Wilder Future: a toad's view
It’s always intrigued me that Kenneth Grahame chose Toad as his most impulsive, charismatic and rumbustious character. An adrenaline junky, desperate to be loved and the antithesis of Ratty’s…
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Photo, David Tipling/2020Vision
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Wilder Diaries: Toads on Roads
We spoke to Lyn from Sustainable Ashprington to find out about their yearly toad patrols…
Wilder Future: a vole's view
Ratty. Sensible, dependable, loyal, comfortable in his own skin, writes Harry Barton, Devon Wildlife Trust's CEO. He is the character who gives the river in Wind in the Willows its sense of…
Wilder Diaries: Pinhoe View Hospital
Pinhoe View Hospital in Exeter provides care across two wards for people who have enduring mental health problems. Each ward at the hospital has access to its own garden. Through Nextdoor Nature…
Wilder Future: a badger's view
Badger. Strong defiant, paternal, the only animal that the weasels and stoats won’t dare to cross. It is badger who the other animals turn to when things go wrong, the reluctant leader who steps…
Wilder Future: a mole's view
It’s a crisp, early spring morning of watery sun and rippling bird song. The April greens are at their sharpest, the leaves of every plant impossibly lush. The flowers pushing themselves up among…
Great spider crab
Despite its name, the great spider crab is actually smaller than the more common European spider crab.
Marsh frog
Europe's largest frog is not naturally found in the UK, but was introduced to Kent and has spread throughout the southeast.
Common frog
Our most well-known amphibian, the common frog is a regular visitor to garden ponds across the country, where they feast on slugs and snails. In winter, they hibernate in pond mud or under log…
Natterjack toad
The rare natterjack toad is found at just a few coastal locations, where it prefers shallow pools on sand dunes, heaths and marshes.
Palmate newt
The palmate newt looks similar to the smooth newt, but favours shallow pools on acidic soils like heathlands. During the breeding season, males grow distinctive black webbing on their hind feet.…
Common toad
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.