Red kites, great spotted woodpeckers and pink-footed geese are only a few of the birds doing brilliantly in the British Isles right now. Mark Cocker celebrates their success stories and looks at what might be learnt from them

The pine marten is back, roaming the UK’s woodlands. And its return to some spots after almost a century might be helping out the red squirrel…

Find out which early species to watch for, how to make your patch more butterfly-friendly and where to record your sightings for science

One of the rich joys of birding is that there are birds everywhere, including gardens and parks. Just get out and walk around, there’s no need to be quiet or furtive. Become familiar with your feather

Mike’s local area has become a difficult place to watch gulls, but it makes up for their lack in other ways

DECEMBER 2025