Find answers to your big nature questions. Delve into stories about the Museum's collections, scientists and research. Uncover the history of life on Earth, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals.
Highlights
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AnthropoceneWhat's so bad about the spotted lanternfly?
The brightly coloured spotted lanternfly is causing problems in parts of Asia and North America.
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Wildlife photographyWildlife Photographer of the Year: life and death in an underwater world
Underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta has won the Grand Title in the fifty-seventh Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his photo, Creation.
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What on Earth?16 weird plants that seem more supernatural than natural
Discover this creepy collection of nature's strangest plants.
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SpaceOrionid meteor shower 2021: when and how to watch
Planetary science researcher and meteorite expert Dr Ashley King shares his tips on how to get the best view.
News
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NewsCOP26 explained: what it is and why it's important for tackling climate change
COP26 is a crucial moment for the future of our planet.
21 October 2021 -
NewsMicrobes that form clouds threatened by climate change
Microbes in the air could be among the victims of climate change, with 15% of airborne species of bacteria predicted to go extinct.
21 October 2021 -
NewsExtreme weather from climate change could overwhelm bird eggs
Climate change could leave birds and their eggs unprepared for the extreme weather being thrown at them.
20 October 2021 -
NewsAncient rainforest-dwelling humans ate wide range of foods to survive
Some of the oldest evidence for modern humans living in rainforests has been found in a cave in Southeast Asia.
20 October 2021
Dinosaurs
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Science newsTwo new species of spinosaur dinosaurs discovered from Isle of Wight
Two new species of carnivorous dinosaurs have been discovered from the Isle of Wight.
29 September 2021 -
Science newsNew species of dinosaur had armour unlike anything seen before
Spicomellus afer is the oldest ankylosaur ever discovered.
23 September 2021 -
DinosaursHow are dinosaur fossils formed?
Even though dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, we know about them thanks to fossils. Watch our animation to find out how dinosaur fossils formed.
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DinosaursThe world's first dinosaur park: what the Victorians got right and wrong
They aren't scientifically accurate, but the Crystal Palace dinosaurs have a special place in the history of palaeontology.
Dippy the Diplodocus 3D skull
Rotate, zoom in and explore the features of this popular dinosaur.
Anthropocene
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News
COP26 explained: what it is and why it's important for tackling climate change
COP26 is a crucial moment for the future of our planet.
21 October 2021 -
News
Microbes that form clouds threatened by climate change
Microbes in the air could be among the victims of climate change, with 15% of airborne species of bacteria predicted to go extinct.
21 October 2021 -
News
Extreme weather from climate change could overwhelm bird eggs
Climate change could leave birds and their eggs unprepared for the extreme weather being thrown at them.
20 October 2021 -
NewsFive projects to 'fix the planet' win the inaugural Earthshot Prize
Methods to regrow coral reefs, restore rainforests and reuse food waste have each received a million pounds as part of the first ever Earthshot Prize.
18 October 2021
Uncover wildlife crime
In a Natural History Museum podcast, discover some of the most shocking, sensational and sinister crimes committed against the natural world, and hear from the people working to end them.
British wildlife
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British wildlifeHow dangerous are false widow spiders?
Every autumn there are reports of false widow spiders becoming uninvited eight-legged houseguests across the UK.
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British wildlifeHow to make a bug hotel: a ladybird lodge
This simple DIY insect hotel is perfect for ladybirds looking for somewhere to hibernate in winter.
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British wildlifePond life: facts about pond habitats, plants and animals
Ponds are crucial habitat for a great diversity of wildlife.
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British wildlifeEuropean hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Get the facts on this garden favourite.
What on Earth?
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What on Earth?Mutualism: eight examples of species that work together to get ahead
In nature, species will sometimes form unexpectedly close bonds and work to their mutual benefit.
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What on Earth?Curious collectors and hoarders of the animal world
Because sometimes more is more.
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What on Earth?Sea monsters and their inspiration: serpents, mermaids, the kraken and more
Discover the real sea creatures behind the lore.
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What on Earth?Carnivorous plants: the meat-eaters of the plant world
These real-life triffids aren't picky eaters.
Space
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SpaceShooting stars: How to photograph the night sky
Anyone can capture the majesty of the galaxy with a simple camera. All you need is a dark, clear night and the willingness to have a go.
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SpaceWhat is space junk and why is it a problem?
Millions of pieces of human-caused debris are orbiting Earth. But are they an issue, and what can we do about them?
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NewsFireball meteorite that blazed across the UK recovered from a driveway in Gloucestershire
For the first time in 30 years, a meteorite has been recovered in the UK
9 March 2021 -
SpaceHow does the Moon affect life on Earth?
Weeping trees, teeth stronger than Kevlar and one of Earth's most spectacular natural events are all shaped by the Moon.
Human evolution
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Science newsModern human origins cannot be traced back to a single point in time
Genetic and fossil records do not reveal a single point where modern humans originated, researchers have found.
10 February 2021 -
Human evolutionHow we became human
What features make us human? And where, when and why did they evolve?
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Human evolutionHomo erectus, our ancient ancestor
Learn about the longest-surviving human species, which was also the first known to leave Africa.
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Human evolutionFirst Britons
Unearth the one-million-year story of humans in Britain and their struggle to survive in a changing land.
Who were the Neanderthals?
Explore Neanderthal facts, from looks to lifestyle and abilities. These early humans are far more similar to us than once believed.
Oceans
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NewsWater from the deepest point on Earth joins the Museum collection
Last year an expedition to the Mariana Trench made history by conducting the deepest crewed dive ever.
24 March 2021 -
OceansWhat is an ammonite?
The often tightly wound shells of ammonites may be a familiar sight, but how much do you know about the animals that once lived inside?
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British wildlifeBasking shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
Explore facts about this huge shark - which can open its mouth up to a metre wide - including where you might see one in the UK.
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OceansOctopuses keep surprising us - here are eight examples how
They have blue blood, three hearts and a doughnut-shaped brain. But these aren't even the most unusual discoveries made about octopuses!
See a blue whale skeleton in high definition
Explore a 3D model of the Museum's blue whale skeleton and learn more about how these animals behave.
Collections
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CollectionsCaring for specimens at the Museum
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation work undertaken for the Fantastic Beasts™: The Wonder of Nature exhibition.
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CollectionsHidden figures: forgotten contributions to natural history
Discover more about the people behind the headlines and how they have been overlooked by the history books.
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Gilbert White: the modern naturalist
Gilbert White's talent and passion for observing and recording nature inspired many future naturalists, including Charles Darwin.
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CollectionsMaria Sibylla Merian: metamorphosis unmasked by art and science
Adventuring unchaperoned in seventeenth century Suriname, Maria Sibylla Merian blazed a trail for women and science.
Wildlife photography
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Wildlife photography
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: life and death in an underwater world
Underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta has won the Grand Title in the fifty-seventh Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his photo, Creation.
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NewsWildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 winning images
Winners of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 announced.
12 October 2021 -
NewsFirst Look: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 57
Take a look at some of the Highly Commended photos from the fifty-seventh Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, opening on 15 October.
1 September 2021 -
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Is the USA on the cusp of banning tiger tourism?
Wildlife photojournalist Steve Winter explores the shocking world of tiger tourism in the USA.
Latest videos
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British wildlifeHow to make a small wildlife pond
A garden pond is one of the best ways you can help Britain's wildlife. You can create one in even the tiniest of gardens.
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British wildlife
How to make a bird bath
Birds need access to water year-round. Help them out by building a simple garden bird bath.
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AnthropoceneMountain chickens: how we almost lost the Caribbean's largest frogs
The mountain chicken is teetering on the brink of extinction, but we may now have a way to save them.
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Anthropocene
How to make a worm composter
Turn your kitchen food scraps into fantastic fertiliser by making a wormery.
All articles
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News
COP26 explained: what it is and why it's important for tackling climate change
COP26 is a crucial moment for the future of our planet.
21 October 2021 -
News
Microbes that form clouds threatened by climate change
Microbes in the air could be among the victims of climate change, with 15% of airborne species of bacteria predicted to go extinct.
21 October 2021 -
News
Extreme weather from climate change could overwhelm bird eggs
Climate change could leave birds and their eggs unprepared for the extreme weather being thrown at them.
20 October 2021 -
News
Ancient rainforest-dwelling humans ate wide range of foods to survive
Some of the oldest evidence for modern humans living in rainforests has been found in a cave in Southeast Asia.
20 October 2021 -
NewsEagle reintroduction project cancelled despite widespread public support
The white-tailed sea eagle will not be reintroduced to Norfolk despite fully fledged plans and public support.
19 October 2021 -
News
Five projects to 'fix the planet' win the inaugural Earthshot Prize
Methods to regrow coral reefs, restore rainforests and reuse food waste have each received a million pounds as part of the first ever Earthshot Prize.
18 October 2021 -
Anthropocene
What's so bad about the spotted lanternfly?
The brightly coloured spotted lanternfly is causing problems in parts of Asia and North America.
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NewsGorillas can recognise known and unfamiliar human voices
Gorillas react more strongly to the voices of unfamiliar humans and those they like less, researchers have found.
15 October 2021 -
NewsGiant sloth that once roamed South America scavenged for meat
A giant ground sloth that once roamed South America occasionally broke its plant-based diet to eat meat, researchers have found.
14 October 2021 -
NewsOne in five European birds at risk of extinction, report warns
Over 100 species of European birds are on the road to becoming extinct, a new report has warned.
14 October 2021 -
Wildlife photography
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: life and death in an underwater world
Underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta has won the Grand Title in the fifty-seventh Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his photo, Creation.
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NewsOur ancestors were pushed to the brink during ancient African extinction event
Most African mammals all went extinct 33 million years ago as the world became dramatically cooler.
13 October 2021 -
News
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 winning images
Winners of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2021 announced.
12 October 2021 -
NewsSpeaking up for the little ones: why bugs need our help more than ever
Over recent weeks there have been plenty of sensational headlines about insects invading our homes and causing the evacuation of schools.
12 October 2021 -
NewsAnalysis warns global biodiversity is below 'safe limit' ahead of COP 15
The world's biodiversity has fallen below the 'safe limit', researchers suggest, as habitat destruction and agriculture take their toll on nature.
10 October 2021 -
NewsMexican mangrove forests offer glimpse into 110,000-year-old 'lost world'
The 'lost world' gives a glimpse of the planet before the last Ice Age.
9 October 2021 -
NewsRare 93 carat natural black diamond goes on display in The Vault
A large, rare natural black diamond has gone on display at the Museum.
8 October 2021 -
What on Earth?
16 weird plants that seem more supernatural than natural
Discover this creepy collection of nature's strangest plants.
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Science newsRocks in ancient Martian lake could hold remains of life
Rocks with the potential to hold fossils of Martian life have been identified by NASA's Perseverance rover.
7 October 2021 -
NewsNew reports of invasive stink bug raises concerns of imminent UK move
The discovery of a stink bug in a Surrey garden has caused worries the insects may be becoming established in the UK.
7 October 2021 -
Science newsNew species is oldest meat-eating dinosaur found in UK
The oldest-known meat-eating dinosaur discovered in the UK has been named in honour of trailblazing Museum scientist Angela Milner, who passed away in August 2021.
6 October 2021 -
NewsAncient trilobites had 'hyper-eyes' to see in the dark
A unique 'hyper-eye' consisting of three different levels of vision has been discovered in a prehistoric animal.
6 October 2021 -
NewsFrom field to Vault, how the largest Winchcombe meteorite was found
Discovering the largest Winchcombe meteorite in a field of sheep poo.
5 October 2021 -
NewsBirds, bat and fish among 23 species declared extinct by USA
The US government has announced that 23 species of American animals and plants are believed to have gone extinct.
4 October 2021
