Nature & Sustainability
Discover Britain’s wildlife, seasonal spectacles and nature experiences with practical advice on where and when to spot them.
7 Ways to Help Wildlife Recover after a Summer of Wildfires
Here are 7 practical ways you can help with nature recovery after the devastating wildfires across Britain
Waterfalls in the Lake District
Explore breath-taking waterfalls in the Lake District, perfect for outdoor lovers seeking unique beauty, wild swims or scenic hikes.
The Best UK Island Highpoints
Island highpoints aren’t always about ‘bagging’ the biggest hills - they’re about standing somewhere that brings the whole island into focus.
Best UK Islands for Paddleboarding
Which are the best islands for SUP in the uk? If you're planning to holiday in the UK this year - why not try one of these stunning paddle friendly islands
Best dog-friendly islands in the UK
Are you looking for a dog friendly UK Island holiday? We share our pick of the best islands for dog walking in the UK
Where to see UK seabirds – with mapped coastal walks and expert RSPB insight
Find the best places to see UK seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes and gannets, with mapped coastal walks and expert tips from the RSPB.
Why Litter is a Symptom of our Growing Disconnection from Nature
How Trash Free Trails is shifting the conversation about litter in nature away from blame and towards connection, evidence and long term change
Can You Identify 6 birds by Sound Alone?
Can you identify the birdsong of 6 British birds? We challenge you to become a better hiker by connecting with wildlife more deeply
New Dog Laws – Livestock Worrying: What Dog Walkers Need to Know
New dog laws that protect livestock from sheep worrying and more. Keep your dog safe: Learn about the updated Dog Protection of Livestock Act
What is a Glimmer? How Small Outdoor Moments Can Lift Your Mood
A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger - find out how to train your brain to notice these moments of calm and safety
UK Wetlands to Explore
Discover what makes World Wetlands Day significant. Learn about ecosystems and find local wetlands to explore nearby.
Where are the Best Island Beaches in Britain?
Island expert Lisa Drewe shares her pick of the best island beaches in Britain, with a commitment to responsible tourism.
Waterfalls in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Discover breath-taking waterfalls in Bannau Brycheiniog, featuring beautiful locations for families, wild swimming, hiking and photography.
Plastic-Free Hiking: How to Avoid Single-Use Plastic on Your Next Adventure
Will you go plastic free on your next hike? Learn the importance of Plastic-Free Hiking and find tips on avoiding single-use plastics.
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – are you ready?
Join OS Champion Wildlife Kate (Kate Macrae) for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, an annual, citizen‑science hour counting garden birds. Discover what it is, how to take part, and why your count matters.
Waterfalls in Eryri (Snowdonia)
Uncover the beauty of Eryri's (Snowdonia) waterfalls, with locations for families, wild swimming, photography, and adventurous hikes.
Where are the Best Waterfalls near London?
Explore stunning waterfalls near London and find the perfect walk just a short drive or train ride away from the city.
Why Winter Walking is a Menopause Superpower
Embrace menopause walking to combat winter blues. Understand how staying active can boost your emotional stability.
Island82 – A Challenge with Purpose
Discover Island82, a challenge by Lisa Drewe to explore Britain’s 82 largest islands. Get your version of the map that inspired the challenge!
Where are the Best Waterfalls near Manchester?
Find the best waterfalls close to Manchester with scenic walks in beautiful surroundings.
Inverness City Walks
Explore the charm of Inverness with city walks along the River Ness and more, combining scenic views with local heritage and tranquillity.
Southampton City Walks
Explore Southampton city walks and discover the blend of modern life with rich heritage amidst beautiful nature.
Aberdeen City Walks
Aberdeen might be known for its granite streets and bustling city life, but it’s also surrounded by green spaces perfect for escaping the bustle and taking a refreshing walk.
Glasgow City Walks
Discover Glasgow city walks, featuring parks, the River Clyde, and tranquil trails perfect for every walker to reflect away from the hustle and bustle.
Cambridge City Walks
Cambridge may be best known for its historic colleges and charming cobbled streets, but it’s also a city rich in green spaces and parks that offer the perfect place for a city walk.
Cardiff City Walks
Finding nature in a city might seem like a challenge, but Cardiff makes it easy. With its mix of green parks, riverside paths, and coastal escapes, the city offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors without straying far from the centre.
Liverpool City Walks
Walking through Liverpool reveals more than just the city's iconic architecture and vibrant streets, it opens the door to a variety of green spaces and natural retreats.
Manchester City Walks
Manchester offers countless opportunities for a walk in fresh air and nature without going far from the city.
A Clothing Hospital for your Favourite Outdoor Kit!
Learn about Keela's approach to sustainable outdoor clothing and the initiatives of their Legacy Project , responsible manufacturing for lasting gear.
Bath City Walks
Bath’s green spaces offer a refreshing contrast to its elegant Georgian architecture and bustling city centre, providing opportunities to walk through nature without going far from the urban environment.
Oxford City Walks
Oxford is home to a surprising variety of green spaces, nature reserves, and walking routes. Some are tucked within the city itself, while others are just outside its edges.
Edinburgh City Walks
With almost half of its area covered in green space, and over 130 parks and gardens scattered throughout, Edinburgh and its surroundings are ideal for a walk in nature.
London City Walks
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of London with our guide to nature walks, including royal parks, ancient forests, and tranquil paths.
The Geology of Britain
Discover the Geology of the British Islands with Our Collectors Edition OS Map. A perfect gift for a hiker and map lover
Women, Nature & Reclaiming Our Power
Yara Ghrewati explores the deep, intuitive bond women share with nature, inviting reconnection through forest bathing, hikes, and outdoor gatherings
Stone Circles in Britain – 10 Must-See Sites
Everyone knows about Stonehenge, but it’s just one of many ancient stone circles scattered across Britain, which are worth a visit.
Hidden Beaches of Britain
Our curated collection of secluded bays and lesser-known beaches offers the perfect alternative to the usual hotspots.
11 Most Instagrammable Locations for the Ultimate Historic Selfie
Britain showcases countless historic landmarks, but some of the most breath-taking spots, and most Instagrammable spots, are those where ruins have been reclaimed by nature.
10 Stunning Beaches in Wales
Home to over 500 beaches, 21 of which have been awarded Blue Flag status, and 157 miles of coastline protected by the National Trust, Wales is an ideal location for a breath of fresh, sea air.
15 Microadventures You Can Try This Weekend Without Taking Time Off
We share 15 ideas for your next microadventure - a microadventure is a mini escape into nature without the need to take time off work and spend a fortune!
10 Best Bluebell Walks
There’s no denying that spring is one of the best times to get out and about. Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are one of the most iconic spring flowers and you can usually find them in April and May. We’ve rounded up some of the best short bluebell walks across Britain where you’re guaranteed to find these beautiful lilac flowers.
How to Make Participation In Your Next Running Event More Sustainable
We asked the OS Sustainability lead and keen Trail Runner, Ella Cohen for her thoughts on how participants can be more sustainable before, during and after an event.
What Does Leave No Trace Mean?
Do you know what LEAVE NO TRACE really means? Tread gently, move quietly, respect peacefully... but what does is mean in practice
Outdoor Fitness with Purpose – Ditch the Gym and Protect Nature
It’s easy to lose sight of what really matters: moving our bodies, connecting with others, and caring for the world around us. We don't need a gym to do that!
Eco-Friendly Running Shoes: Repair, Don’t Replace!
Extend the life of your running shoes by making simple and effective repairs - make your trainers more eco-friendly!
Five Firework Free Dark-Sky Locations for a Serene Bonfire Night
This guide explores top stargazing spots, and how to find them with OS Maps, where the beauty of the night sky becomes the highlight
Embracing Eco-Adventure: Sustainable Outdoor Pursuits in the UK
Ordnance Survey Champion Isaac Kenyon will be exploring what an eco-adventure is, share best practices for eco-friendly outings, highlight destinations that prioritise sustainability, and offer tips for reducing your environmental footprint while exploring the great outdoors in the UK.
How Can Festivals Be More Sustainable?
How can festivals be more sustainable? Take a look at 5 festivals that are taking sustainability seriously
British Wildflowers to Spot on Your Next Countryside Walk
British Wildflowers - 10 common varieties of wildflower you will find when walking in the UK.
Breeding Bird Surveys – Mapping the story of birds
Bird Breeding Survey and Methodology - OS Analyst Nichaphat Sukontason writes about running a Breeding Bird Survey around Ordnance Survey HQ and shows you how you can get involved.
Visiting Skye Responsibly
The Isle of Skye is a magical place, home to a vibrant community and a diverse range of wildlife. But the ecosystems is vulnerable to disruption or damage, so here's how visitors can visit Skye responsibly and follow the ‘leave no trace’ ethos.
A guide to ethical and responsible outdoor clothing
How ethical and sustainable is your outdoor kit? Montane share their expert knowledge on what to look out for when choosing outdoor clothing, so you can become a more responsible explorer.
A guide to birdwatching in the UK
With nearly 600 species of bird officially listed in the UK, birdwatching can be enjoyed just about anywhere, you don't need to travel far. This guide to birdwatching in the UK will help get you started.
The Big Paddle Cleanup
British Canoeing tell us all about their Big Paddle Cleanup, a week-long campaign where paddlers up and down the country took to the water to collect rubbish. What did they find? This article reveals all.
Leave the car at home
By walking or cycling instead, you'll see a positive impact on your health and happiness, the environment and your wallet. Find out how you can swap shorter car journeys for active travel and make a real difference.
Walk to School Week
For whatever reason, we have got into the habit of driving our kids to school, even if it is only half a mile away. OS Champion Glyn Dodwell gives us 10 great reasons why we should walk them to school instead. Celebrate Walk to School Week and challenge yourself to leave the car at home.
A guide to British bees
The decline of bees is a world wide problem. We take a look at the different types of bees in Britain, how you can identify them and what you can do to help protect them.
An easy guide to tree identification
In Britain there are at least fifty species of native trees and shrubs. You may have been out and about and thought to yourself, what tree is that? Here's an easy guide to tree identification so you can brush up on your tree knowledge and identify the beautiful trees you pass.
Best UK locations to fossil hunt and spot wildlife
There are many fantastic locations in the UK for you to discover the fossilised remains of those that came before us, or admire the beauty of today's wildlife in its natural environment. Here are a few of our favourites.
Be kind to the environment
No one likes walking amongst litter, seeing plastic bottles bobbing around our waterways or wildlife distressed. So, now it’s time for us to think about how we give back and take care of the environment, just as it’s taken care of us. Here are 6 ideas to help you get outside and be kind to the environment.
The Countryside Code
The Countryside Code is your guide to enjoying our parks and waterways, coast and countryside. Find out more about how you can enjoy the outdoors responsibly and protect it for us all to enjoy for years to come.
Could you go plastic-free for a month?
Anna Hughes went plastic-free for a month. Here, she shares her top tips for how to make it work so you can try it too.
5 UK Beaches for your Bank Holiday Staycation
A staycation is the perfect opportunity to kick back and relax for a few days. If you’re dreaming of escaping to coastal views and brilliant surf, the great news is that you may not have to venture very far. Here are our favourite beaches across the UK.
Top 5 Beaches to Visit in Scotland
Top 5 beaches to visit in Scotland: Co-author of the new Wild Guide Scotland, Richard Gaston, shares his top 5 Scottish beaches.
Best places to go birdwatching in the broads
Find out our top recommendations for fantastic places to go Birdwatching in the Broads National Park.
Birdwatching in the broads
The Broads is the perfect destination for bird watching due to its extensive marsh and wetlands. Find out abut which birds you can see in the Broads National Park.
Unexpected wild animals in Britain – part 2
When you #GetOutside in the UK there are plenty of weird and wonderful wild animals if you know where to look…part 2 - including the scary ones!
Unexpected wild animals in britain – part 1
When you #GetOutside in the UK, you expect to see plenty of native birds, squirrels and rabbits, and if you are lucky a roe deer or even a badger – but there are plenty of weird and wonderful wild animals if you know where to look…