Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) feeding on nut, Formby, Merseyside (@ Elliott Neep/Photolibrary)

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) feeding on nut, Formby, Merseyside (@ Elliott Neep/Photolibrary)

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• Red squirrels weigh up the good from the bad nuts by using their hands as scales.""Find out more about them
• Native to our country, British red squirrels number only 140,000 compared with the 2.5 million introduced greys.""That\s why we\re celebrating National Red Squirrel Week
• Until the late 1800s these squirrels ruled the woods until their grey American cousins brought squirrel pox with them.""But is there a glimmer of hope for a cure?
• ‘Squirrel pelt\ is a slang term for money in Finland as before the introduction of coinage it was used as currency.""Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘show me the money\

View from Haleakalā, Maui, Hawaii, USA (@ SuperStock/Getty Images)

View from Haleakalā, Maui, Hawaii, USA (@ SuperStock/Getty Images)

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• Apparently this huge crater was formed when the demigod Maui captured and held the sun here until it made the days longer.""Where did this bright idea happen?
• Whether you are here at dawn or dusk, the views are absolutely stunning.""See more pictures from the House of the Sun
• Shield volcanoes, named so because it looks like a warrior\s shield, are formed by layers of lava cooling.""But it\s much more fun to watch the heating process
• Measured from its base at the sea floor, this volcano is one of the world\s tallest mountains.""Two-thirds of it is underwater - where is it?

Honey jars (@ Leser, Nicolas/Corbis)

Honey jars (@ Leser, Nicolas/Corbis)

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• The waggle dance that bees make is one of the most sophisticated forms of communication in the animal kingdom.""Find out more un-bee-lievable facts
• Honey doesn\t spoil, in fact a 3,000-year-old edible sample has been found in an Egyptian tomb.""Delicious as it might have been, these recipes are probably better
• Want to get into beekeeping but cannot find a spot for you beehive?""No worries, as urban apiculture is swarming into cities
• Millions of people will be tucking into apples and honey with their meals today and tomorrow.""It\s the start of the Jewish new year

Covered bridge near Bradley, Maine, USA (@ A. J. Whitney/Getty Images)

Covered bridge near Bradley, Maine, USA (@ A. J. Whitney/Getty Images)

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• Back in the 1800s you could expect a wooden bridge to last maybe 10 years, but with a roof that goes up to 80!""It also makes them look much prettier
• This area\s most famous resident has a custom wrought- iron gate with spiders and bats on the front.""Who would have such a horrific entrance?
• This is the only monosyllabic US state.""Can you guess which it is?
• You might recognise some of the place names in this state: Bangor, Biddeford, Scarborough, York, Falmouth…""See which other places from ‘Old England\ you can find

Black-backed jackal pups (@ Jami Tarris/Corbis)

Black-backed jackal pups (@ Jami Tarris/Corbis)

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• These small, adaptable animals are master scavengers, day or night.""What are they?
• Time-travel back 2 million years and you\ll find the ancestors of these guys looking pretty much the same as they do today.""See more pictures
• It\s all fun and games for these pups now but ancient Egyptians believed their ancestors protected the dead on their way to the afterlife.""Who was their god?
• Cats or dogs – which do you prefer?""Here\s some of the world\s more exotic specimens to choose from

Mythical creatures guarding the golden chedi at the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand (@ David Davis/Photolibrary)

Mythical creatures guarding the golden chedi at the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand (@ David Davis/Photolibrary)

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• These fierce-looking fellas, called Yaksha, are guarding a lavish Buddhist temple.""It\s considered the most sacred temple in Thailand
• Although the royal family no longer lives here, this compound in the heart of the city has more than 100 ornate buildings.""Where is it?
• These guardians have been supporting this temple for more than 200 years.""After all that time, the changes to their city below must seem almost supernatural
• “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit”""That\s the full name of this city

Vehicle traveling through a tea plantation in Kerala, southern India (@ Hugh Sitton/Corbis)

Vehicle traveling through a tea plantation in Kerala, southern India (@ Hugh Sitton/Corbis)

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• This region\s climate makes it the perfect place to grow all sorts of sumptuous spices.""Known as the Spice Coast, where is it?
• These wonderfully green bushes are where Britain\s favourite drink comes from.""See more pictures this beverage\s beautiful beginnings
• Which famous diarist, after lengthy debates about international politics, wrote “And afterwards I did send for a cup of tee”?""This was the first recorded tea break by a Brit and happened today in 1660
• The traditional ritualised dance in this region features elaborate make-up, exaggerated gestures and hypnotic music.""Normally it will last all night, but here\s a quick taster

Cheddar Gorge Caves, Cheddar, Somerset, England (@ Martin Engelmann/Photolibrary)

Cheddar Gorge Caves, Cheddar, Somerset, England (@ Martin Engelmann/Photolibrary)

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• You are currently looking deep within one of the most spectacular sights in the UK.""Where is this ‘gorgeous\ spot?
• How old do you think Britain\s oldest resident is? If you\re thinking in their hundreds then think again.""The man found here is around 9,000 years old
• In 2005 this spot was pipped to the top spot in a Radio Times poll of Britain\s top natural wonders.""See which site came top and which other places made the list
• When they aren\t gorging themselves on the views, locals probably tuck into their world-famous cheddar cheese.""And what better time than right now in British Cheese Week!

Kenmore in autumn, Perthshire, Scotland (@ Guy Edwardes/Getty Images)

Kenmore in autumn, Perthshire, Scotland (@ Guy Edwardes/Getty Images)

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• The writer Albert Camus called this season “a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”""Celebrate today\s autumn equinox
• This village sits at the top of a loch that is a popular with salmon fishers.""Where is it?
• In the seventeenth century a local resident was revered for her mysterious and accurate predictions, three of which are still yet to come true.""Who was the Lady of Lawer?
• One of the most unusual underwater discoveries in this loch were the remains of iron age buildings.""See what they might have looked like

Midnight sun on the North Cape, Norway (@ SIME/estock)

Midnight sun on the North Cape, Norway (@ SIME/estock)

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• The stunning views, unusual atmosphere and breathtaking hikes make this a popular tourist spot.""It\s well worth the effort making it this far north
• Don\t adjust your watches - it really is the middle of the night here in the land of the midnight sun.""Watch what it\s like to see the sun never set
• Seeing the sun when the clock strikes 00:00 is all good in the summer but that happens for only two weeks of the year.""There is another spectacular show once the lights go out
• Not only is this Europe\s northernmost spot, it is also home to its northernmost indigenous people.""Who are they?

Imagine mosaic, part of the Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park, New York City, USA (@ Ocean/Corbis)

Imagine mosaic, part of the Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park, New York City, USA (@ Ocean/Corbis)

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• More than 120 countries have endorsed this spot as a ‘Garden of Peace\.""Can you imagine who it was dedicated to?
• Some people think the homeless man who decorates this path is an artist whereas others do not.""Either way, he certainly gets people talking
• Today begins with the ringing of the Peace Bell at the UN asking for all combatants to lay down their arms for the day.""What is the special occasion?
• One of the most famous peace symbols comes from the semaphore signs for N and D meaning ‘nuclear disarmament\.""Find out more

Aerial view of Ambergris Caye, Belize (© Michael Melford/Getty Images)

Aerial view of Ambergris Caye, Belize (© Michael Melford/Getty Images)

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• If you think this spot looks super for snorkelling then you should see the natural wonder 46 miles away.""Jacques Cousteau called it one of the top diving sites in the world!
• It was 30 years ago tomorrow that this central American paradise gained full independence from Britain.""See how they throw a monster party every year to celebrate
• Coconuts and tree sap fuelled the economy here before scuba divers swam in.""Where is this top swimming spot?
• Would you name a beautiful island after washed-ashore sperm whale vomit?""You would if it was this valuable perfume ingredient

Two hyacinth macaws in a tree, the Pantanal wetland, Brazil (© Roy Toft/Getty Images)

Two hyacinth macaws in a tree, the Pantanal wetland, Brazil (© Roy Toft/Getty Images)

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• Parrots are famously colourful creatures coming in all shapes and sizes.""See more pictures of this blue bird
• The world\s largest flying parrots will need a lot of space to stretch all 1.3 metres of their wingspan.""Good job they live here in the world\s largest wetlands
• Why, if these macaws have such fine taste in seeds, fruit and flowers, do they insist on eating clay?""All will be revealed…
• Ever heard the Ature language? The last “speaker” of this long-dead tongue was a parrot discovered in 1800.""Watch more of these remarkable animals talking

Groyne lighthouse, South Shields (© John Short/Age Fotostock)

Groyne lighthouse, South Shields (© John Short/Age Fotostock)

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• To some this might look like an old rocket about to launch into the stars, to others it\s an important beacon of safety.""What do you think?
• Famous folk from this place include film director Ridley Scott, Python Eric Idle and X Factor winner Joe McElderry.""See where they grew up
• There were 12,000 runners in the first Great North Run back in 1981 but it has grown to 54,000 runners this year.""See the latest news from Britain\s largest running event
• In 1977 this community shot to fame when one of the world\s biggest sportsmen came to town to have his wedding blessed.""Could this have been ‘the Greatest\ moment in its history?

Oktoberfest tent, Spatenbräu, Munich, Germany (© Bodo Schieren/Photolibrary)

Oktoberfest tent, Spatenbräu, Munich, Germany (© Bodo Schieren/Photolibrary)

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• There are more than 60 beer gardens in this city but right now there is only one place you\ll want to go for a drink.""Right here in these extravagant beer tents
• When you\re ordering litres of beer at a time from midday, things could get very messy very quickly on an empty stomach.""Soak it up with these topical recipes
• This event was first held in 1810 to celebrate the royal wedding of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony.""People still celebrate with a song and dance (in costume of course)
• If a month-long beer festival isn\t high-brow enough for you why not visit one of the 45 museums in this city?""There\s plenty more to do here as well

Cup fungi (Cookeina tricholoma) in Kinabalu National Park on the island of Borneo (© Frans Lanting/Corbis)

Cup fungi (Cookeina tricholoma) in Kinabalu National Park on the island of Borneo (© Frans Lanting/Corbis)

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• Apparently these furry little things are edible but they are more commonly used as fish bait.""Find out more about them
• These mushrooms live in an ancient rainforest with more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna.""Where is this botanical wonderland?
• What has a diameter of one metre, weighs 10kg and smells of rotting flesh?""It shares the same home as this furry fungus
• A new fungus discovered in this area was named Spongiforma squarepantsii.""Can you guess who it was named after?

A herd of guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in southern Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile (© Steve Ogle/Corbis)

A herd of guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in southern Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile (© Steve Ogle/Corbis)

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• This elegant animal, as so described by Darwin, can run gracefully at speeds of up to 56kph.""What is it (and it really isn\t a llama)?
• Don\t get too close to these charming creatures as they have a tendency to spit at you.""Stay a much drier distance away and look at more pictures
• Despite the harsh conditions there are obvious reasons these creatures live at this spot.""The views are amazing!
• The huge variety of plants and animals found here meant it was made a World Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 1978.""Find out where it is

The Singapore Flyer, a 42-storey high observation wheel in Singapore (© David McLain/Aurora Photos)

The Singapore Flyer, a 42-storey high observation wheel in Singapore (© David McLain/Aurora Photos)

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• Feng Shui masters advised that this wheel should have 28 capsules fitting 28 people in each and even suggested it changed the direction it rotated once opened.""What is it?
• It may sound like pie in the sky thinking but you can actually have a meal up here.""Find out about the local delicacies
• At 165m this fabulous flyer is a full 30m taller than the London Eye.""See where the world\s tallest Ferris wheels are
• The views from up here are amazing but don\t just take our word for it.""See more pictures of the epic Singapore skyline

Rock Islands, a chain of small islets in the island nation of Palau in Micronesia (© Bob Krist/Corbis)

Rock Islands, a chain of small islets in the island nation of Palau in Micronesia (© Bob Krist/Corbis)

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• This place is a popular holiday spot for divers.""If you want to go you\ll need to know where it is
• Known as the paradise of the Pacific, this nation is one of the world\s youngest.""Find out more about it
• Which scary sea-creature will be feeling a little safer near these shores?""It\s home to the world\s first sanctuary dedicated to them
• The waters around these islands teem with more marine species than any other place this size in the world.""Watch out for that school of underwater photographers!

Roof of the Stephansdom (St Stephen’s) Cathedral, Vienna, Austria -- Walter Bibikow/Corbis

Roof of the Stephansdom (St Stephen’s) Cathedral, Vienna, Austria -- Walter Bibikow/Corbis

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• This pretty pattern is formed by 230,000 glazed tiles forming a mosaic on Austria\s main cathedral.""See more pictures of this resplendent roof
• Since 1137 this spot has been home to ever-grander churches dedicated to St Stephan.""It now stands triumphantly as the symbol of one of Europe\s most important cities
• Until 1955, watchmen would live in the enormous 136m tower looking out over the city.""See what city they had to look out over
• The local ballroom dance is beautiful to watch but notoriously difficult to master.""Here\s a jolly interpretation of it

Historical regatta in Venice, Italy -- SIME/eStock Photo

Historical regatta in Venice, Italy -- SIME/eStock Photo

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• Where the taxis float, the ambulances float and even the rubbish collectors float, it\s no surprise that the city floats as well.""Where is this buoyant borough?
• For 364 days of the year these gondoliers have to navigate the waters at a slow, leisurely pace – but today is an exception.""Watch what happens when they let loose
• Since records began in the 13th century this event has been extremely popular with artists.""Of course we have photographers to capture it now
• When the races are over this city returns to what it knows best – entertaining the tourists.""See the wealth of things to do in Venice

The pearl monument in the Corniche neighbourhood of Doha, Qatar, illuminated at night with the new high-rises of West Bay in the background -- Jon Hicks/Corbis

The pearl monument in the Corniche neighbourhood of Doha, Qatar, illuminated at night with the new high-rises of West Bay in the background -- Jon Hicks/Corbis

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• This extravagant fountain is a grand reminder that this glitzy capital city was once famed for pearl diving.""See more pictures
• This nation is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its independence from Britain today.""Where is it?
• More than 80% of this country\s 1.7 million residents live in this city, which was founded in 1825.""Find out which city it is
• The population of the city has doubled over the past 10 years but it can expect a whole lot more in 2022.""What\s the big occasion?

Tower Bridge at night, London -- Jason Hawkes/Getty Images

Tower Bridge at night, London -- Jason Hawkes/Getty Images

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• Modern London has grown out of the square mile that is known as the City, so to see it all now...""You have to take to the skies
• With nearly eight million people living in the heart of London you can always expect something to be happening.""Find out what is on tonight
• On this day in 1666, an extraordinary conflagration engulfed this city.""What event began at a bakery on Pudding Lane?
• With all these lights on you might not be surprised to know that it is about 3°C warmer in London than the rest of the UK.""So what is the temperature right now?