The red army

One of eight wood ant species found in Europe, the European red wood ant (Formica polyctena) leads a remarkable yet largely unseen life. Living in vast social colonies that can number in the millions,

Of all the garden minibeasts, few are as misunderstood as this humble creature

From Regency medicine men to the technicolour world of The Beatles, the history of psychedelic mushrooms is richer than we might expect, says Deborah Nicholls-Lee

Fallen branches and rotting stumps may look forsaken, but deadwood plays an essential role in the woodland

Infestations of insects and other unwanted visitors is an ever present risk, especially in warmer climates, says Rupert Holmes

The best of the season to inspire and admire