One of the things I enjoy most about running a moth trap is the simple fact that every morning comes with a sense of anticipation. Most days bring a familiar collection of regular species, perhaps a seasonal highlight or two, and occasionally something a little unexpected. But every now and then a trap produces something that makes you stop, take a second look, and realise you are looking at something genuinely special. This morning turned out to be one of those mornings. As I was working...

Early spring in North Wales brings a flush of low-growing colour to verges, gardens, field edges and disturbed ground. Among the most familiar are the dead-nettles — a group of plants that look like stinging nettles but don’t sting at all. At first glance, several species look very similar. Here we take a closer look at three that are all flowering now: Red Dead-nettle ( Lamium purpureum ), Cut-leaved Dead-nettle ( Lamium hybridum ), and Spotted Dead-nettle ( Lamium maculatum ). With a bit of...

I keep meaning to add a section to the Discover the Wild website dedicated to my own reviews of natural history books. The ones I reach for most often as field guides, the ones I pore over for inspiration, the books I drool over for their images, and—just as importantly—the ones I might suggest avoiding. Where to buy them, which editions are worth owning, and which genuinely earn their place on the shelf. Alas, it’s something I’ve never quite got around to doing. That changed after a...