Swollen-thighed beetle
This metallic green beetle can be seen visiting flowers on sunny days in spring and summer.
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Chwilio
Water dock
As its name suggests, Water dock likes damp places, such as the egdes of canals, ponds and rivers. It is a tall plant with large, greenish flower spikes.
Songbird Saturday: the Great Tit
This very visible, very vocal bird might have a trademark song, but its huge range and skill at mimicry means it can confuse even those more experienced at birdsong identification
Knot grass
A common moth across most of the UK. The large, hairy caterpillars are often seen in late summer.
Sooty shearwater
These globe-spanning seabirds can often be seen offshore in autumn, shearing low over the waves.
My connection
Norman has a strong connection to the land, having farmed in the local area for sixty years, and has watched the natural habitats evolve. Most of all he likes being outside in the fresh air, as it…
Honeycomb worm
Ever spotted a honeycomb-like mound on the beach and wondered what it was? It's a reef built entirely by worms!
Bogbean
Look for the star-like, feathery, white flowers of Bogbean in ponds, fens, bogs and marshes. It is so-named because its leaves look like those of broad beans.
White water-lily
Look for the White water-lily in still and slow-moving water, such as ponds, ditches, lakes and canals. Its lily pads and massive, white flowers float at the water's surface.
Yellow water-lily
Look for the Yellow water-lily in still and slow-moving water, such as ponds, ditches, lakes and canals. Its lily pads and cupped, yellow flowers float at the water's surface.
My inspiration
Iolo Williams, BBC TV naturalist, loves visiting Parc Slip Nature Reserve near Bridgend. It’s the perfect wildlife day and the arable fields inspire him in his personal and professional life - a…
Great black-backed gull
This huge gull can be seen around most of the UK's coasts in summer, with some venturing inland in winter.