SPECIES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Orange tip Surely the prettiest of our springtime butterflies, the orange tip is still common across much of lowland Britain. Identified by their orange wing tips, the males spend most days zipping along hedgerows and roadside verges in their perennial search for the white and mossy green females, discreetly tucked away in the shrubbery. Brimstone Emerging from hibernation on the first warm days of spring, this instantly recognisable buttery coloured insect ( right) is predominantly found across southern Britain. Nomadic by nature, the males will frequently travel far and wide as they track down both nectar-rich flowers and any females that might be ready to mate. Red kite An elegant, long-winged and fork-tailed introduction to large parts of Britain, the red kite is actually more scavenger than bird of prey. Having realised that many highways produce a regular supply of roadkill, birds spiralling down to the free buffet are now surprisingly common. Kestrel Despite recent declines, the kestrel is still the most commonly seen bird of prey plying its trade along roadside Britain. Mostly tawny and grey, with long wings and tail, the kestrel’s most distinctive feature is its ability to hang motionless in the wind while searching for vergeloving voles below. Danish scurvy grass Historically found along the coast, this plant’s ability to withstand the high levels of salt distributed by gritters in winter has seen it flourishing along many roads. The small flowers atop fleshy, green leaves turn central reservations pinky-white in spring.