Natural History Apps

TreeID (£2.49 – iPad, iPhone)
This app makes it easy to identify trees during a walk in the countryside. When you are in front of a tree you wish to name, click on the identification button. Select characteristics such as height, leaf shape or fruit colour. Press the tick box, and a list of likely options will appear. When you have narrowed down your search to the right tree, you can add a sighting with a comment and your own photo. If you have a roaming broadband connection, the app can also geo locate your photo.

Birds of Britain HD (£0.69 – iPad, iPhone, Android)
This handy app includes photos of all the British bird species and sound clips of their songs. If you have difficulty identifying the bird you have just spotted, you can click on habitat, size, colour and beak shape to narrow down your search.

You can log sightings, view them on a map and add your own photos. You can do a quiz to test out your general knowledge, and make use of listings of the best birding venues.

OPAL Bugs Count Pocket ID Guide (Free – iPad, iPhone, Android)
This app lets you identify the most common groups of bugs straight from your mobile device with the help of images and guides. You can help scientists monitor 6 minibeasts from the Bugs Count survey, by uploading your photos in the Species Quest section of the app.

“The new app’s a fun way to discover British wildlife and take part in a nationwide scientific study at the same time. I hope everyone will download it and learn to love bugs as much as we do!” Lucy Carter, OPAL Biodiversity Scientist.

Looking4Cache Free (Free- iPad, iPhone)
Any day out in the countryside can be more fun for kids if it doubles up as a geocaching adventure. This app will show you the location of caches in the area you are planning to explore, and lets you keep a log of the ones you discover. The Pro version (£5.99) allows you to save maps offline, and places no limits on your searches.