Wildlife and Environment

Each winter, the European robin (Erithacus rubecula) migrates hundreds or even thousands of kilometres to escape the cold. With the help of an internal compass and a belly full of fat reserves, the robin takes flight in search of food and a warmer climate.

For humans, autumn means spooky parties, cosy nights in, and pumpkin spiced lattes. But for hedgehogs, it’s time to find the perfect hibernation spot and hunker down for a long winter sleep.  By making simple but impactful changes to your outdoor space, you can lend hedgehogs a helping hand.

Have you ever wondered why mushrooms are so abundant in the autumn? No need to look mush-further! Bethany Akhtar explains why this season is their best, what roles they play and how to find them.

Polymetallic nodules on the deep seabed hold metals needed for clean energy. But as the world debates mining them, scientists warn of irreversible damage to fragile ecosystems which are still barely understood.

June 17th is World Crocodile Day! To celebrate, Nilo Mason discusses the anatomy and conservation of their favourite animal: crocodiles. Read on to discover some incredible species highlighted below- one of which could grow to over 11 metres before it went extinct. Crikey!

Louisa Neill dives into the world of working animals and discovers how they support our conservation efforts as well as other aspects of our lives. She also explores the organisations that protect working animals from exploitation.

Sasha Hill discusses the UK’s issue with water pollution and which stakeholders hold the greatest responsibility for cleaning up this pollution problem and devising short-term and long-term solutions.

Summer Elsie explores the evolutionary history and genetic identity of the extinct dire wolf, drawing on recent genomic research that redefines its place in the canid family tree.

With the upcoming arrival of International Dawn Chorus Day, Bethany Akhtar unravels what the dawn chorus really means and how it could be impacted by climate change for years to come.

Earth Day is a powerful reminder to protect our planet. But true change can only happen if we live sustainably every day. From rewilding and reducing waste to upskilling through training, every effort counts in the fight for a healthier, more resilient world. Jennifer Robson explores what Earth Day means for us and the planet.