Thornback ray
The most commonly encountered ray around the British Isles, it's easy to see where the thornback ray got its name from - just check out the spines on its back!
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©Andrew Parkinson/2020VISION
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Spotted ray
The spotted ray is one of the smallest species of skate, growing to only 80 cm.
Undulate ray
The undulate ray has beautiful wavy patterns on its back, which helps it camouflage against the sandy seabed.
Upper Ray Meadows
This link will open on the BBOWT website.
The River Ray is one of the best areas in central England for locally scarce wading birds. The first curlew usually return to the Upper Ray Meadows in late February, and by early spring lapwing…
Blonde ray
This large skate has tiny, prickly spines all over its back.
Cuckoo ray
It’s easy to identify this distinctive skate from the black and yellow marbled eye spots on each wing.
26 Wild essays - The Undulate Ray
As part of the 26 Wild project, 56 writers are bringing to life the plight of endangered UK wildlife through a series of centenas and essays. The first of which is this beautiful essay by Lucy…
Festive myths and folklore
Sophie Baker, communications officer at Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust, explores our native species that have become enduring cultural symbols in festive myths…
Swindon Forest Meadows
Swindon Forest meadows project aims to create, restore, enhance and better manage grasslands and associated habitats on land along the river Ray, covering approximately 170 hectares and focused on sites within a matrix of woodland plantings delivered by the Great Western Community Forest.
Common sunstar
This large starfish looks just like the sun, with 10-12 arms spreading outwards like rays.
Avocets
Once extinct in the UK, the avocet is now a symbol of conservation success. Find out where to see these birds wading, feeding, or breeding at a wetland or coast near you!
Blue Bell Hill
This link will open on the Kent Wildlife Trust website.
Whether standing above the clouds on a winters morning or watching the last rays of sun striking reds, purple and gold across the valley there is always something fantastic about this place.