UK WILDLIFE

THE ARTWORKS

Over 400 children and adults have shared their creativity for the project, expressing their appreciation for nature through art. Jane’s montages unite these pieces, celebrating each artist’s chosen species in colourful, collective showcases.

Each artwork is unique, mirroring the incredible diversity of the animals across the UK. Just like the species they depict, every drawing is one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable. 

NORTHUMBRIAN WILDLIFE

JARROW CROSS C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL

Jane worked with Miss Fail, the school's art lead over 3 days where all students created an artwork for the project.

 

Year 6S

 

Year 6W

 

Year 5G

 

Year 5W

 

Year 3/4F

 

Year 3/4M

 

Year 3/4P

 

Year 2S

 

Year 2W

 

Year 1E

 

Year 1M

 

Reception

 

NEWMINSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL

In 2025, as part of Newminster Middle School's Northumberland wildlife project, Drawing for the Planet was invited by Ms Jones, Leader of the Creative Arts to deliver workshops to Year 5. Jane's design features a selection of students drawings.

MEET THE WILDLIFE

Brown Long-eared Bat © Rudmer Zwerver | Dreamstime.com

Each of the species represented below—brought to life by a selection of our artists—calls the United Kingdom home and plays a vital role in its ecosystems.

Like us, they navigate the world driven by instinct and shaped by the environments they inhabit. Today, many of these species face an uncertain future, their numbers quietly declining. Their absence would leave our landscapes poorer and void of life. Protecting them safeguards the stories woven into the land, rivers, and skies.

Learn more about these animals, including their UK and global conservation statuses, population data and links to their listings on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's IUCN Red List. Some are found across Europe and beyond, while others are unique to parts of Great Britain. Many currently represented are widespread throughout the country, but as the project grows, more voices from specific regions will help highlight the wildlife of their own local landscapes.

NORTHUMBRIAN WILDLIFE

Red Squirrel © Menno67 | Dreamstime.com

Founded in Northumberland, one of England's least populated counties, where the wildlife is abundant, the project draws inspiration from the region's natural beauty.

Its heather-covered moors are home to curlews and lapwings, whose calls are a distinctive part of the landscape. Along the shore, seabirds such as Atlantic puffins and terns gather in large colonies, especially around the Farne Islands, while inland habitats support species like red squirrels and roe deer and rivers provide shelter for otters—making it an important area for biodiversity.

MAMMALS

Red Fox © Vaclav Matous | Dreamstime.com

From red deer roaming the Highlands and pine martens slipping through woodlands, to stoats darting along hedgerows and foxes weaving across meadows, the UK's 60 mammal species reflect the diversity of its landscapes.

They play essential roles in maintaining ecological balance through grazing, predation and interaction with food webs and are a reminder that the UK is a living tapestry, where every mammal has a place, a purpose, and a story within the natural world.

 

EURASIAN RED SQUIRREL

Drawings: Savannah, Rosie and Poppy, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary; Rory, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Eurasian red squirrel is a tiny acrobat of the forest, darting through the trees with remarkable speed and grace. Its body spans just 19–23 centimetres, with a bushy tail stretching another 15–20 centimetres, weighing a mere 250–340 grams—light enough to leap from branch to branch effortlessly. Its fur dazzles in shades of fiery red, deep chestnut, or even ebony, crowned by a pale belly that flashes with each nimble movement.

Red squirrels are master foragers and clever strategists. They feast on seeds, nuts, berries, fungi, and tender buds. They are particularly famous for their winter preparations, meticulously hiding nuts and seeds to ensure survival during the cold months. Occasionally, red squirrels may supplement their diet with insects or bird eggs, showing their opportunistic side.

Interesting fact: Unlike the more widespread grey squirrel, red squirrels have ear tufts that become especially prominent in winter. These tufts aren’t just for show—they help keep the squirrels’ ears warm in cold climates.

 

EURASIAN BEAVER

Drawing: Leo, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Eurasian beaver is a master engineer of Europe and Asia’s rivers, streams, and wetlands. Adults measure 80–120 centimetres in body length, with a broad, flat tail adding another 25–35 centimetres, and weigh between 16 and 30 kilograms. Their dense, chocolate-brown fur keeps them warm in icy waters, while their strong, webbed feet and sharp incisors allow them to fell trees and sculpt their aquatic homes.

Beavers are primarily herbivorous, feeding on the bark, leaves, and twigs of trees, as well as aquatic plants. Their remarkable construction skills create lodges and dams that transform landscapes, forming ponds that provide shelter for countless other species. Nature’s most industrious architect is resilient, resourceful, and quietly reshapes its world for the good.

The Eurasian beaver can stay underwater for up to about 15 minutes at a time thanks to specialized adaptations like a slow heart rate and oxygen-efficient physiology. 

 

EUROPEAN RABBIT

Drawing: Layla, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary

The European rabbit is a small, energetic digger and sprinter, native to Europe but now found across the world. Adults measure 34–50 centimetres in length, with a tail adding a few extra centimetres, and weigh between 1 and 2 kilograms. Their soft fur ranges from tawny brown to grey, blending perfectly with grasslands and woodland edges, while their large, alert eyes and twitching ears are ever watchful for predators.

Rabbits are expert herbivores, grazing on grasses, herbs, and leafy vegetation, but they will also nibble on roots, bark, and shoots. Highly social, they live in burrowed warrens, working together to create intricate tunnels for shelter and protection. Agile and swift, a rabbit’s sudden dash across open ground is a testament to its survival instincts, combining speed, vigilance, and remarkable adaptability in the wild.

Interesting fact: The European rabbit has a nearly 360-degree field of vision, allowing it to spot predators from almost any direction without turning its head.

 

WESTERN EUROPEAN HEDGEHOG

Drawings: Thomas, Anonymous, Alex, Dylan and Joey, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary

The Western European hedgehog is a small, nocturnal wanderer of gardens, meadows, and woodlands across Europe. Measuring 20–30 centimetres in length and weighing between 400 and 1,200 grams, it is compact yet robust, with a coat of sharp, protective spines covering its back, contrasting with a soft, furry underbelly. Its tiny face, pointed snout, and curious eyes give it a deceptively gentle appearance, belying its formidable defense mechanism.

A versatile forager, the hedgehog thrives on a diet of insects, worms, snails, and other invertebrates, occasionally supplementing with berries, fungi, or eggs. At night, it wanders stealthily, rooting through leaf litter and undergrowth, using its keen sense of smell to hunt. When threatened, it rolls into a tight, spiny ball, a living fortress against predators—a testament to survival ingenuity in the wild.

Interesting fact: The European hedgehog is immune to many snake venoms and can sometimes prey on venomous snakes, thanks to a protein in its blood that neutralizes certain toxins.

 

EURASIAN OTTER

 

Drawing: Lucy, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Eurasian otter is a sleek, powerful swimmer and master of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters across Europe and parts of Asia. Measuring 57–95 centimetres in body length, with a muscular tail adding another 35–45 centimetres, it weighs between 7 and 12 kilograms. Its dense, water-repellent fur glistens dark brown on top with a creamy underbelly, allowing it to glide silently through the water in pursuit of prey.

Otters are skilled and opportunistic hunters, feeding mainly on fish, but also consuming amphibians, crustaceans, and occasionally small mammals or birds. Agile both in water and on land, they are playful yet fiercely territorial, leaving distinctive scent markings along riverbanks. Watching a European otter dive, twist, and surface with a slippery fish is witnessing a combination of grace, cunning, and aquatic power—truly one of Europe’s most captivating predators.

Interesting fact: The Eurasian otter is an excellent swimmer with extremely dense fur—up to about 50,000 hairs per square centimeter—that traps air and keeps it warm even in icy water.

 

EUROPEAN ROE DEER

Drawings: Esim, Chloe and Nancy, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The European roe deer is a graceful and elusive presence throughout Europe’s woodlands, fields, and hedgerows. Standing around 65–75 centimeters at the shoulder and measuring 95–135 centimeters in body length, it weighs between 15 and 35 kilograms. Its sleek coat shifts from rich reddish-brown in summer to a thicker grey-brown in winter, while a distinctive pale rump patch flashes as it bounds effortlessly through the undergrowth.

Roe deer are selective herbivores, feeding on grasses, herbs, leaves, shoots, and buds. Rather than grazing heavily in one place, they move delicately through their habitat, picking the most nutritious plants. Alert and agile, they rely on sharp senses and explosive speed to evade danger, disappearing into cover in seconds. Watching a roe deer leap gracefully across a clearing is a striking reminder of the quiet beauty and precision of life in the wild.

Interesting fact: The Roe deer often performs a distinctive “barking” alarm call when startled, which can sound surprisingly dog-like and is used to warn other deer of nearby danger.

 

RED FOX

Drawings: Alfie, Angelica, Joey, Leon and Simi, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School; Albie, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The red fox is a cunning and adaptable predator, found across a vast range of habitats from deep forests to open countryside—and even urban streets. Measuring 45–90 centimeters in body length, with a long, bushy tail adding another 30–55 centimeters, it typically weighs between 3 and 14 kilograms. Its rich reddish-orange coat, contrasted by dark legs and a white-tipped tail, makes it one of the most recognisable mammals in the wild.

An opportunistic omnivore, the red fox feeds on small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and even human food scraps when available. Stealthy and intelligent, it hunts with patience and precision, often using a sudden, pouncing leap to catch prey. Equally comfortable in rural and urban environments, the fox thrives through its resourcefulness—an alert, adaptable survivor whose sharp instincts and quiet movements make it a true master of its domain.

Interesting fact: The Red fox can use the Earth’s magnetic field like a compass when hunting, helping it accurately pounce on hidden prey even under snow.

 

EURASIAN BADGER

Drawings: Ellie, Imogen, Jennifer, Kian and Olivia, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The Eurasian badger is a powerful, nocturnal forager, roaming woodlands, fields, and hedgerows across Europe. With a stocky body measuring 60–90 centimetres and a short tail adding 12–20 centimetres, it typically weighs between 7 and 17 kilograms. Its coarse grey fur, black legs, and striking black-and-white striped face give it a bold and unmistakable appearance as it moves low and steadily through the night.

Badgers are omnivorous and highly adaptable, feeding on earthworms, insects, small mammals, fruits, and roots. Using powerful claws, they dig efficiently for food and maintain extensive underground tunnel systems known as setts, where they rest and raise their young. Though they appear slow, badgers are surprisingly strong and determined when threatened. 

Interesting fact: European badgers are incredibly clean animals—they regularly change bedding in their setts, carrying fresh grass and leaves underground to keep their living spaces dry and comfortable.

 

WESTERN POLECAT

Drawing: Mrs Wainwright, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The western polecat is a stealthy and elusive hunter, moving like a shadow through woodlands, wetlands, and farmland across Europe. Its long, slender body measures 30–45 centimetres in length, with a bushy tail adding another 10–20 centimetres, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.7 kilograms. Its dark brown fur, lighter undercoat, and distinctive pale facial markings give it a masked, almost mysterious appearance.

A skilled and opportunistic carnivore, the polecat feeds mainly on small mammals such as rodents, as well as birds, amphibians, and insects. Silent and precise, it hunts mostly at night, using its keen senses to track prey through dense vegetation. Despite its size, it is a bold predator, capable of taking on animals close to its own weight. 

Interesting fact: The western polecat is the wild ancestor of the domestic ferret, meaning today’s ferrets still share many of the polecat’s hunting instincts and behaviours.

 

EUROPEAN HARE

Drawings: Emmy, Harry and Jackson, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School; Natalia and Olivia, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The European hare is a powerful and fleet-footed runner of open grasslands and farmland, instantly recognisable by its long ears and strong hind legs. Its lean body measures 50–70 centimetres in length, and it typically weighs between 3 and 6 kilograms. Its tawny-brown fur, flecked with black, provides excellent camouflage against the fields it inhabits, while its amber eyes remain constantly alert for danger.

Hares are herbivores, feeding on grasses, herbs, and crops, often grazing in open areas under the cover of dusk or dawn. Built for speed, they can reach impressive bursts of pace to escape predators, using sharp turns and powerful leaps to outmanoeuvre threats. Unlike rabbits, they do not burrow but rest in shallow depressions called “forms,” relying on concealment and agility for survival. In the UK, European brown hare populations have declined significantly over recent decades, largely due to changes in agricultural practices, habitat loss, and increased predation pressure—making them a species of growing conservation concern.

Interesting fact: During the breeding season, hares are famous for “boxing”—standing on their hind legs and striking each other with their front paws, often seen in early spring and sometimes mistaken for fighting males, though it is usually females fending off unwanted attention.

 

BANK VOLE

Drawing: Anonymous, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The bank vole is a small, nimble rodent that thrives in the UK's woodlands, hedgerows, and grassy margins. Its compact body measures 9–12 centimetres in length, with a tail adding another 4–7 centimetres, and it typically weighs between 20 and 40 grams. Its soft, reddish-brown fur, paler underbelly, and small, rounded ears allow it to blend seamlessly into leaf litter and undergrowth, making it an expert at avoiding predators.

Bank voles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seeds, fruits, nuts, and green shoots, but they will occasionally eat insects or fungi. They are most active at dawn and dusk, creating intricate networks of shallow burrows and runways through the undergrowth for shelter and foraging. Quick, alert, and highly adaptable, they play a crucial role in woodland ecosystems as both seed dispersers and prey for birds of prey, foxes, and other predators.

Interesting fact: Bank voles are excellent swimmers and can cross small streams or ponds to escape predators or explore new habitats, a surprising skill for such a tiny woodland creature.

 

EUROPEAN MOLE

Drawing: Jacob, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The European mole is a secretive and specialized digger, spending almost its entire life underground in Europe’s meadows, gardens, and woodlands. Its cylindrical body measures 11–16 centimetres in length, with a short tail adding 3–5 centimetres, and it typically weighs between 70 and 130 grams. Its dense, velvety fur is dark grey to black, allowing it to move forward and backward through tunnels with ease, while tiny, hidden eyes and ears reflect its life spent mostly in darkness.

Moles are carnivorous, feeding primarily on earthworms, insects, larvae, and other invertebrates, using their sensitive snout and strong, spade-like forelimbs to detect and capture prey. They construct elaborate tunnel systems, both for hunting and nesting, often leaving distinctive molehills on the surface. Despite their small size, European moles are fierce diggers and essential ecosystem engineers, aerating soil and controlling invertebrate populations. 

Interesting fact: Moles can dig up to 20 metres of tunnels in a single night, creating a complex underground network that helps oxygenate the soil and improve its fertility.

 

GREATER HORSESHOE BAT

Drawings: Alexandra, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth; Evie, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The greater horseshoe bat is a remarkable nocturnal predator, gliding silently through the skies of the UK, Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia in search of insects. Its small, delicate body measures 6–8 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 35–40 centimetres, and it typically weighs between 18 and 35 grams. Its soft, reddish-brown to greyish fur and distinctive horseshoe-shaped noseleaf make it instantly recognisable among bat species and perfectly adapted for echolocation.

Greater horseshoe bats are insectivorous, feeding mainly on moths, beetles, and other flying insects, which they detect with incredible precision using ultrasonic calls. They roost in dark, sheltered sites such as caves, old buildings, and abandoned mines, often forming colonies of several dozen individuals. Highly agile in flight, they navigate complex landscapes while hunting, making them expert aerial predators despite their small size. 

Interesting fact: Greater horseshoe bats use a form of echolocation so sophisticated that they can detect the wingbeats of individual insects in complete darkness, allowing them to hunt with extraordinary accuracy.

 

LESSER HORSESHOE BAT

Drawing: Jack, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The lesser horseshoe bat is a tiny, agile hunter of the UK, Europe and parts of western Asia, expertly navigating forests, farmland, and cave systems under the cover of night. Its delicate body measures just 3–4.5 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 19–25 centimetres, and it typically weighs between 5 and 9 grams. Its soft, pale brown to grey fur and characteristic horseshoe-shaped noseleaf give it a unique silhouette, perfectly suited for its sophisticated echolocation hunting.

This bat is insectivorous, feeding primarily on moths, flies, and other small flying insects. It relies on echolocation calls emitted through its nose to detect even the slightest movements of prey in complete darkness. Lesser horseshoe bats roost in small colonies in caves, old buildings, or hollow trees, often hibernating through the winter in sheltered, humid sites. 

Interesting fact: Lesser horseshoe bats have one of the lowest body weights of any European mammal, yet they can navigate and hunt with extraordinary precision in total darkness using their highly refined echolocation.

 

BROWN LONG-EARED BAT

Drawings: Seth, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth; Parker and Ruby, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The brown long-eared bat is a delicate and silent hunter of the UK's and Europe’s woodlands, farmland, and suburban areas. Its small body measures 4–5 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 24–30 centimetres, and it typically weighs between 6 and 12 grams. Its soft brown fur and enormous, distinctive ears—almost as long as its body—make it instantly recognisable and perfectly adapted for detecting prey through sound.

Brown long-eared bats are insectivorous, feeding on moths, flies, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Unlike many bats that rely primarily on echolocation calls for hunting, they also use passive listening to detect the faint movements of prey, giving them extraordinary precision in cluttered environments. They roost in small groups in tree hollows, roof spaces, or old buildings, often hidden away in quiet corners. 

Interesting fact: The brown long-eared bat can hear the rustle of a moth’s wings, allowing it to hunt almost entirely by sound rather than sight or echolocation—a remarkable adaptation among bats.

 

COMMON NOCTULE

Drawing: Ezra, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common noctule bat is a swift and powerful aerial hunter, patrolling forests, rivers, and open countryside across the UK and Europe at dusk. Its body measures 4.5–5.5 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 32–40 centimetres, and it typically weighs between 20 and 40 grams. Its sleek, reddish-brown fur and broad wings make it perfectly built for fast, long-distance flight, allowing it to cover vast areas in search of prey.

Common noctules are insectivorous, feeding mainly on beetles, moths, and flying insects, which they catch mid-flight using echolocation. They roost in tree hollows, roof spaces, and buildings, often forming colonies of several dozen individuals. Exceptionally strong fliers, they are among the earliest bats to emerge at dusk, hunting high above the ground where few other predators venture. 

Interesting fact: The common noctule can fly at speeds of up to 50 km/h and cover several kilometres in a single night while hunting, making it one of the fastest bats in Europe.

 

BIRDS

Atlantic Puffin © Harold Stiver | Dreamstime.com

Birdlife ranges from birds of prey like ospreys fishing in Scottish lochs, to robins singing in gardens and swallows sweeping across summer skies.

Over 200 breading bird species support ecosystems through seed dispersal, insect control, and pollination as well as enriching the natural soundscape. However many populations are declining including the tawny owl, kestrel and house sparrow, which are now listed on the UK's Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. Birds are listed in order of the UK's RED, AMBER or GREEN conservation status:

 

ATLANTIC PUFFIN

Drawings: Effie, Isabella, Lee, Miss Ethcoate and Ruby Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School; Adie and Isabella, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Atlantic puffin is a charismatic seabird of the North Atlantic, often called the “parrot of the sea” for its colourful beak and striking appearance. Measuring 26–29 centimetres in body length, with a wingspan of 47–63 centimetres, it typically weighs between 300 and 500 grams. Its black upperparts, white underbelly, and bright orange legs contrast with a vividly coloured beak that becomes especially bold during the breeding season.

Atlantic puffins are skilled hunters, feeding mainly on small fish such as sand eels and herring, which they catch by diving underwater and using their wings to “fly” through the water. They nest in burrows on coastal cliffs and islands, often returning to the same site each year. Despite their clumsy appearance on land, they are agile and fast in the air and sea, perfectly adapted to a life between two worlds.

Interesting fact: Atlantic Puffins can carry multiple fish in their beaks at once—sometimes over a dozen—thanks to special spines on their tongues that help hold their catch in place.

 

EURASIAN CURLEW

Drawings: Oscar, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth; Amber, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The Eurasian curlew is a striking and evocative wading bird, haunting wetlands, estuaries, and open moorlands across the UK, Europe and Asia with its haunting, bubbling call. It is the largest European wader, measuring 50–60 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 80–100 centimetres, and typically weighs between 600 and 1,000 grams. Its mottled brown plumage provides excellent camouflage, while its long legs and distinctive down-curved bill make it unmistakable as it probes the mud for food.

Curlews are carnivorous feeders, using their long, sensitive bills to search for worms, crustaceans, and insects hidden beneath soft ground or tidal mudflats. Often seen alone or in small groups, they move slowly and deliberately as they forage, perfectly adapted to their wetland environments. 

Interesting fact: The Eurasian curlew’s haunting call is one of the most iconic sounds of the British countryside, but sadly it is now a species of conservation concern in the UK and globally due to habitat loss and declining breeding success.

 

NORTHERN LAPWING

Drawings: Dylan and Eve, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The northern lapwing is a striking and acrobatic wader, gracing wetlands, grasslands, and farmland across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. Measuring 28–31 centimetres in body length, with a wingspan of 67–87 centimetres, it typically weighs between 150 and 320 grams. Its glossy black, white, and iridescent green plumage, combined with a wispy crest on its head, makes it instantly recognisable in flight and on the ground.

Lapwings feed mainly on insects, worms, and other invertebrates, which they probe from soft soil and grass. They are well known for their dramatic aerial displays during the breeding season, performing twists, dives, and rolls to attract mates and defend nesting territories. 

Interesting fact: The northern lapwing has experienced significant declines in the UK and Europe due to habitat loss and changes in farming practices, making it a species of conservation concern despite its once-abundant presence.

 

DUNLIN

Drawing: Ellis, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The dunlin is a small, agile wader, frequenting mudflats, estuaries, and coastal wetlands across Europe, Asia, and North America. Measuring 17–21 centimetres in body length, with a wingspan of 32–41 centimetres, it typically weighs between 35 and 60 grams. Its brownish-grey back, white underparts, and slightly down-curved black bill make it perfectly adapted for probing soft mud in search of food, while its rapid, darting flight allows it to evade predators with ease.

Dunlins feed mainly on insects, worms, crustaceans, and small molluscs, using their sensitive bills to extract prey hidden beneath the surface. They often forage in large, tightly packed flocks, especially during migration, creating striking patterns across estuaries and tidal flats. 

Interesting fact: Dunlins undergo a remarkable transformation in summer, growing a distinctive black belly patch that is used in breeding displays, making them one of the most recognisable waders during the breeding season.

 

EUROPEAN HERRING GULL

Drawings: Archie and Joe, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The herring gull is a large and versatile seabird, commonly found along coasts, estuaries, and inland waterways across Europe. Adults measure 54–60 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 125–155 centimetres, and typically weigh between 1 and 1.5 kilograms. Their pale grey back, white underparts, black-tipped wings, and bright yellow bill make them unmistakable, while their strong wings allow for soaring flights over land and sea alike.

Herring gulls are opportunistic feeders, eating fish, invertebrates, eggs, small mammals, and human food scraps. They are intelligent foragers, capable of dropping shellfish onto rocks to crack them open and exploiting human environments for easy meals. Social yet competitive, they often nest in large colonies and fiercely defend their chicks and territories. 

Interesting fact: Herring gulls are highly adaptable and have learned to thrive in urban areas, scavenging from rubbish tips, streets, and harbours, which has contributed to their widespread presence today.

 

EUROPEAN SHAG

Drawing: Charlotte, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The European shag is a sleek and striking seabird, inhabiting rocky coasts and islands across western Europe. Adults measure 68–78 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 90–110 centimetres, and typically weigh between 1.2 and 1.5 kilograms. Their glossy black-green plumage, slender body, and long, sharply hooked bill make them excellent divers and recognisable among coastal birds, while a distinctive crest appears on the head during the breeding season.

European shags are expert fish hunters, diving from the surface to chase prey underwater with remarkable agility. They feed mainly on small fish such as sandeels and gobies, often diving to depths of 20–30 metres. Shags nest in dense colonies on cliffs, forming compact groups that provide protection and social interaction. 

Interesting fact: European shags can dive for up to a minute and remain underwater, using their wings to “fly” through water in pursuit of fish, making them incredibly efficient and agile predators of the coastal seas.

 

HEN HARRIER

Drawing: Laura, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The hen harrier is a graceful and agile raptor, gliding low over moorlands, grasslands, and wetlands in the UK and across Europe and parts of Asia. Males measure 43–51 centimetres in body length, females 48–55 centimetres, with a wingspan of 97–122 centimetres, and they typically weigh between 320 and 550 grams. Males are pale grey with black wingtips, while females and juveniles are brown, both featuring the characteristic white rump that flashes as they sweep over the landscape.

Hen harriers are carnivorous, hunting small mammals, birds, and insects with remarkable agility and patience. They use low, slow flight, often hovering or quartering the ground, to detect and capture prey. Solitary or seen in small groups, they are silent hunters that rely on stealth and speed to succeed. 

Interesting fact: Hen harrier populations have declined significantly in the UK due to habitat loss and illegal persecution, making them one of the most threatened raptors in the country.

 

EUROPEAN GREENFINCH

Drawing: Fraser, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The European greenfinch is a robust and lively songbird, commonly found in gardens, hedgerows, woodlands, and farmland across Europe. Adults measure 14–16 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 24–27 centimetres, and typically weigh between 25 and 34 grams. Males are strikingly coloured with olive-green plumage, bright yellow wing flashes, and a stout, conical bill, while females are slightly duller but equally well adapted for foraging.

Greenfinches are primarily seed-eaters, feeding on a wide range of seeds, buds, and berries. They are frequent visitors to garden feeders, often feeding in small, social groups. Agile and vocal, they produce a distinctive, rising “dzweee” call and are often seen fluttering between shrubs and feeding stations with quick bursts of flight. 

Interesting fact: European greenfinch populations have been significantly affected in recent years by a parasitic disease called trichomonosis, which spread rapidly through feeding stations and led to notable declines in some regions.

 

YELLOWHAMMER

Drawing: Matt, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The yellowhammer is a bright and charismatic farmland songbird, commonly found in hedgerows, open countryside, and woodland edges across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. Adults measure 15–16.5 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 22–27 centimetres, and typically weigh between 24 and 30 grams. Males are strikingly coloured with vibrant yellow heads and underparts, streaked brown backs, and chestnut markings, while females are more muted but beautifully patterned for camouflage among grasses and hedges.

Yellowhammers feed mainly on seeds during winter and switch to insects and small invertebrates during the breeding season. They are often seen perched prominently on hedges or wires, delivering their famous song, which is commonly described as sounding like “a little bit of bread and no cheese.” 

Interesting fact: The yellowhammer’s distinctive song has made it one of the most recognisable countryside birds, and in some rural traditions, its call was once interpreted as a charm or omen tied to harvest success.

 

EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER

Drawing: Riley, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The Eurasian oystercatcher is a striking and unmistakable wader, frequenting coasts, estuaries, and tidal flats across Europe and parts of Asia. Measuring 40–45 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 80–87 centimetres, it typically weighs between 550 and 800 grams. Its bold black-and-white plumage, bright red-orange bill, and pinkish legs make it highly recognisable, while its strong bill is perfectly adapted for prising open shellfish and probing soft mud for invertebrates.

Oystercatchers are carnivorous, feeding mainly on mussels, cockles, worms, and other small invertebrates. They are often seen foraging in pairs or small groups, using their powerful bills to extract prey with precision. Highly territorial during the breeding season, they fiercely defend nests and young from intruders. 

Interesting fact: Eurasian oystercatchers have been observed using different feeding techniques depending on prey type, such as stabbing, prising, or hammering shells, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and problem-solving skills.

 

BLACK-HEADED GULL

Drawing: Ted, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The black-headed gull is a small, elegant gull commonly found in wetlands, coasts, and inland waterways across the UK, Europe and Asia. Measuring 36–39 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 94–105 centimetres, it typically weighs between 190 and 300 grams. In summer, its chocolate-brown head, pale grey body, and black-tipped wings make it instantly recognisable, while in winter the head fades to white with dark ear spots, giving it a different, yet equally striking, appearance.

Black-headed gulls are opportunistic feeders, consuming insects, worms, fish, and discarded human food. They are agile and social, often seen in large flocks, performing aerial acrobatics during flight and mobbing predators to protect colonies. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in a wide range of habitats. 

Interesting fact: Black-headed gulls are highly vocal and social, using a variety of calls to communicate, warn of danger, and maintain group cohesion, making them one of the most interactive gull species in Europe.

 

NORTHERN GANNET

Drawing: Ruby, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The northern gannet is a large and striking seabird, renowned for its spectacular plunge-diving and presence along North Atlantic coasts. Adults measure 84–92 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 165–180 centimetres, and typically weigh between 2.2 and 3.6 kilograms. Their predominantly white plumage, black-tipped wings, and yellowish head give them an unmistakable appearance as they soar gracefully above the sea.

Northern gannets are carnivorous, feeding almost exclusively on fish such as mackerel and herring. They hunt with dramatic plunge-dives from heights of up to 30 metres, entering the water at high speeds to catch prey with precision. They breed in large, dense colonies on cliffs and islands, often returning to the same nesting sites year after year. 

Interesting fact: Northern gannets can dive from over 30 metres in the air, hitting the water at speeds of up to 100 km/h, using air sacs in their face and chest to cushion the impact—a true marvel of aerial hunting.

 

COMMON MOORHEN

Drawing: Joe, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The common moorhen is a secretive yet striking waterbird, inhabiting freshwater ponds, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Adults measure 30–36 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 50–55 centimetres, and typically weigh between 250 and 400 grams. Their dark plumage, bright red frontal shield and beak with a yellow tip, and long greenish legs make them unmistakable among reeds and floating vegetation.

Moorhens are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, snails, and small fish. Agile both on land and in water, they can swim, dive, and clamber through reeds with ease. Often seen darting between patches of vegetation, they are quick, alert, and highly territorial during the breeding season. 

Interesting fact: Despite their small size, common moorhens are fiercely protective parents, and both males and females will aggressively defend their chicks from intruders, including much larger birds.

 

EURASIAN BITTERN

Drawing: Joel, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Eurasian bittern is a secretive and evocative wetland bird, inhabiting reedbeds, marshes, and freshwater wetlands across Europe and Asia. Adults measure 69–81 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 100–130 centimetres, and typically weigh between 800 and 1,500 grams. Their mottled brown and buff plumage provides perfect camouflage among reeds, making them incredibly difficult to spot despite their sizeable body.

Bitterns are carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish, amphibians, insects, and small mammals, which they capture by patiently stalking through dense reeds and striking with their sharp bills. Known for their booming “bittern call” during the breeding season, they use deep vocalisations to establish territory and attract mates. 

Interesting fact: The Eurasian bittern’s distinctive booming call can carry over long distances across wetlands, and it is produced by inflating a special throat sac, making it sound much larger than the bird actually is.

 

MALLARD

Drawings: Jonathan, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth; Tommy, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The mallard is a familiar and highly adaptable duck, found in ponds, rivers, lakes, and wetlands across the UK, Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults measure 50–65 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 81–98 centimetres, and typically weigh between 0.9 and 1.5 kilograms. Males are instantly recognisable by their glossy green heads, yellow bills, and chestnut-brown chests, while females are mottled brown, blending perfectly with reeds and banks during nesting.

Mallards are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, molluscs, and small fish. They are excellent swimmers and dabblers, often tipping forward to forage just below the water’s surface. Highly adaptable, mallards thrive in both wild and urban environments, forming large flocks outside the breeding season. 

Interesting fact: Mallards are the ancestors of most domestic duck breeds, meaning the familiar domestic ducks seen around the world share a direct lineage with this wild species.

 

COMMON SHELDUCK

Drawing: Harry, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common shelduck is a striking and elegant waterfowl, frequenting coastal mudflats, estuaries, and tidal lagoons across Europe and western Asia. Adults measure 58–70 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 110–133 centimetres, and typically weigh between 1.1 and 1.7 kilograms. Their bold plumage of white, chestnut, and black, along with a bright red bill and prominent knob in males, makes them unmistakable in both flight and at rest.

Common shelducks are omnivorous, feeding primarily on aquatic invertebrates, small molluscs, and plant material found in mudflats and shallow water. They often forage in flocks, using their strong bills to sift through sediment for food. Highly territorial during the breeding season, they nest in burrows, tree holes, or even under rocks, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to different environments. 

Interesting fact: Shelducks are strong long-distance migrants in some populations, travelling hundreds of kilometres between breeding and wintering grounds, yet they often return to the same nesting sites year after year.

 

COMMON TEAL

 

Drawing: Anonymous, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common teal is a small and elegant dabbling duck found in wetlands, marshes, lakes, and estuaries across Europe and Asia. Adults typically measure 34–38 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 53–59 centimetres. Males are particularly striking, with a chestnut head marked by a bold green eye patch, a grey body, and a yellow rear patch, while females are more mottled brown, providing excellent camouflage among reeds and vegetation.

Common teals feed mainly on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates, often dabbling at the water’s surface or tipping forward to reach submerged food. They are highly social birds, frequently forming large flocks in winter, and are fast, agile fliers capable of rapid, twisting movements when disturbed.

Interesting fact: The common teal is one of the smallest ducks in Europe, yet it is also one of the fastest, capable of rapid, coordinated flight in tight flocks to evade predators.

 

COMMON KESTREL

Drawing: Ollie, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common kestrel is a small, agile raptor, widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Adults measure 32–39 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 65–82 centimetres, and typically weigh between 150 and 250 grams. Males are reddish-brown with black spots and a grey head and tail, while females are slightly larger and more uniformly brown, providing camouflage in fields and grasslands.

Common kestrels are skilled hunters, feeding mainly on small mammals, birds, and large insects. They are famous for their ability to hover in mid-air while scanning the ground for prey, using their keen eyesight to detect even the slightest movements. They nest in trees, cliffs, buildings, or abandoned nests of other birds, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to human-modified landscapes. 

Interesting fact: The common kestrel can see ultraviolet light, allowing it to detect the urine trails of small rodents and giving it a unique advantage when hunting.

 

TAWNY OWL

Drawing: Lexi, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The tawny owl is a silent and enigmatic predator of the UK and Europe’s woodlands, parks, and gardens. Adults measure 37–43 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 81–96 centimetres, and typically weigh between 400 and 700 grams. Their mottled brown and grey plumage provides perfect camouflage among tree trunks, while their large, dark eyes and rounded facial disc give them exceptional night vision and hearing.

Tawny owls are carnivorous, feeding primarily on small mammals, birds, and insects. They hunt mostly at night, using silent flight and acute hearing to detect prey even under dense foliage. They nest in tree cavities, old buildings, or nest boxes, and are fiercely territorial, often defending hunting grounds with characteristic hooting calls. 

Interesting fact: Tawny owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees, allowing them to survey their surroundings without moving their bodies—a vital adaptation for stealthy hunting.

 

EURASIAN BULLFINCH

Drawing: Alba, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The Eurasian bullfinch is a small, vibrant songbird, inhabiting woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens across Europe and temperate Asia. Adults measure 14–16 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 22–26 centimetres, and typically weigh between 21 and 28 grams. Males are striking with bright crimson underparts, grey backs, and black caps, while females are more subdued with brownish underparts, yet equally elegant.

Bullfinches feed mainly on seeds, buds, and berries, using their short, stout bills to extract and crush plant material with precision. They are generally quiet and unobtrusive outside the breeding season, often moving in pairs or small family groups through dense vegetation. 

Interesting fact: Eurasian bullfinches are known for their fondness for tree buds, particularly cherry and apple, which sometimes brings them into conflict with orchard growers—yet their gentle presence adds vibrant colour to winter woodlands.

 

GREAT CORMORANT

Drawings: Elliott and Noah, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The great cormorant is a large, powerful seabird, widely distributed along coasts, rivers, and lakes across the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. Adults measure 70–102 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 121–160 centimetres, and typically weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 kilograms. Their glossy black plumage, often with a greenish sheen, white throat patch, and long hooked bill make them unmistakable, while their streamlined body and webbed feet make them exceptional divers and swimmers.

Great cormorants are carnivorous, feeding almost exclusively on fish. They hunt by diving underwater and chasing prey with remarkable speed and agility, often swimming considerable distances beneath the surface. They nest in large colonies on cliffs, trees, or man-made structures, sometimes alongside other seabirds.

Interesting fact: Unlike many waterbirds, great cormorants often spread their wings to dry in the sun after diving, as their feathers are less waterproof—an adaptation that aids buoyancy control and efficient diving.

 

GREY HERON

Drawing: Jax, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The grey heron is a tall and elegant wading bird, a familiar sight along rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastlines across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Adults measure 90–100 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 175–195 centimetres, and typically weigh between 1 and 2 kilograms. Its pale grey body, long neck, black crown stripe, and dagger-like bill give it a striking and unmistakable silhouette, whether standing motionless or gliding slowly overhead.

Grey herons are carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish, but also taking amphibians, small mammals, and birds. Patient and precise, they often stand perfectly still before striking with lightning speed, using their sharp bill to spear prey. They nest in colonies known as heronries, usually high in trees, where their large stick nests dominate the canopy. 

Interesting fact: Grey herons can remain completely motionless for long periods while hunting, blending into their surroundings so effectively that prey often comes within striking distance without noticing the hidden predator.

 

COMMON KINGFISHER

Drawings: Imogen and Mr Horne, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common kingfisher is a dazzling and fast-moving bird of rivers, streams, and lakes across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Measuring 16–18 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 24–26 centimetres, it typically weighs between 30 and 45 grams. Its brilliant electric-blue upperparts and rich orange underparts flash vividly as it darts low over the water, while its long, pointed bill is perfectly adapted for catching fish.

Kingfishers are carnivorous, feeding mainly on small fish, as well as aquatic insects and crustaceans. Perching quietly above the water, they scan for movement before diving headfirst with incredible speed and precision to seize their prey. They nest in burrows dug into riverbanks, creating hidden chambers where they raise their young. 

Interesting fact: The kingfisher’s vibrant blue colour is not due to pigment, but to the microscopic structure of its feathers, which reflect light to create its brilliant, iridescent appearance.

 

RED KITE

 

Drawing: Thomas, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The red kite is a graceful and elegant bird of prey, soaring effortlessly over woodlands, farmland, and open countryside across Europe. Adults measure 60–70 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 175–195 centimetres, and typically weigh between 800 and 1,300 grams. Its rich reddish-brown body, pale head, and long, deeply forked tail make it instantly recognisable as it glides and twists through the sky.

Red kites are opportunistic feeders, consuming small mammals, birds, carrion, and scraps, often scavenging as well as hunting. They are highly skilled fliers, using slow, buoyant wingbeats and their distinctive tail to steer with precision. Often seen circling high above the ground, they take full advantage of rising air currents to conserve energy. 

Interesting fact: Red kites were once nearly extinct in the UK due to persecution, but successful reintroduction programmes have led to a remarkable recovery, making them a conservation success story in many parts of the country.

 

EURASIAN BUZZARD

Drawings: Harper and Inera, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common buzzard is a broad-winged and powerful bird of prey, commonly seen soaring over woodlands, farmland, and open countryside across Europe. Adults measure 40–58 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 110–130 centimetres, and typically weigh between 550 and 1,300 grams. Their plumage is highly variable, ranging from dark brown to much paler shades, often with mottled patterns, making each individual slightly unique.

Buzzards are carnivorous and opportunistic, feeding on small mammals such as voles, as well as birds, reptiles, and carrion. They often hunt by circling high above the ground or perching quietly before swooping down on prey. Their distinctive, mewing call is a familiar sound in the countryside, especially on warm days when they soar on rising air currents. 

Interesting fact: Common buzzards frequently use thermals—rising columns of warm air—to stay aloft for long periods without flapping, allowing them to conserve energy while scanning vast areas for food.

 

PEREGRINE FALCON

Drawings: Jensen and Ricky, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The peregrine falcon is a powerful and supremely fast bird of prey, found across nearly every continent and thriving in habitats from rugged cliffs to city skyscrapers. Adults measure 34–50 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 95–115 centimetres, and typically weigh between 600 and 1,300 grams. Its slate-grey back, barred underparts, and distinctive dark “moustache” markings give it a bold and streamlined appearance, perfectly suited for high-speed flight.

Peregrine falcons are carnivorous, feeding mainly on birds, which they catch in mid-air with breathtaking precision. Hunting from great heights, they perform dramatic stoops—diving at incredible speeds to strike prey with their talons. Highly adaptable, they nest on cliffs as well as tall buildings, making them one of the most successful raptors in both wild and urban environments. 

Interesting fact: The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, capable of reaching speeds of over 300 km/h during its hunting dive, making it an unmatched aerial predator.

 

COMMON BARN OWL

Drawings: Jax, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School; Caroine, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The barn owl is a ghostly and silent nocturnal hunter, gliding through farmland, grasslands, and woodland edges across the world. Adults measure 33–39 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 80–95 centimetres, and typically weigh between 250 and 450 grams. Its heart-shaped white facial disc, pale golden upperparts, and pure white underbody give it an almost spectral appearance as it moves soundlessly through the night sky.

Barn owls are carnivorous, feeding mainly on small mammals such as voles, mice, and shrews. They hunt by flying low over open ground, using extraordinary hearing to detect the faintest rustle of prey beneath vegetation. Their soft-edged feathers allow for completely silent flight, making them highly efficient and undetectable predators. They often nest in barns, church towers, tree cavities, and other sheltered structures. 

Interesting fact: Barn owls have asymmetrical ear placement, which allows them to pinpoint the exact location of prey in complete darkness using sound alone—making them one of nature’s most precise nocturnal hunters.

 

EURASIAN GREEN WOODPECKER

Drawing: Matthew, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Eurasian green woodpecker is a striking and terrestrial woodland bird, often heard before it is seen, inhabiting grasslands, orchards, parks, and open woodlands across Europe. Adults measure 30–36 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 40–42 centimetres, and typically weigh between 180 and 220 grams. Its vibrant green plumage, yellow rump, and red crown in males make it instantly recognisable as it clings to tree trunks or moves across the ground in search of food.

Unlike many woodpeckers, the green woodpecker spends much of its time feeding on the ground, using its long, sticky tongue to extract ants and other insects from soil and anthills. It is a powerful climber as well, capable of clinging vertically to trees while drumming or foraging. Its loud, laughing call is a familiar sound in countryside habitats. 

Interesting fact: The Eurasian green woodpecker has an extraordinarily long tongue that can extend up to 10 centimetres beyond its beak, equipped with a sticky tip and barbs to efficiently capture ants deep within nests.

 

EURASIAN JAY

Drawing: Iggi, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Eurasian jay is a striking and intelligent woodland bird, commonly found in forests, parks, and gardens across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. Adults measure 32–35 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 52–58 centimetres, and typically weigh between 140 and 190 grams. Its warm pinkish-brown body, black moustache markings, and brilliant blue-and-black barred wing patch make it one of the most colourful members of the crow family.

Jays are omnivorous, feeding on acorns, seeds, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs. They are especially known for collecting and storing acorns in autumn, burying thousands in the ground to eat later. Clever and cautious, they are highly alert birds with a wide range of calls, including harsh alarm cries that echo through woodland. 

Interesting fact: Eurasian jays play a vital role in forest regeneration—many of the acorns they bury and forget grow into new oak trees, making them natural “gardeners” of the woodland ecosystem.

 

EURASIAN MAGPIE

Drawing: Noah, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Eurasian magpie is a bold and highly intelligent bird, thriving in woodlands, farmland, and urban environments across Europe and much of Asia. Adults measure 44–46 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 52–60 centimetres, and typically weigh between 180 and 250 grams. Its striking black-and-white plumage shimmers with iridescent blue and green hues in sunlight, while its long tail and confident posture give it a distinctive silhouette.

Magpies are omnivorous and opportunistic, feeding on insects, small mammals, eggs, carrion, seeds, and human food scraps. They are resourceful foragers, often seen walking on the ground or hopping between branches in search of food. Social and vocal, they communicate with a wide range of calls and are known for their complex behaviours and curiosity. 

Interesting fact: Eurasian magpies are among the few non-mammal species capable of recognising themselves in a mirror, a sign of advanced intelligence rarely seen in the animal kingdom.

 

BOHEMIAN WAXWING

Drawing: Skye, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Bohemian waxwing is a sleek and exotic-looking winter visitor, often appearing in flocks that sweep through northern and central Europe in search of berries. Adults measure 18–21 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 32–35 centimetres, and typically weigh between 50 and 70 grams. Its silky grey-brown plumage, soft peach-tinged underbelly, black facial mask, and striking waxy red wing tips give it a highly distinctive, almost ornamental appearance.

Waxwings are frugivorous for much of the year, feeding mainly on berries such as rowan, hawthorn, and cotoneaster. They move nomadically in response to food availability, often arriving in large, irruptive flocks during winter. Highly social and gentle in behaviour, they are often seen perched together in tight groups, passing berries between individuals. 

Interesting fact: The bright red “wax” tips on their wing feathers are not actually wax, but coloured extensions of feather shafts, and their number can increase with age—making them a subtle indicator of maturity.

 

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH

Drawings: Harrison, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School; George, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The European goldfinch is a dazzling and delicate songbird, brightening hedgerows, grasslands, and gardens across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Adults measure 12–13.5 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 21–25 centimetres, and typically weigh between 14 and 19 grams. Its striking plumage features a vivid red face mask, black-and-white head, warm buff-brown body, and brilliant yellow wing bars that flash in flight like bursts of colour.

Goldfinches are primarily seed-eaters, feeding especially on thistle, dandelion, and teasel seeds, which they extract with their fine, pointed bills. They are highly agile and social, often forming small flocks that flutter gracefully between seed heads. Their flight is undulating and light, accompanied by a distinctive, tinkling call. 

Interesting fact: The European goldfinch has long been associated with art and symbolism, often representing beauty and resilience, and it was frequently depicted in Renaissance paintings as a symbol of endurance and nature’s delicacy.

 

EURASIAN SISKIN

Drawing: Ruby, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Eurasian siskin is a small, lively finch, often seen flitting energetically through woodlands, parks, and gardens across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. Adults measure 11–12.5 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 20–23 centimetres, and typically weigh between 10 and 18 grams. Males are bright and eye-catching, with yellow-green plumage, black caps, and dark streaking, while females are more subdued with softer green and brown tones.

Siskins are primarily seed-eaters, feeding on alder and birch seeds, as well as other small seeds and occasional insects. They are highly agile and acrobatic, often hanging upside down from branches or feeders while foraging. Social by nature, they frequently gather in flocks, especially in winter, moving together in search of food. 

Interesting fact: Eurasian siskins are irruptive migrants, meaning their numbers can vary greatly from year to year as they move in large flocks to areas where food is most abundant, sometimes appearing suddenly in huge numbers.

 

COMMON CHAFFINCH

Drawing: Evie, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The common chaffinch is one of the UK and Europe’s most widespread and familiar songbirds, enlivening woodlands, gardens, and parks with its colour and song. Adults measure 14–16 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 24–28 centimetres, and typically weigh between 18 and 29 grams. Males are particularly striking, with a blue-grey crown, warm pinkish breast, and chestnut-brown back, while females are more subdued in soft brown tones, providing excellent camouflage.

Chaffinches are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, berries, and insects, with a greater reliance on insects during the breeding season. They are often seen foraging on the ground or flitting between branches, and their loud, rhythmic song is a defining sound of spring and summer across the countryside. 

Interesting fact: The chaffinch’s name comes from an old English word meaning “finch,” and its song has regional variations—almost like local accents—across different parts of Europe.

 

EURASIAN NUTHATCH

Drawing: Isobel, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The Eurasian nuthatch is a compact and agile woodland bird found in forests, parks, and mature gardens across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. Adults typically measure 12–14 centimetres in length, with a wingspan of 22–27 centimetres. It has a distinctive blue-grey back, warm buff underparts, and a bold black eye-stripe that gives it a sharp, alert expression. Its strong legs and sharp claws allow it to move effortlessly along tree trunks.

Nuthatches are insectivorous and seed-eating, feeding on insects, nuts, and seeds. They are unique among many birds for their ability to climb both up and down tree trunks headfirst, probing bark crevices for hidden food. They often wedge nuts into cracks in bark and hammer them open with their strong beaks, showing a high degree of problem-solving behaviour.

Interesting fact: The Eurasian nuthatch is one of the few birds that can descend tree trunks headfirst, a skill that allows it to access food sources that many other tree-climbing birds cannot reach.

 

REPTILES

Viviparous Lizard © Taviphoto | Dreamstime.com

Six native reptile species live here, including adders and sand lizards inhabiting rare sandy heath ecosystems in southern England. 

They are crucial to regulating insect and small mammal populations and serve as prey for larger animals. Several of them like the adder and smooth snake, are affected by habitat loss and fragmentation and are recognised as species of conservation concern.

 

ADDER

Drawing: Marlie, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The adder is the only venomous snake native to the United Kingdom, inhabiting heathlands, woodlands, grasslands, and coastal dunes across the UK, Europe and northern Asia. Adults typically measure 50–70 centimetres in length, though some individuals may reach up to 90 centimetres. Females are generally larger than males. Its coloration varies from grey or brown to coppery tones, with a distinctive dark zigzag pattern running along the back, while some individuals are almost entirely black (melanistic).

Adders are carnivorous, feeding mainly on small mammals such as voles and mice, as well as lizards and occasionally nestling birds. They are ambush predators, often lying still in warm patches of sun before striking quickly to subdue prey with venom. Despite their fearsome reputation, they are shy and typically avoid human contact. 

Interesting fact: Adders give birth to live young rather than laying eggs—an adaptation that helps them retain heat in cooler northern climates, giving their offspring a better chance of survival in cold environments.

 

EUROPEAN GRASS SNAKE

Drawings: Saebbi, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth; Logan, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The European grass snake is a sleek, semi-aquatic reptile found across much of the UK and western Europe, often inhabiting wetlands, riverbanks, ponds, marshes, and damp woodland edges. Adults typically measure 70–120 centimetres in length, though some individuals can exceed 130 centimetres. Its coloration ranges from olive-green to grey or brown, often marked with dark vertical bars along the flanks and a distinctive pale yellow or cream collar behind the head.

Grass snakes are non-venomous and highly adept swimmers, spending much of their time hunting in or near water. They feed mainly on amphibians such as frogs and toads, as well as fish and occasionally small mammals. They are active hunters, relying on stealth and quick strikes to capture prey. When threatened, they may flatten their heads, release a foul-smelling fluid, or even feign death as a last line of defence. 

Interesting fact: The European grass snake is an excellent swimmer and can remain submerged for several minutes while hunting, often gliding just beneath the water’s surface with barely a ripple.

 

VIVIPAROUS LIZARD

Drawings: Ben and Zac, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School; James, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The viviparous lizard, also known as the common lizard is a small, agile reptile found across a wide range of habitats in Europe and northern Asia, including heathlands, grasslands, moorlands, woodland edges, and even cool upland areas. Adults typically measure 10–16 centimetres in total length, including the tail. Their coloration varies from brown and olive to grey, often patterned with darker spots or stripes, allowing them to blend seamlessly into leaf litter and grass. Males may show brighter markings during the breeding season, while females are often more subtly coloured.

Common lizards are insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates such as flies, spiders, beetles, and caterpillars. They are quick and alert hunters, relying on rapid bursts of movement to capture prey. Frequently seen basking in sunny spots, they are highly sensitive to temperature and retreat quickly when disturbed. 

Interesting fact: The common lizard is one of the few reptile species in the world that gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs, an adaptation that allows it to survive in cooler northern climates.

 

AMPHIBIANS

Natterjack Toad © Miroslav Hlavko | Dreamstime.com

There are six native amphibian species including the elusive great crested newt and Natterjack toad associated with rare and specialised wetland habitats in parts of England.

They help control insect populations, and are prey for a range of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Some like the natterjack toad, are under threat and are of conservation concern. 

 

EUROPEAN COMMON FROG

Drawings: Emerson and Lexi, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School; Anonymous and Graceie, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The European common frog is a familiar amphibian of ponds, woodlands, gardens, and damp grasslands across much of the UK and Europe. Adults typically measure 6–9 centimetres in length, though some individuals can grow slightly larger. Their smooth skin ranges from olive-green to brown, often with darker mottling, and their long hind legs make them powerful jumpers, perfectly adapted for both land and water.

Common frogs are carnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of invertebrates including insects, slugs, worms, and spiders. They are opportunistic hunters, using a quick flick of their sticky tongue to capture prey. During the breeding season, they migrate to ponds in large numbers, where females lay clusters of eggs that develop into tadpoles before transforming into adults. 

Interesting fact: The common frog can survive freezing temperatures by allowing parts of its body to freeze during winter, entering a state of suspended animation until conditions improve.

 

COMMON TOAD

Drawings: Charlie, Jaelen, Logan and Thea, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common toad is a robust and nocturnal amphibian found across much of the UK, Europe, inhabiting woodlands, gardens, grasslands, and damp sheltered areas. Adults typically measure 8–13 centimetres in length, with females often larger than males. Its dry, warty skin ranges from olive-brown to grey-brown, providing excellent camouflage among leaf litter and soil, while its stout body and short legs give it a slow, deliberate movement compared to frogs.

Common toads are carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, slugs, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They hunt mainly at night, relying on stealth and a sticky tongue to capture prey. Unlike frogs, they are more terrestrial outside the breeding season, returning to ponds only to reproduce, where females lay long strands of eggs in water. 

Interesting fact: The common toad produces toxic substances in its skin glands as a defence mechanism, deterring many predators and making it one of the more chemically protected amphibians in Europe.

 

NATTERJACK TOAD

Drawing: Hayden, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The natterjack toad is a rare and energetic amphibian of sandy heathlands, coastal dunes, and dry grasslands of the UK and across parts of Europe. Adults typically measure 6–8 centimetres in length, making them slightly smaller and more compact than the common toad. Their grey-green to olive skin is covered in distinctive warty textures, but what truly sets them apart is the bold yellow stripe running down the centre of their back, a striking feature that flashes as they move.

Natterjack toads are carnivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, worms, and other small invertebrates. Unlike many amphibians, they are highly active and fast-moving, often running rather than hopping. They breed in shallow, temporary pools, where males produce a loud, rasping call that can carry across open landscapes. 

Interesting fact: The natterjack toad’s call is one of the loudest of any European amphibian relative to its size, and can be heard over a kilometre away on still nights during the breeding season.

 

GREAT CRESTED NEWT

Drawings: Callum, Eve and Nola, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The great crested newt is one of the UK's most striking amphibians, inhabiting ponds, lakes, ditches, and surrounding terrestrial habitats such as grasslands and woodland edges. Adults typically measure 12–17 centimetres in length, making them one of the largest newt species in the UK. Their dark, granular skin ranges from black to deep brown, while males develop a dramatic jagged crest along their back and tail during the breeding season, giving them a prehistoric appearance in the water.

Great crested newts are carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, snails, and other small invertebrates, as well as tadpoles and even smaller newts. They are mostly nocturnal and spend much of the year on land, returning to water bodies in spring to breed. Their courtship displays are elaborate, with males performing slow, rhythmic tail movements to attract females. The great crested newt is one of the most strictly protected amphibians in Europe, and its presence is often used as an indicator of high-quality, healthy pond ecosystems.

Interesting fact: The Great crested newt has rib bones that can actually push through its skin to form sharp “rib spikes” coated in toxins when it is threatened by predators.

 

SMOOTH NEWT

Drawings: Finley and Lucas, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The smooth newt is a small but captivating amphibian found across ponds, lakes, ditches, gardens, and woodland pools throughout Europe and parts of western Asia. Adults typically measure 7–11 centimetres in length. Their skin is smooth and finely textured, usually olive-brown or light brown on land, with a paler underside often marked by small dark spots. During the breeding season, males develop a wavy crest along the back and tail, along with striking blue-orange markings on the underside and tail edge.

Smooth newts are carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, small crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates. They are active hunters both in water and on land, using quick movements to seize prey. Much of their life is spent on land in damp, sheltered habitats, but they return to water in spring to breed, where males perform delicate tail-fanning displays to attract females. 

Interesting fact: The smooth newt is highly adaptable and can regenerate lost body parts such as parts of its tail or limbs, making it a remarkable example of regenerative ability among amphibians.

 

INVERTEBRATES

Banded Demoiselle © Stuart Andrews | Dreamstime.com

Over 40,000 invertebrate species including familiar garden visitors such as bumblebees, butterflies, and garden snails, to more specialised and less commonly seen species like the stag beetle, dragonflies, and rare wetland insects exist across the country.

They are pollinators, decomposers, and natural pest controllers, while also forming an essential food source for birds, mammals, amphibians, and other invertebrates. Species such as the stag beetle and several specialist pollinators are now recognised as being of conservation concern.

 

STAG BEETLE

 

Drawing: Tomas, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The stag beetle is the UK's largest and most impressive beetles, found in woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly where old trees and decaying wood are present. Males can reach 35–75 millimetres in length, while females are smaller at around 30–50 millimetres. Males are unmistakable, with large, antler-like mandibles used in combat, while females have smaller but stronger jaws adapted for cutting and feeding.

Adult stag beetles feed mainly on tree sap and ripe fruits, while their larvae live underground for several years, feeding on decaying wood. The adults are most active on warm summer evenings, when males can be seen flying in search of mates, their heavy bodies creating a distinctive, slow buzzing flight.

Interesting fact: Male stag beetles use their oversized jaws to wrestle rivals, lifting and flipping opponents off branches or logs in dramatic battles for mating rights.

 

SMALL TORTOISESHELL

Drawings: Amelia and Isobel, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The small tortoiseshell is a vibrant and familiar butterfly of gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and woodland edges across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. With a wingspan of 45–62 millimetres, it is instantly recognisable by its striking orange wings, boldly patterned with black and yellow markings, and bordered with blue crescent-shaped spots along the edges. Its underside is darker and more subdued, helping it blend into bark and leaf litter when at rest.

Small tortoiseshells feed primarily on nectar from flowers such as thistles, buddleia, and dandelions. Their caterpillars feed communally on nettles, which are essential for their life cycle. Adults are strong fliers and often seen basking in sunlight or visiting gardens in search of nectar-rich plants. They also hibernate through winter in sheltered spaces such as sheds, tree hollows, or buildings.

Interesting fact: Small tortoiseshell butterflies are one of the few UK butterfly species that hibernate as adults, allowing them to emerge early in spring when temperatures rise.

 

DARK GREEN FRITILLARY

Drawing: Emma, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The dark green fritillary is a bold and powerful butterfly of grasslands, heathlands, woodland clearings, and coastal dunes across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. With a wingspan of 54–70 millimetres, it is one of the larger fritillary species. Its upper wings glow a rich orange, patterned with strong black markings, while the underside of the hindwings is beautifully mottled with silvery spots against a greenish background, giving it its “dark green” name.

Dark green fritillaries feed on nectar from a variety of wildflowers, including thistles, knapweeds, and scabious. They are strong, fast fliers, often seen patrolling sunny grasslands in search of mates and nectar sources. Their caterpillars depend on violets as their food plant, making them closely tied to healthy, flower-rich habitats. 

Interesting fact: Unlike many butterflies, the dark green fritillary spends the winter as a tiny caterpillar rather than a chrysalis, remaining hidden in leaf litter until spring when it resumes feeding and development.

 

PEACOCK

Drawing: Emilia, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The peacock butterfly is one of the most striking and recognisable butterflies in the UK and Europe, commonly found in gardens, woodlands, and meadows. With a wingspan of 50–65 millimetres, it is famous for its deep reddish wings, each marked with a bold, eye-like spot of blue, yellow, and black. These “eye spots” create a dramatic display, while the dark underside provides excellent camouflage when the wings are closed.

Peacock butterflies feed mainly on nectar from flowers such as buddleia, thistles, and ivy. Their caterpillars feed on nettles, often living together in groups during early stages. Adults are strong fliers and are frequently seen basking in the sun or visiting late-season flowers. Like some other species, they hibernate through winter in sheltered places such as buildings or tree hollows. 

Interesting fact: The large eye spots on the peacock butterfly’s wings act as a defence mechanism, startling predators such as birds when suddenly revealed, giving the butterfly a chance to escape.

 

BUFF-TAILED BUMBLEBEE

Drawing: Mrs McCarrick, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The buff-tailed bumblebee is one of the most widespread and important pollinators across the UK and Europe, commonly found in gardens, meadows, woodlands, and farmland. Workers typically measure 11–17 millimetres in body length, queens can reach up to 22 millimetres, and they usually weigh between 0.2 and 0.8 grams depending on caste. Their fuzzy black-and-yellow striped bodies and characteristic buff-coloured tail make them instantly recognisable as they move from flower to flower.

Buff-tailed bumblebees feed on nectar and pollen from a wide variety of plants, including clover, lavender, and fruit blossoms. They are highly efficient pollinators, using “buzz pollination” to vibrate flowers and release pollen. Living in colonies headed by a single queen, they establish nests in underground cavities, grass tussocks, or man-made structures, supporting a complex social system. 

Interesting fact: Buff-tailed bumblebees can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to forage in cooler and wetter conditions than many other insects, making them active even in early spring and late autumn.

 

BATMAN HOVERFLY

Drawing: Faith, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The batman hoverfly also known as the footballer hoverfly is a striking and highly recognisable insect found in woodlands, gardens, parks, and hedgerows across Europe. Measuring around 10–14 millimetres in length, it closely resembles a small wasp but is completely harmless. Its black-and-yellow patterned body provides effective mimicry, while the distinctive dark marking on its thorax—often said to resemble a “skull” or “football shirt” pattern—makes it instantly identifiable.

Batman hoverflies are important pollinators, feeding on nectar and pollen from a wide range of flowers, including umbellifers, bramble, and hawthorn. Unlike bees and wasps, they are excellent hoverers, capable of remaining almost motionless in mid-air before darting quickly between flowers. Their larvae develop in water-filled tree holes, rotting wood, or compost-rich rot pockets, where they feed on decaying organic matter. 

Interesting fact: Despite their wasp-like appearance, batman hoverflies cannot sting or bite, yet their mimicry is so effective that many predators avoid them entirely.

 

COMMON GREEN GRASSHOPPER

Drawing: Reggie and Callum, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common green grasshopper is a widespread and lively insect of grasslands, meadows, heathlands, and upland areas across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. Adults typically measure 13–23 millimetres in length, with females generally larger than males. Their colour varies from bright green to brown or a mix of both, providing excellent camouflage among grasses, while their slender bodies and relatively short wings give them a neat, compact appearance.

Common green grasshoppers are herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses and other low vegetation. They are active during warm, sunny weather, moving through vegetation with short flights and powerful jumps. Males produce a characteristic soft, repetitive chirping sound by rubbing their hind legs against their wings, especially during the breeding season. 

Interesting fact: The song of the common green grasshopper can continue for long periods without pause, and each individual’s rhythm can vary slightly—helping females identify and locate potential mates within dense grassland habitats.

 

BLUE HAWKER

Drawings: Eliza and Imogen, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth; Callum, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The blue hawker is a large and powerful dragonfly, commonly found around ponds, lakes, canals, and garden water features in the UK and across much of Europe. Adults typically measure 6.5–8 centimetres in body length, with a wingspan of 9–11 centimetres. Its dark body is boldly patterned with bright green markings, while males display vivid blue spots along the abdomen, making them especially striking in flight.

Blue hawkers are formidable aerial predators, feeding on flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and smaller dragonflies. They are highly agile and often patrol their territories tirelessly, darting through vegetation or hovering briefly before changing direction. Unlike many dragonflies, they are curious and may approach humans closely, sometimes investigating movement around ponds.

Interesting fact: Blue hawkers can hunt well into the evening, even in low light, giving them an advantage over many other dragonfly species that are active only during bright daylight.

 

BLUE EMPEROR

Drawing: Molly, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The blue emperor is one of Europe’s largest and most commanding dragonflies, reigning over ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waterways. Adults typically measure 7–8.5 centimetres in body length, with a wingspan of 10–11 centimetres. Males are especially striking, with a bright blue abdomen marked by a bold black line, contrasted against a vivid green thorax, while females are generally greener with more subdued tones.

Emperor dragonflies are powerful aerial predators, feeding on a wide range of flying insects, including flies, butterflies, and even smaller dragonflies. They are fast, relentless fliers, often seen patrolling territories for long periods without landing. Females lay eggs directly into aquatic plants while in flight, demonstrating remarkable precision and control. 

Interesting fact: The blue emperor can fly almost continuously for hours and is known to hunt on the wing, even consuming its prey mid-air without needing to land.

 

BEAUTIFUL DEMOISELLE

Drawing: Zac, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The beautiful demoiselle is one of the UK and Europe’s most elegant and eye-catching damselflies, found along clean, fast-flowing rivers and streams bordered by lush vegetation. Adults typically measure 4.5–5 centimetres in body length, with a wingspan of 6–7 centimetres. Males are especially striking, with metallic blue-green bodies and dark, shimmering wings, while females display a more subtle metallic green coloration with translucent, bronze-tinted wings.

Beautiful demoiselles are predatory, feeding on small flying insects such as midges and flies. They are graceful fliers, often seen fluttering slowly above water or resting on riverside plants. Males are territorial and perform delicate, dancing flight displays to defend their stretch of river and attract females. 

Interesting fact: The fluttering, butterfly-like flight of the beautiful demoiselle sets it apart from most other damselflies, giving it a distinctive, almost leisurely appearance along shaded riverbanks.

 

RHINOCEROS BEETLE

Drawing: Mr Dick, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The rhinoceros beetle is one of the most powerful and iconic insects in the world, found in woodlands, gardens, and tropical or warm temperate habitats depending on the species. There are many subspecies of rhinoceros beetle with Sinodendron cylindricum inhabiting the UK and Europe. Adult Sinodendron cylindricum typically measure 12-16 millimetres in length, though some tropical species can grow much larger. Their glossy, armoured bodies are usually dark brown or black, and males are instantly recognisable by their prominent horn, which curves forward like a miniature rhinoceros’ horn.

Rhinoceros beetles are detritivores, with larvae developing in decaying wood, compost, or rotting plant matter, where they play a vital role in breaking down organic material. Adults feed mainly on tree sap, fruit, and plant juices, and are generally harmless despite their intimidating appearance. Males use their horns in strength-based contests, pushing and levering rivals to gain access to mates.

Interesting fact: Rhinoceros beetles are among the strongest animals on Earth relative to their size, capable of lifting objects many times their own body weight thanks to their incredibly powerful exoskeleton and muscle structure.

WESTERN HONEY BEE 

Drawing: Millie, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth; Aria, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The western honey bee is one of the world’s most important and recognisable insects, thriving in gardens, meadows, orchards, and agricultural landscapes across the UK, Europe and beyond. Worker bees typically measure 11–13 millimetres in length, while queens are larger at around 18–20 millimetres. Their golden-brown bodies are covered in fine hairs and banded with black stripes, designed perfectly for collecting and transporting pollen.

Honey bees are highly social insects, living in large, organised colonies that can contain tens of thousands of individuals. Each colony is structured around a single queen, with workers responsible for foraging, nest maintenance, and caring for the young. They feed on nectar and pollen, converting nectar into honey, which serves as a vital energy store for the colony. 

Interesting fact: Honey bees communicate the location of food sources through the “waggle dance,” a precise movement pattern that encodes direction, distance, and quality of flowers—one of the most sophisticated forms of communication in the insect world.

 

 

EMPEROR MOTH

Drawing: Archie, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The emperor moth is a spectacular and eye-catching moth, found across heathlands, grasslands, and moorlands in the UK and Europe. Males have a wingspan of 50–70 millimetres, while females are larger, reaching 65–85 millimetres. Their wings are richly patterned in shades of brown, orange, and cream, each marked with striking eye-like spots that resemble those of a peacock, giving them a bold and dramatic appearance. Males are especially colourful and are often seen flying during the day in search of females.

Emperor moths do not feed as adults, relying entirely on energy stored from their caterpillar stage. Their larvae feed on a variety of plants including heather, bramble, and hawthorn. After pupating in a tough silk cocoon, they emerge in spring to breed, with males using their feathery antennae to detect pheromones released by females over long distances. 

Interesting fact: Male emperor moths can detect a female’s scent from over a kilometre away, using their highly sensitive, feather-like antennae to track her down with remarkable accuracy.

 

DEATH'S-HEAD HAWK-MOTH

Drawing: Kacie, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The death’s-head hawk-moth is one of the most striking and mysterious moths in the world, occasionally appearing in the UK and Europe as a migrant from Africa. With a wingspan of 90–130 millimetres, it is large and powerful, with mottled brown and yellow wings that provide excellent camouflage. Most distinctive is the pale, skull-like marking on its thorax, which gives the species its eerie name and unmistakable appearance.

This moth is a strong flier and primarily nocturnal, feeding on nectar, tree sap, and even honey. Unusually, it is known to enter beehives to steal honey, using chemical mimicry and thick skin to avoid or withstand bee stings. Its caterpillars feed on plants such as potato and other members of the nightshade family. 

Interesting fact: The death’s-head hawkmoth can produce an audible squeaking sound by forcing air through its proboscis, a rare ability among moths that may help deter predators or disturb bees when entering hives.

 

GARDEN TIGER MOTH

Drawing: Olivia, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The garden tiger moth is a striking and boldly patterned moth, found in gardens, grasslands, woodlands, and hedgerows across the UK, Europe and parts of Asia. With a wingspan of 45–65 millimetres, it displays a dramatic contrast between its forewings and hindwings. The forewings are mottled brown and white, providing excellent camouflage, while the hidden hindwings burst into vivid orange-red with bold black spots when revealed.

Garden tiger moths are nocturnal and feed mainly on nectar as adults, while their caterpillars—known as “woolly bears”—consume a wide variety of plants including nettles, docks, and grasses. When disturbed, the moth suddenly flashes its bright hindwings to startle predators, then quickly drops or flies away. 

Interesting fact: The caterpillars of the garden tiger moth can survive freezing temperatures by producing natural antifreeze chemicals in their bodies, allowing them to overwinter in harsh conditions.

 

SIX-SPOTTED BURNET MOTH

Drawing: Darcey, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The six-spot burnet moth is a striking day-flying moth, commonly seen in sunny grasslands, meadows, and coastal habitats across the UK and Europe. With a wingspan of 30–40 millimetres, it is easily recognised by its metallic blue-green forewings, each marked with six vivid red spots, and its bright red hindwings, creating a bold warning display.

Unlike many moths, the six-spot burnet is active during the day, feeding on nectar from flowers such as knapweed, thistles, and clover. Its caterpillars feed mainly on bird’s-foot trefoil, a plant that plays a key role in their life cycle. These moths are often seen in small groups, moving slowly between flowers in warm, sunny conditions. 

Interesting fact: The six-spot burnet moth is toxic to predators due to cyanide compounds in its body, and its bright red and black colouring acts as a warning signal to potential attackers—a classic example of nature’s “danger” colours.

 

ELEPHANT HAWK-MOTH

Drawing: Arle, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The elephant hawk-moth is one of the UK and Europe’s most beautiful and distinctive moths, often found in gardens, woodlands, heathlands, and hedgerows. With a wingspan of 45–65 millimetres, it displays soft olive-green and pinkish-rose colouring on its forewings and body, creating a subtle yet striking blend of tones. When threatened, it reveals bright pink hindwings with black bands, producing a sudden flash of colour that startles predators.

This species is nocturnal, feeding on nectar from flowers such as honeysuckle and petunias, often hovering in place like a hummingbird thanks to its rapid wingbeats. Its caterpillar is equally distinctive, with a large, trunk-like front segment that gives the species its “elephant” name. The larvae feed on plants such as willowherb and bedstraw before pupating in soil or leaf litter. 

Interesting fact: Elephant hawk-moth caterpillars have false “eye spots” and a retractable front segment that mimics a snake’s head, helping to deter predators when they are disturbed.

 

RUBY-TAILED WASP

Drawing: Darcey, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The ruby-tailed wasp is a dazzling and highly distinctive insect found in gardens, woodlands, hedgerows, and sandy habitats across the UK and Europe. Measuring just 5–12 millimetres in length, it is small but unmistakable, with an iridescent metallic body shimmering in vivid shades of emerald green, sapphire blue, and fiery red or gold. Its abdomen is brilliantly sculpted and reflective, giving it a jewel-like appearance in sunlight.

Ruby-tailed wasps are parasitic, meaning they do not build their own nests. Instead, they lay their eggs in the nests of solitary bees or other wasps. The emerging larvae then consume the host’s eggs or larvae as a food source. Despite their parasitic lifestyle, adult ruby-tailed wasps are harmless to humans and are often seen resting on sunlit surfaces or visiting flowers for nectar. 

Interesting fact: The ruby-tailed wasp can survive being attacked by host insects by rolling into a tight ball and using its heavily armoured exoskeleton as a shield, making it one of the most resilient small insects in its ecological niche.

 

EUROPEAN GARDEN SPIDER

Drawings: Archie and Malas, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The European garden spider also known as the cross orb-weaver is a familiar garden spider found across the UK, Europe and North America, commonly seen in hedgerows, woodlands, parks, and gardens. Females typically measure 6–20 millimetres in body length, while males are smaller, reaching 5–13 millimetres. Their rounded abdomen is usually brown or orange with pale markings forming a distinctive white “cross,” giving the species its name.

Cross orb-weavers are carnivorous predators, feeding on flying insects such as flies, moths, and mosquitoes, which they capture in their large, circular webs. They are master architects, rebuilding or repairing their webs regularly to maintain hunting efficiency. Females often sit at the centre of the web or hide nearby, waiting for vibrations that signal trapped prey. 

Interesting fact: The silk of the European garden spider is incredibly strong for its weight—pound for pound, it is stronger than steel—allowing the spider to construct resilient, elastic webs capable of stopping fast-flying insects mid-air.

 

ZEBRA JUMPING SPIDER

 

Drawing: Ava, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The zebra jumping spider is a tiny but charismatic hunter found on walls, fences, tree trunks, and sunlit rocks in the UK, Europe and North America. Measuring just 5–7 millimetres in length, it is instantly recognisable by its bold black-and-white striped pattern, which gives it a zebra-like appearance. Its compact body and large forward-facing eyes give it a curious, alert expression.

Zebra jumping spiders are active daytime predators, feeding on small insects and other arthropods. Unlike web-building spiders, they are agile hunters that stalk and leap onto their prey with remarkable precision, using excellent vision to judge distance before launching themselves in controlled jumps. Silk is used as a safety line rather than for trapping food. 

Interesting fact: Zebra jumping spiders have some of the best vision among invertebrates, with large, complex eyes that allow them to detect movement, judge depth, and even recognise shapes—an impressive trait for such a small creature.

 

WASP SPIDER

Drawing: David, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The wasp spider is a striking and unmistakable orb-weaving spider found in grasslands, meadows, heathlands, and sunny roadside habitats in parts of the UK, across Europe and parts of Asia. Females are much larger than males, typically measuring 10–15 millimetres in body length, while males are small and slender at around 4–5 millimetres. Its bold black-and-yellow striped abdomen closely resembles that of a wasp, making it one of the most visually dramatic spiders in its range.

Wasp spiders build large, circular webs in low vegetation, often adding a distinctive zigzag pattern of silk known as a stabilimentum. They feed on flying insects such as grasshoppers, flies, and bees, which become trapped in the web. The spider usually waits motionless at the centre, legs arranged in pairs to enhance its wasp-like appearance and deter predators. 

Interesting fact: The zigzag silk decoration in the wasp spider’s web may serve multiple purposes, including attracting prey, strengthening the web, or warning larger animals such as birds to avoid flying through it.

 

LONG-WINGED CONEHEAD 

 

Drawing: Theo, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The long-winged conehead is a slender and well-camouflaged bush-cricket, found in grasslands, wetlands, and rough vegetation across parts of Europe, including the UK. Adults typically measure 12–18 millimetres in body length, with long, narrow wings that often extend beyond the abdomen. Its bright green body and elongated, cone-shaped head allow it to blend seamlessly into tall grasses and reeds, making it difficult to spot despite its abundance in suitable habitats.

Long-winged coneheads are omnivorous, feeding on grasses, seeds, and small insects. They are most active in warm weather and are often detected by the males’ continuous, high-pitched buzzing song, produced by rubbing their wings together. This sound can carry across grasslands on still evenings, revealing their presence even when they remain hidden. 

Interesting fact: The long-winged conehead is a relatively recent coloniser of parts of the UK, expanding its range northwards as the climate has warmed—making it a good example of how species distributions can change over time.

 

ROSEMARY BEETLE

 

Drawings: Beau and Roman, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The rosemary beetle is a small but striking leaf beetle found in gardens, hedgerows, and cultivated areas, particularly where aromatic herbs grow. Adults typically measure 6–8 millimetres in length. Its glossy metallic body is beautifully patterned with alternating green and purple stripes, giving it a jewel-like appearance that makes it one of the most visually distinctive beetles in Europe.

Rosemary beetles feed on the leaves and flowers of aromatic plants, especially rosemary, lavender, thyme, and sage. Both adults and larvae consume foliage, sometimes causing noticeable damage in herb gardens. They are most active in warm months, often clustered on host plants where they feed, mate, and lay eggs. 

Interesting fact: The rosemary beetle's brilliant metallic colours act as a natural warning signal to predators that they are toxic to consume and make it surprisingly easy to spot among the leaves it feeds on.

 

BLACK-AND-YELLOW LONGHORN BEETLE

Drawing: Naturelle, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The black-and-yellow longhorn beetle is a striking and elegant beetle, commonly found in meadows, woodland edges, hedgerows, and gardens in parts of the UK and across Europe. Adults typically measure 14–20 millimetres in length. Its elongated body is bright yellow with bold black markings, closely resembling a wasp, while its long antennae—often as long as or longer than its body—give it a distinctive and graceful appearance.

These beetles are often seen visiting flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar, making them important pollinators. Their larvae, however, develop in decaying wood, feeding on dead or dying timber and playing a role in decomposition and nutrient recycling within woodland ecosystems. Adults are most active in summer, frequently spotted on umbels such as cow parsley. 

Interesting fact: The black-and-yellow longhorn beetle’s wasp-like colouring is a form of mimicry that helps deter predators, despite the beetle being completely harmless.

 

SWOLLEN-THIGHED BEETLE

Drawings: Freddie, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth; Louie, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The swollen-thighed beetle also know as the thick-legged flower beetle is a small yet eye-catching beetle, commonly found in grasslands, meadows, hedgerows, and gardens across the UK and Europe. Adults typically measure 8–10 millimetres in length. Males are particularly distinctive, with swollen, muscular hind legs and a slender, metallic green body that shimmers in sunlight, while females lack the enlarged legs but share the same glossy coloration.

These beetles are frequent visitors to flowers, where they feed on pollen and nectar, playing an important role as pollinators. They are most active during warm, sunny weather and are often seen on open, flat-topped flowers such as buttercups and daisies. Their larvae develop in plant stems, feeding on decaying vegetation and contributing to the breakdown of organic matter. 

Interesting fact: The swollen-thighed beetle gets its name from the male’s enlarged hind thighs, which are used in courtship displays to attract females and are especially noticeable during the breeding season.

 

GREEN TIGER BEETLE

Drawing: Florence, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The green tiger beetle is a fast-moving and vividly coloured predator, commonly found on sandy paths, heathlands, grasslands, and woodland clearings across the UK and Europe. Adults typically measure 10–15 millimetres in length. Its metallic green body shimmers in sunlight, often marked with pale cream spots on the wing cases, while its long legs and large, prominent eyes give it a sleek, alert appearance.

Green tiger beetles are carnivorous and highly active hunters, feeding on small insects and other invertebrates. They rely on speed and sharp vision, sprinting rapidly across the ground to chase down prey before seizing it with powerful jaws. Despite their speed, they frequently pause, giving them a stop-and-go hunting style. Their larvae are also predatory, living in vertical burrows where they ambush passing prey. 

Interesting fact: The green tiger beetle can run so fast relative to its body size that it briefly loses visual focus, forcing it to stop intermittently to reorient itself before continuing the chase.

 

COPPERY CLICK BEETLE

 

Drawings: Anonymous and Caiden, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The coppery click beetle is an elegant and metallic-looking beetle found in grasslands, heathlands, woodland edges, and moorland habitats across the UK and Europe. Adults typically measure 12–18 millimetres in length. Its elongated body has a shimmering coppery-gold sheen that can shift in colour depending on the light, giving it a jewel-like appearance as it moves through low vegetation.

Copper click beetles are mainly nocturnal or active at dusk, feeding on nectar and plant material, while their larvae develop underground in soil rich with plant roots, where they feed on roots and small invertebrates. Like other click beetles, they are known for their remarkable ability to snap their bodies into the air when overturned, producing a distinct clicking sound. 

Interesting fact: The coppery click beetle’s “click” mechanism allows it to launch itself several centimetres into the air, a clever escape strategy used both to right itself and to evade predators in an instant.

 

SEVEN-SPOT LADYBIRD

 

Drawings: Georgia and Luka, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The seven-spot ladybird is one of the most familiar and widespread beetles in the UK and Europe, commonly found in gardens, grasslands, hedgerows, and farmland. Adults typically measure 5–8 millimetres in length. Its domed, glossy red wing cases are marked with seven distinct black spots, while its head and thorax are black with white patches, giving it a bold and instantly recognisable appearance.

Seven-spot ladybirds are carnivorous, feeding mainly on aphids and other small sap-sucking insects, making them highly beneficial for controlling garden pests. Both larvae and adults are active predators, often found patrolling leaves and stems in search of prey. They are most active in warmer months and may gather in groups during hibernation in sheltered sites. 

Interesting fact: When threatened, the seven-spot ladybird can release a yellow, foul-tasting fluid from its leg joints—a defence strategy known as “reflex bleeding,” which deters predators such as birds.

 

CINNAMON BUG 

 

Drawing: Ezra, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The cinnamon bug also known as the black-and-red squash bug is a striking and brightly patterned true bug found in dry grasslands, coastal areas, gardens, and sunny woodland edges across the UK and Europe. Adults typically measure 7–10 millimetres in length. Its elongated body is deep black with vivid red or orange markings along the edges of the abdomen and thorax, creating a bold warning-like pattern that makes it highly visible against vegetation.

This species feeds mainly on plant juices, particularly from plants in the daisy and mallow families, using its piercing mouthparts to extract sap. It is often seen basking in warm sunlight on leaves or stems, and is an active, quick-moving insect when disturbed. Both nymphs and adults share similar bright coloration, signalling that they are unpalatable to predators. 

Interesting fact: The bold red-and-black coloration of the cinnamon bug is a form of aposematic signalling, meaning it warns predators that the insect may taste unpleasant or be distasteful, even though it is harmless to humans.

 

HAWTHORN SHIELDBUG

 

Drawing: Robert, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The hawthorn shieldbug is a striking and angular true bug commonly found in woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and gardens across Europe. Adults typically measure 10–14 millimetres in length. Its shield-shaped body is mostly greenish or bronze in tone, with sharp, pointed shoulders and vivid red markings along the edges of the abdomen that become especially noticeable when the wings are lifted.

Hawthorn shieldbugs feed mainly on plant sap, using their piercing mouthparts to extract nutrients from leaves, shoots, and developing fruits, particularly on hawthorn, rowan, and other shrubs. They are most often seen basking in sunlight or slowly moving across foliage. Both nymphs and adults are plant feeders, with younger stages often more brightly coloured. 

Interesting fact: When disturbed, the hawthorn shieldbug can release a strong-smelling defensive chemical from its glands, deterring predators such as birds and small mammals.

 

COMMON GREEN SHIELDBUG

 

Drawing: Miss Robb, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common green shieldbug is a well-camouflaged true bug found in woodlands, hedgerows, orchards, and gardens across the UK and Europe. Adults typically measure 12–15 millimetres in length. Its broad, shield-shaped body is usually bright green during spring and summer, blending seamlessly with leaves, but it often turns brownish or bronze in autumn as temperatures drop.

Green shieldbugs feed on plant sap, using their piercing mouthparts to extract fluids from leaves, fruits, and seeds. They are especially associated with trees and shrubs such as hazel, oak, and fruit trees. Nymphs are often more vividly patterned in black and red before gradually turning green as they mature.

Interesting fact: The green shieldbug’s seasonal colour change is a form of natural camouflage, helping it remain hidden among foliage in summer and leaf litter in autumn and winter.

MARINE LIFE

British Sea Life, Scotland © Mark Kirkland | Dreamstime.com

MARINE MAMMALS

Grey Seal, Farne Islands © Jeremy Brown | Dreamstime.com 

Around 28 species of marine mammals are regularly recorded throughout UK waters. These include killer whales, common bottlenose dolphin, and the larger minke whale, as well as two native seal species, the grey seal and the harbour seal, which can often be seen along coastlines and estuaries.

These animals assist to keep ocean ecosystems healthy and act as indicators of environmental change.

 

GREY SEAL

Drawings: Arlo, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School; Hayden and Nell, Newminster Middle School, Morpeth

The grey seal is a powerful and versatile marine predator, inhabiting the coasts and offshore waters of the UK and North Atlantic, including northern Europe. Adults vary greatly in size: males measure 2.3–2.5 metres in length and weigh 170–310 kilograms, while females are slightly smaller at 1.8–2.0 metres and 100–190 kilograms. Their thick, silvery-grey to brown fur is marked with darker blotches, providing camouflage in coastal waters, while their robust, torpedo-shaped bodies make them expert swimmers and hunters.

Grey seals are primarily carnivorous, feeding on fish such as sand eels, cod, and herring, and occasionally on cephalopods and crustaceans. They can dive to impressive depths for several minutes, using their sensitive whiskers to detect prey in murky waters. Social yet cautious, they haul out on sandbanks or rocky shores to rest, breed, and give birth. 

Interesting fact: Grey seals are capable of diving to depths of over 100 metres and can hold their breath for more than 15 minutes while hunting—truly remarkable adaptations for life in the sea.

 

HARBOUR SEAL

Drawings: Ava and Robyn, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The harbour seal is a sleek marine mammal, common along temperate and Arctic coasts of the Northern Hemisphere. Adults typically measure 1.2–1.9 metres in length and weigh between 55 and 170 kilograms, with females generally smaller than males. Their short, spotted fur ranges from silver-grey to brown, providing camouflage against rocks and sandy shores, while their streamlined bodies and strong flippers make them agile swimmers, capable of diving to impressive depths.

Harbour seals are carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish such as sand eels, herring, and cod, and occasionally on crustaceans and cephalopods. They often haul out on beaches, rocks, or ice to rest, moult, and give birth. Adapted for both land and sea, they can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes and dive to depths exceeding 100 metres. 

Interesting fact: Despite their quiet, solitary nature, harbour seals communicate using a range of vocalizations, especially during breeding season, from soft grunts to loud barks heard above water.

 

COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

Drawings: Arlo, Kaleb, Kalvin and Lola, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common bottlenose dolphin is an intelligent and highly social marine mammal, gliding effortlessly through oceans and coastal waters around the world. Adults typically measure 2–4 metres in length and weigh between 150 and 650 kilograms. Their smooth, streamlined bodies are grey in colour, fading to a lighter underside, while their curved dorsal fin and distinctive “smiling” face make them one of the most recognisable creatures of the sea.

Bottlenose dolphins are carnivorous, feeding on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are skilled hunters, often working together in coordinated groups to herd and capture prey. Using advanced echolocation, they can detect objects and animals in dark or murky water with remarkable accuracy. Known for their playful behaviour, they frequently leap from the water, ride waves, and interact closely with one another. 

Interesting fact: Bottlenose dolphins are among the most intelligent animals on Earth, capable of recognising themselves in mirrors and using unique signature whistles—much like names—to identify and communicate with each other.

 

KILLER WHALE

Drawing: Luca, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The killer whale is a powerful and highly intelligent apex predator, commanding oceans across the globe from icy polar seas to warm coastal waters. Adults typically measure 6–8 metres in length, with males reaching up to 9 metres, and weigh between 3,000 and 6,000 kilograms. Their striking black-and-white colouring, tall dorsal fin, and streamlined body make them one of the most iconic and recognisable marine mammals.

Killer whales are carnivorous and incredibly versatile hunters, feeding on fish, seals, and even large whales, depending on their population. They hunt in coordinated family groups known as pods, using sophisticated communication and teamwork to outmanoeuvre prey. Their advanced echolocation allows them to navigate and hunt with precision, even in the darkest ocean depths. 

Interesting fact: Different killer whale pods have their own unique “dialects”—distinct patterns of calls and sounds that are learned and passed down through generations, much like language in human cultures.

MARINE FISH

Smallspotted Catshark, Scotland © Mark Kirkland | Dreamstime.com 

There are 330 species of marine fish that inhabit UK waters, reflecting a rich mix of cold-temperate seabed communities, coastal fish, and wide-ranging pelagic species. Commonly encountered coastal fish include European bass, mackerel, cod, haddock, plaice, flounder, and whiting, which are often found inshore or around continental shelf habitats. Reef-associated species such as wrasse, pollack, and gobies are also widespread, particularly around rocky coastlines and kelp forests.

Among the more surprising and memorable species recorded are the blue shark, a fast-moving oceanic predator that occasionally visits UK waters in summer, and the porbeagle, a powerful cold-water shark related to mackerel sharks that is sometimes encountered offshore. In addition, rare but increasingly observed visitors such as Atlantic bluefin tuna highlight the dynamic and changing nature of UK marine ecosystems, which are influenced by shifting ocean temperatures, migration patterns, and human impact.

Sharks have existed in Earth's oceans for 450 million years before the first trees appeared over 350 million years ago. Yet many shark species across the globe are threatened with extinction including blue sharks and porbeagles. It's estimated that 100 million sharks are killed annually, driven by the demand for shark fins as well as accidental bycatch. 

 

BASKING SHARK

 

Drawing: Hollie, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The basking shark is the second-largest fish in the world and a gentle giant of temperate oceans, often seen along coastal waters of the North Atlantic and other cool seas. Adults typically measure 6–8 metres in length, though some individuals can exceed 10 metres. Despite their immense size, they are harmless filter-feeders with slow, graceful movements and an unmistakable towering dorsal fin slicing through the water’s surface.

Basking sharks feed on tiny plankton, including copepods and fish eggs, which they filter from seawater as they swim with their enormous mouths open. They are often seen “basking” at the surface, drifting slowly through plankton-rich waters, sometimes alone or in loose groups. Their massive gill rakers act like sieves, trapping microscopic food as water flows through their gills. 

Interesting fact: Despite their intimidating size, basking sharks have no teeth for hunting large prey—instead, their gill rakers are so efficient that they can filter thousands of litres of seawater per hour while feeding.

 

COMMON THRESHER

 

Drawing: Sam, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common thresher shark is a sleek and powerful ocean predator found in both coastal and open waters across temperate and tropical seas worldwide. Adults typically measure 3–4.5 metres in length, with a remarkable feature making up nearly half of their body—the upper lobe of the tail fin, which can extend over 2 metres on its own. This elongated tail gives the species its distinctive, whip-like silhouette.

Thresher sharks are active hunters, feeding mainly on schooling fish such as sardines, mackerel, and herring. They use their extraordinary tail as a weapon, striking shoals of fish with powerful, slashing blows to stun or herd them before feeding. They are strong, fast swimmers and often hunt in deeper offshore waters, though they occasionally come closer to the surface. 

Interesting fact: The common thresher shark can use its tail so forcefully that it creates visible shockwaves in the water, effectively “stunning” entire groups of fish in a single coordinated strike.

 

PORBEAGLE

 

Drawing: Findlay, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The porbeagle shark is a powerful, cold-water predator found in temperate and subarctic oceans of the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere. Adults typically measure 2–3.5 metres in length and have a robust, torpedo-shaped body built for speed and endurance. Its dark grey back fades to a white underside, and its crescent-shaped tail and large, pointed fins give it a streamlined, highly efficient swimming profile.

Porbeagle sharks are active hunters, feeding on a variety of fish such as mackerel, herring, cod, and even other sharks. They are known for their strength and agility, capable of fast bursts of speed when pursuing prey. Unlike many sharks, porbeagles are partially warm-blooded, allowing them to maintain higher body temperatures and remain active in colder waters. 

Interesting fact: The porbeagle shark is one of the few shark species capable of regional endothermy—meaning it can generate and retain heat in key muscles, giving it a significant speed and hunting advantage in cold seas.

 

NURSEHOUND

 

Drawing: Parker, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The nursehound is a bottom-dwelling shark found in coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Adults typically measure 80–160 centimetres in length, with a slender, flexible body adapted for life along rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sandy seabeds. Its pale grey or brown skin is covered in dark, irregular spots, providing excellent camouflage against the seafloor.

Nursehounds are nocturnal hunters, feeding on crabs, lobsters, molluscs, and small fish. They use their strong jaws to crush hard-shelled prey, often hunting slowly along the seabed or ambushing hidden animals in crevices. During the day, they typically rest motionless on the bottom, blending in with their surroundings. 

Interesting fact: Despite being a shark, the nursehound can “suck in” prey by rapidly expanding its mouth cavity, allowing it to extract hidden crustaceans from rocky cracks and tight spaces.

 

ATLANTIC SALMON

Drawing: Emerald, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The Atlantic salmon is a powerful and iconic migratory fish found in the rivers and coastal waters of the North Atlantic. Adults typically measure 70–120 centimetres in length, though some individuals can exceed 150 centimetres and weigh over 30 kilograms. Their streamlined, silvery bodies are built for endurance and speed, with dark spots scattered across the upper body and a slightly forked tail adapted for strong swimming.

Atlantic salmon are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater rivers, migrate to the ocean to grow and mature, and then return to their natal rivers to spawn. They feed mainly on smaller fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates during their time at sea, developing strength and size before their long return journey upstream. 

Interesting fact: Atlantic salmon can navigate thousands of kilometres across the open ocean and still return with remarkable precision to the very river where they were born, using a combination of magnetic sensing and chemical cues in the water.

 

CUCKOO WRASSE

 

Drawings: Charlotte and Jackson, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The cuckoo wrasse is a colourful and striking marine fish found in rocky coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic, from Norway down to the Mediterranean. Adults typically measure 20–40 centimetres in length, with males and females showing dramatic differences in appearance. Males are especially vivid, displaying bright blue heads with orange and pink bodies, while females and juveniles are more subdued, typically orange-brown with white stripes.

Cuckoo wrasse are carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, molluscs, and small invertebrates living among rocks and seaweed. They are strong, active swimmers, often seen darting through kelp forests or hovering near rocky reefs as they search for prey. Like many wrasse species, they are known for their complex life cycle and ability to change sex during their lifetime.

Interesting fact: Cuckoo wrasse are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning individuals start life as females and can later transform into males—a remarkable adaptation that helps maintain balanced breeding populations. 

MARINE MOLLUSCS AND OTHER INVERTEBRATES

Curled Octopus and Sunstar, Cape Wrath, Scotland © Mark Kirkland | Dreamstime.com

Over 500 species of marine molluscs reside in our seas and shorelines, including a variety of bivalves, gastropods, and cephalopods inhabiting a wide range of coastal and offshore marine environments. 

Commonly encountered coastal molluscs include blue mussels, oysters, cockles, clams, scallops, limpets, and winkles, which are frequently found on rocky shores, sandy beaches, and estuarine habitats. They are important to intertidal ecosystems, often forming dense beds or grazing on algae across the shoreline.

Among the more mobile and distinctive marine molluscs are cephalopods such as squid, cuttlefish, and octopus, which are found in deeper coastal waters and are known for their advanced behaviour, camouflage abilities, and active predatory lifestyles. In addition, less frequently observed or more offshore species, including various sea snails and deep-water bivalves, contribute to the rich biodiversity of UK seas. Occasional seasonal visitors such as larger squid species highlight the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems.

60 species of jellyfish have also been recorded including moon jellyfish and lion's mane. They prey on plankton, fish larvae, and small invertebrates, while also serving as food for certain fish, turtles and other predators.

 

COMMON OCTOPUS

Drawings: Aurora and Jessica, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common octopus, widely regarded as one of the most intelligent invertebrates on Earth is a highly adaptable marine invertebrate found in warm and temperate seas across the world, often inhabiting rocky reefs, seabeds, and coastal crevices. Its body typically measures 25–60 centimetres in mantle length, with arms that can extend up to 1 metre or more, giving it a highly flexible and expressive form. Its skin is smooth and highly changeable, capable of shifting colour and texture in an instant to blend with its surroundings.

Common octopuses are formidable predators, feeding on crabs, molluscs, and small fish. They use their strong arms and suction cups to capture prey and often employ tools such as rocks to break open shells. Highly intelligent, they are known for problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and remarkable escape skills. 

Interesting fact: The common octopus has three hearts and blue, copper-based blood, and it can rapidly change not only its colour but also its skin texture to perfectly mimic rocks, coral, or sand in a fraction of a second.

 

COMMON CUTTLEFISH

 

Drawing: Allisha, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The common cuttlefish is a highly intelligent marine mollusc found in coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Adults typically measure 20–45 centimetres in mantle length, with a broad, streamlined body and a rippling fin that runs along both sides, giving them smooth, wave-like motion through the water. They are active predators, feeding on fish, crabs, and shrimp, and are renowned for their extraordinary ability to change colour, pattern, and even skin texture in milliseconds to blend seamlessly into their surroundings or communicate with other cuttlefish.

Cuttlefish possess a large, well-developed brain and show advanced learning and problem-solving abilities. They can remember visual cues, adapt hunting strategies, and make complex decisions based on experience. They also demonstrate remarkable behavioural flexibility and curiosity, using their arms and sensitive suckers to explore and “taste” their environment. Their intelligence is expressed most dramatically through their dynamic camouflage system, which is precisely controlled by their nervous system. 

Interesting fact: Cuttlefish can produce complex, rapidly changing skin displays—including stripes, waves, and textured patterns—not only for camouflage but also for communication and behavioural signalling, effectively turning their skin into a dynamic visual language.

 

EUROPEAN SQUID

Drawing: Thomas, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The European squid is a fast-moving and highly agile marine cephalopod found in coastal and shelf waters of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Adults typically measure 20–40 centimetres in mantle length, with a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body built for speed. Two long feeding tentacles and eight shorter arms surround a sharp beak, while fins along the mantle provide precise control during rapid swimming. Its skin can shift between translucent, silvery tones and darker patterns, allowing it to camouflage or communicate in changing light conditions.

European squids are active predators, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and other small marine animals. They are powerful hunters, using bursts of jet propulsion to chase down prey in open water. Like other cephalopods, they possess a well-developed nervous system and demonstrate notable behavioural flexibility, capable of learning from experience, reacting quickly to environmental changes, and coordinating complex movements with remarkable speed and precision. 

Interesting fact: The European squid can accelerate explosively by expelling water through its siphon, reaching speeds fast enough to escape most predators in a single jet-propelled burst.

 

 

VIOLET SEA SLUG

 

Drawing: Ivy, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The violet sea slug is a delicate and vividly coloured nudibranch—shell-less marine molluscs—found in shallow coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Adults typically measure 2–5 centimetres in length. Its translucent white body is adorned with clusters of elongated, finger-like cerata tipped in bright pink, purple, or blue, giving it a soft, almost floral appearance as it drifts or crawls across rocky seabeds and seaweed.

This species feeds mainly on hydroids—small, colony-forming marine animals—absorbing not only nutrients but also their stinging cells, which it stores in its own cerata for defence. Like many nudibranchs, it is both predator and chemist, incorporating prey toxins into its own body. Though small and slow-moving, it is well protected by both its camouflage and its chemical defences.

Interesting fact: The violet sea slug can recycle the stinging cells of its prey, storing them in specialised structures and using them as its own defence against predators.

MARINE CRUSTACEANS

Spiny Squat Lobster, Loch Fyne, Scotland © Mark Kirkland | Dreamstime.com

As many as 300 species of marine crustaceans dwell in UK waters, representing a highly diverse group that includes crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and barnacles occupying a wide range of coastal and offshore habitats.

Commonly encountered coastal crustaceans include shore crabs, edible crabs, hermit crabs, prawns, and barnacles, which are frequently found on rocky shores, sandy seabeds, and within estuarine environments. They act as scavengers, predators, and filter feeders, while also providing an important food source for fish, birds, and other marine life.

 

EUROPEAN LOBSTER 

 

Drawing: Elliott, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The European lobster is a large and powerful crustacean found along rocky coasts of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Adults typically measure 30–60 centimetres in length, though larger individuals can occur. Its dark blue to almost black shell, often flecked with lighter spots, provides excellent camouflage among rocks and crevices. It possesses two massive claws—one broad and crushing for breaking shells, the other narrower and sharper for cutting—making it a formidable presence on the seabed.

European lobsters are nocturnal and primarily carnivorous, feeding on molluscs, crustaceans, worms, and carrion. They spend much of the day hidden in burrows or rocky shelters, emerging at night to forage. Despite their slow, deliberate movements, they are capable of quick defensive actions and are highly sensitive to their surroundings, using long antennae to detect vibrations and chemical signals in the water.

Interesting fact: European lobsters can regenerate lost limbs over successive moults, gradually regrowing claws or legs that have been damaged or lost in encounters with predators or rivals.

 

EDIBLE CRAB

 

Drawing: Luca, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The edible crab is a large and robust crustacean found along rocky shores and seabeds across the northeastern Atlantic, including the coasts of Europe. Adults typically measure 15–30 centimetres across the carapace, with a broad, oval-shaped shell that is reddish-brown in colour and often patterned with a rugged, textured surface. Its most distinctive features are its powerful claws—one larger, heavy “crusher” claw for breaking shells and a smaller “cutter” claw for slicing and handling food.

Edible crabs are nocturnal scavengers and predators, feeding on molluscs, other crustaceans, worms, and carrion. They are strong and deliberate movers, often hiding in crevices or buried in sediment during the day and emerging at night to forage. Highly adapted to life on the seabed, they rely on both physical strength and keen chemical sensing through their antennae to locate food.

Interesting fact: The edible crab’s crushing claw can exert immense force relative to its size, strong enough to break through thick mussel and oyster shells with ease.

 

VELVET SWIMMING CRAB

 

Necora puber

Conservation status: NOT EVALUATED (IUCN Red List)  
Population: UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN (pop. trend)

Resident areas: found throughout UK waters

Drawings: Brodie and Maya, Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School

The velvet swimming crab is a fast and agile crustacean found in shallow coastal waters, rocky shores, and sandy seabeds across the eastern Atlantic. Adults typically measure 6–10 centimetres across the carapace. It is easily recognised by its reddish-brown to orange shell, which is covered in a fine, velvety texture, and by its distinctive bright blue-edged claws. Its last pair of legs are flattened into paddles, giving it exceptional swimming ability compared to most crabs.

Velvet swimming crabs are active nocturnal hunters and scavengers, feeding on small fish, molluscs, worms, and carrion. They are highly aggressive and fast-moving, often relying on sudden bursts of speed to catch prey or escape threats. Unlike many crabs that rely mainly on walking, this species is a strong swimmer, capable of darting through the water column with surprising agility.

Interesting fact: Despite its small size, the velvet swimming crab is one of the most active and fastest crabs in European waters, using its paddle-like hind legs to “row” itself rapidly through the sea. 

 

THE ARTISTS 

Meet some of the talented artists involved in the UK Wildlife project, whose drawings reflect the spirit, colour, and wonder of the nation’s extraordinary wildlife.

Each participant brings their own creativity and passion to the project, using pen and paper to celebrate the natural beauty of the United Kingdom’s wild animals.

TYNE AND WEAR

PROJECT PARTNERS

ABOUT DRAWING FOR THE PLANET

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ABOUT JANE LEE MCCRACKEN

Shh it's a Tiger! 2013 Biro drawing © Jane Lee McCracken

Jane Lee McCracken constructs intricate, multi-layered Biro drawings, sculptures, installations as well as product designs. Her work represents the beauty of life and its brutal realities, exploring the loss to both humans and animals caused by human destructiveness. She is the founder and CEO of Drawing for the Planet global art, environmental education and conservation charity. 

Over the last decade, she has raised funds for conservation organisations through her art and delivered drawing and environmental education workshops to thousands of people across the world. In 2019 she founded the Where Did All the Animals Go? project in partnership with Born Free and in 2021 Drawing for the Planet.

Explore Jane's art here:

janeleemccracken.co.uk

 

Drawing for the Planet extends heartfelt thanks to our gifted artists, our committed partners and schools, and the UK's wildlife that inspired every creation. Your meaningful contributions make the project possible.