terminal clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are oval, 1-veined and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread but local, and most common in SW England.
    155449.jpg
  • Japanese Umbrella Pine Sciadopitys verticillata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. Broadly conical evergreen, often with a finely tapering crown, but may be bushy. BARK Red-brown, peeling in long vertical strips. LEAVES Needle-like, up to 12cm long and borne in umbrella-like clusters. Needles are deeply grooved on both sides, dark green above, but more yellow below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow and produced in clusters; female flowers are green, and grow at tips of shoots, ripening into ovoid, 7.5cm-long, red-brown cones after 2 years. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but grows well in many parts of Britain and Europe.
    134984.jpg
  • Japanese Umbrella Pine Sciadopitys verticillata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. Broadly conical evergreen, often with a finely tapering crown, but may be bushy. BARK Red-brown, peeling in long vertical strips. LEAVES Needle-like, up to 12cm long and borne in umbrella-like clusters. Needles are deeply grooved on both sides, dark green above, but more yellow below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow and produced in clusters; female flowers are green, and grow at tips of shoots, ripening into ovoid, 7.5cm-long, red-brown cones after 2 years. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but grows well in many parts of Britain and Europe.
    134983.jpg
  • Japanese Umbrella Pine Sciadopitys verticillata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. Broadly conical evergreen, often with a finely tapering crown, but may be bushy. BARK Red-brown, peeling in long vertical strips. LEAVES Needle-like, up to 12cm long and borne in umbrella-like clusters. Needles are deeply grooved on both sides, dark green above, but more yellow below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow and produced in clusters; female flowers are green, and grow at tips of shoots, ripening into ovoid, 7.5cm-long, red-brown cones after 2 years. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but grows well in many parts of Britain and Europe.
    132645.jpg
  • NARROW-LEAVED PEPPERWORT Lepidium ruderale (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Bushy, hairless annual with an unpleasant smell when crushed. Found on disturbed ground, often near the sea. FLOWERS are 1mm across and greenish, the petals usually absent (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are small, elliptical, flattened and notched. LEAVES comprise pinnately lobed basal leaves and untoothed ones on stem. STATUS-Mainly in S.
    139934.jpg
  • NARROW-LEAVED PEPPERWORT Lepidium ruderale (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Bushy, hairless annual with an unpleasant smell when crushed. Found on disturbed ground, often near the sea. FLOWERS are 1mm across and greenish, the petals usually absent (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are small, elliptical, flattened and notched. LEAVES comprise pinnately lobed basal leaves and untoothed ones on stem. STATUS-Mainly in S.
    139933.jpg
  • SILVER RAGWORT Senecio cineraria (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Bushy, woody and silvery grey perennial. Grows on coastal cliffs and walls. FLOWERS are yellow and borne in heads, 15-25mm across, with silvery woolly stalks and bracts; heads in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are downy. LEAVES are pinnate, green and downy above but white woolly below. STATUS-Introduced and familiar as a plant of municipal car parks and other formal sites; also naturalised on the coast of SW England.
    118099.jpg
  • Wild Cat Felis silvestris Length 75-100cm Resembles a large, tabby domestic cat but subtle differences allow separation. Mainly nocturnal. Adult has greyish brown fur with vertical stripes along flanks and dark vertebral line on back. Tail is thick, bushy and blunt-tipped, marked with 3-5 dark and discrete bands. ‘Wild-type’ domestics have ill-defined flank stripes and tapering tail. Mews, purs and spits like domestic cat. Once widespread, now confined to Scotland; favours rugged moors, forest margins and lower mountain slopes.
    100333.jpg
  • Wild Cat Felis silvestris Length 75-100cm Resembles a large, tabby domestic cat but subtle differences allow separation. Mainly nocturnal. Adult has greyish brown fur with vertical stripes along flanks and dark vertebral line on back. Tail is thick, bushy and blunt-tipped, marked with 3-5 dark and discrete bands. ‘Wild-type’ domestics have ill-defined flank stripes and tapering tail. Mews, purs and spits like domestic cat. Once widespread, now confined to Scotland; favours rugged moors, forest margins and lower mountain slopes.
    100335.jpg
  • Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Length 45-55cm Abundant rodent. Introduced to Britain, now the most familiar squirrel. Diet is omnivorous and renowned for its cunning in exploiting food sources. Adult has plump but elongated body and long bushy tail. Rounded ears lack ear tufts. Coat is mainly grizzled grey with whitish chest and belly. Some individuals are variably tinged with brown in summer. Utters teeth-smacking ‘tchack’ when alarmed. Native to North America, introduced here in 1876. Now widespread and common, its adaptability allowing it to thrive in woods, parks and gardens.
    111661.jpg
  • Edible Dormouse Glis glis Length 28-33cm Plump rodent that recalls a miniature Grey Squirrel. Introduced to Britain, possibly in Roman times. Adult is fat-bodied in autumn but sleek in spring, after losing weight in hibernation. Has a mainly grey coat but throat and belly are whitish and hint a dark stripe down back is sometimes seen. Note the large eyes, rounded ears, and long toes. Tail is long and bushy. Utters chattering grunts and squeals. Introduced and now widespread in the Chilterns. Favours mature deciduous woodlands and mature gardens.
    116394.jpg
  • Wild Cat Felis silvestris Length 75-100cm Resembles a large, tabby domestic cat but subtle differences allow separation. Mainly nocturnal. Adult has greyish brown fur with vertical stripes along flanks and dark vertebral line on back. Tail is thick, bushy and blunt-tipped, marked with 3-5 dark and discrete bands. ‘Wild-type’ domestics have ill-defined flank stripes and tapering tail. Mews, purs and spits like domestic cat. Once widespread, now confined to Scotland; favours rugged moors, forest margins and lower mountain slopes.
    116723.jpg
  • Wild Cat Felis silvestris Length 75-100cm Resembles a large, tabby domestic cat but subtle differences allow separation. Mainly nocturnal. Adult has greyish brown fur with vertical stripes along flanks and dark vertebral line on back. Tail is thick, bushy and blunt-tipped, marked with 3-5 dark and discrete bands. ‘Wild-type’ domestics have ill-defined flank stripes and tapering tail. Mews, purs and spits like domestic cat. Once widespread, now confined to Scotland; favours rugged moors, forest margins and lower mountain slopes.
    124267.jpg
  • Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Length 45-55cm Abundant rodent. Introduced to Britain, now the most familiar squirrel. Diet is omnivorous and renowned for its cunning in exploiting food sources. Adult has plump but elongated body and long bushy tail. Rounded ears lack ear tufts. Coat is mainly grizzled grey with whitish chest and belly. Some individuals are variably tinged with brown in summer. Utters teeth-smacking ‘tchack’ when alarmed. Native to North America, introduced here in 1876. Now widespread and common, its adaptability allowing it to thrive in woods, parks and gardens.
    135518.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    136167.jpg
  • Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Length 45-55cm Abundant rodent. Introduced to Britain, now the most familiar squirrel. Diet is omnivorous and renowned for its cunning in exploiting food sources. Adult has plump but elongated body and long bushy tail. Rounded ears lack ear tufts. Coat is mainly grizzled grey with whitish chest and belly. Some individuals are variably tinged with brown in summer. Utters teeth-smacking ‘tchack’ when alarmed. Native to North America, introduced here in 1876. Now widespread and common, its adaptability allowing it to thrive in woods, parks and gardens.
    137001.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    140871.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    140873.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    140875.jpg
  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
    142554.jpg
  • Pine Marten Martes martes Length 55-80cm Secretive and mainly nocturnal mammal. Diet includes small mammals, Rabbits, birds and frogs. Agile climber, capable of catching Red Squirrels. Adult has slender body and long, bushy tail. Head is pointed and ears are relatively large. Fur is thick, sleek and mainly dark orange-brown with creamy yellow throat patch. Mostly silent. Formerly widespread but widely persecuted and eradicated from many areas; now restricted mainly to remote parts of Scotland and Ireland. Favours broken ground, often with tree cover.
    142622.jpg
  • Wild Cat Felis silvestris Length 75-100cm Resembles a large, tabby domestic cat but subtle differences allow separation. Mainly nocturnal. Adult has greyish brown fur with vertical stripes along flanks and dark vertebral line on back. Tail is thick, bushy and blunt-tipped, marked with 3-5 dark and discrete bands. ‘Wild-type’ domestics have ill-defined flank stripes and tapering tail. Mews, purs and spits like domestic cat. Once widespread, now confined to Scotland; favours rugged moors, forest margins and lower mountain slopes.
    142745.jpg
  • Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Length 45-55cm Abundant rodent. Introduced to Britain, now the most familiar squirrel. Diet is omnivorous and renowned for its cunning in exploiting food sources. Adult has plump but elongated body and long bushy tail. Rounded ears lack ear tufts. Coat is mainly grizzled grey with whitish chest and belly. Some individuals are variably tinged with brown in summer. Utters teeth-smacking ‘tchack’ when alarmed. Native to North America, introduced here in 1876. Now widespread and common, its adaptability allowing it to thrive in woods, parks and gardens.
    144316.jpg
  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
    144325.jpg
  • American Mink Mustela vison Length 45-65cm Unwelcome introduction to Britain from North America. An active predator of aquatic life; instrumental in demise of the Water Vole. Hunts in afternoon and after dark. Swims well and buoyantly. Adult has slender body and bushy tail. Fur is soft, silky and typically dark brown. Males is larger than female. Utters high-pitched calls when alarmed. Originated from fur farms (‘liberated’ animals and escapees) and now alarmingly widespread along waterways throughout. Often the subject of eradication programmes.
    144327.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    144380.jpg
  • Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Length 35-45cm Britain’s native squirrel. Adult has compact body with large head, tufted ears and bushy tail. In summer, coat is mainly orange-brown with creamy white underparts; tail bleaches paler with time. In winter, coat is thicker and darker on back; ear tufts more pronounced. Utters chattering calls. Formerly widespread in Britain prior to introduction of Grey Squirrel; now common only in N in mature conifer forests with a few southern outposts (eg Thetford Forest in Norfolk, Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, Dorset.
    144381.jpg
  • Wild Cat Felis silvestris Length 75-100cm Resembles a large, tabby domestic cat but subtle differences allow separation. Mainly nocturnal. Adult has greyish brown fur with vertical stripes along flanks and dark vertebral line on back. Tail is thick, bushy and blunt-tipped, marked with 3-5 dark and discrete bands. ‘Wild-type’ domestics have ill-defined flank stripes and tapering tail. Mews, purs and spits like domestic cat. Once widespread, now confined to Scotland; favours rugged moors, forest margins and lower mountain slopes.
    144394.jpg
  • Wild Cat Felis silvestris Length 75-100cm Resembles a large, tabby domestic cat but subtle differences allow separation. Mainly nocturnal. Adult has greyish brown fur with vertical stripes along flanks and dark vertebral line on back. Tail is thick, bushy and blunt-tipped, marked with 3-5 dark and discrete bands. ‘Wild-type’ domestics have ill-defined flank stripes and tapering tail. Mews, purs and spits like domestic cat. Once widespread, now confined to Scotland; favours rugged moors, forest margins and lower mountain slopes.
    144396.jpg
  • Wild Cat Felis silvestris Length 75-100cm Resembles a large, tabby domestic cat but subtle differences allow separation. Mainly nocturnal. Adult has greyish brown fur with vertical stripes along flanks and dark vertebral line on back. Tail is thick, bushy and blunt-tipped, marked with 3-5 dark and discrete bands. ‘Wild-type’ domestics have ill-defined flank stripes and tapering tail. Mews, purs and spits like domestic cat. Once widespread, now confined to Scotland; favours rugged moors, forest margins and lower mountain slopes.
    144397.jpg
  • Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Length 45-55cm Abundant rodent. Introduced to Britain, now the most familiar squirrel. Diet is omnivorous and renowned for its cunning in exploiting food sources. Adult has plump but elongated body and long bushy tail. Rounded ears lack ear tufts. Coat is mainly grizzled grey with whitish chest and belly. Some individuals are variably tinged with brown in summer. Utters teeth-smacking ‘tchack’ when alarmed. Native to North America, introduced here in 1876. Now widespread and common, its adaptability allowing it to thrive in woods, parks and gardens.
    145066.jpg
  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
    123164.jpg
  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
    123302.jpg
  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
    136124.jpg
  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
    136125.jpg
Next