Plants
Why Leaves Grow in Such Different Shapes
Why leaves grow in such different shapes reflects light, water and growth habits. Learn what a leaf can suggest—and…
The reading shelf
All stories
Explore Emerald News Spotlight by topic, from plants and animal behaviour to habitats, natural patterns, and thoughtful field observation.
Animals
Tracks, Droppings, or Nibbled Leaves: Which Clue to Read First?
Learn how to read animal tracks, droppings and nibbled leaves in sequence, judge what each can tell you, and keep…
Habitats
How a Fallen Log Becomes a Forest-Floor Habitat
Learn how a fallen log supports fungi, invertebrates and seedlings, and read its changing habitat from bark, moisture…
Natural Patterns
The Myth of Nature’s Perfect Balance
The myth of nature’s perfect balance hides how ecosystems change. Learn to read shifting relationships and choose a…
Fieldcraft
A Pocket Field Note for a Familiar Walk
Pocket field notes help you capture a plant or animal’s position and behaviour clearly, so you can draw it, identify…
Our point of view
Curiosity begins with noticing
Nature is not far away or reserved for experts. A closer look at a leaf, a bird’s behaviour, or a changing patch of ground can open up a bigger story.