Frogbit looks like a mini water-lily as it floats on the surface of ponds, lakes and still waterways. It offers shelter to tadpoles, fish and dragonfly larve.

This huge gull can be seen around most of the UK's coasts in summer, with some venturing inland in winter.

Ever noticed lots of little white spirals on seaweed fronds on rocky shores? These are tiny tube worms!

This well-camouflaged wader is a winter visitor to the UK, where it can be seen feeding on wetlands with a distinctive bobbing motion.

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.

The all-black carrion crow does not nest in colonies like the similar rook. It can be seen almost everywhere.

The ragworm is highly common on our shores, though rarely seen except by the fishermen that dig them up for bait.

As the name suggests, this beautiful brown butterfly is most common in Scotland, though it can also be seen in northern England.

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.

Despite its warts and ancient associations with witches, the common toad is a gardener's friend, sucking up slugs and snails. It is famous for migrating en masse to its breeding ponds.