Identification guides and keys
A bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, in the Museum's wildlife garden. Our identification guides illustrate the difference between this species and the Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica.
There are thousands of species of wildlife in the UK and many of them can be seen in your garden, local park or nearby woodland. Follow the Museum's easy-to-use guides to help identify the plants and creatures you find.
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Identify trees
Identify your trees with the help of our interactive key, factsheets on the most common UK trees, and other guidance.
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British bumblebee identification guide
This British bumblebee identification guide is an easy-to-use key designed to help you identify bumblebees by looking at the insects' colour patterns.
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Woodlouse identification key
This simple key will help you to identify the woodlice that you are most likely to find.
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Lichens
Explore the amazing diversity of lichens and find out why they are the canaries of the fungal world.
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Identify British earthworms
Familiarise yourself with the common British earthworm species - their characteristics, what they eat and where they live.
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Identify your bluebells
Find out how to identify whether your bluebells are native bluebells, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, or non-native species, by looking at the colour of the pollen and the shapes of the flower.
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Identification forums
Have you found a fossil on the seashore or a spider in your bathroom and you don't know what it is? Our experts can help - just ask them a question in the forum.
