Enjoy the British Countryside

Stay safe while enjoying our beautiful wild areas

Safety tips, practical advice and exciting ideas for days out

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Britain’s countryside is among the most beautiful in the world, and also among the safest in terms of dangerous wild aminals or poisonous plants.

There are still some dangers to look out for.

Do you know how to tell a harmless grass snake from a deadly British adder?

Could you recognise Britain’s most dangerous insect?

Do you know which common wild flower could give you severe skin burns?

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Learn to recognise Britain’s Dirty Dozen Dangers, and know what to do so you can enjoy our wonderful countryside without risk.

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Adders

March 15, 2017

What does it look like? The one poisonous snake in Britain is the Adder. It is recognisable by the black, zig-zag edged strips along its entire back and its red eyes with a vertical slit. Why are they dangerous? Most of the snakes in Britain are fairly harmless. Even though their bites can hurt a … More Adders

Hairy caterpillars (Oak processionary moth)

March 15, 2017

What does it look like? The caterpillars walk up and down trees in nose-to-tail processions. If you find them, or spot one of their white silken nests, report it to the Forestry Commission or to your local council. Why is it dangerous? The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth are a real pest. They were … More Hairy caterpillars (Oak processionary moth)

Ticks

March 15, 2017

What does it look like? Ticks are arachnids (related to spiders). They have eight legs, and look like spiders with unusually large bodies. Ticks have four stages in their lifecycle. As a human, you would be more likely to be bitten by a nymph tick. They are tiny black or brown specs the size of … More Ticks

How to check for ticks

Ticks can walk long distances inside your clothing till they find a warm spot to bite you. You will not feel a thing, even while they are drinking blood. Watch this film by tick expert Dan Wolff to learn how to check your body in the right places!

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