Illustrated Identification Guides for Learning and Monitoring Wildlife

Teach the public or aid volunteers with surveys through colourful illustrated field guides that educate and inspire.

Illustrated Nature ID Guides Designed for Spotting, Learning, and Counting Species

Wildlife Identification Guides turn outdoor exploration into a learning experience. They can inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation, as well as supporting material for ecology surveys.

By combining clear, accurate illustrations with concise information, ID Guides can offer a visually engaging way to help the public or professionals identify species, understand habitats and even monitor wildlife.

Past Illustrated Identification Guides

  • Plant and Fungi Identification Guide - Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Wales

    This 4-page booklet was designed for volunteers to use as an identification guide when out on surveys. The idea is that anyone can go pick one up and log local sightings to monitor local biodiversity.

    How these guides are being used for local area research 

  • Amazon Wildlife ID Guide in 'Beneath the Canopy' Illustrated Zine for RHS Malvern Show Garden

    Featuring all the species found in my RHS Malvern Rainforest Show Garden with facts and information so the public could walk through the garden and spot the species. They all have a relationship with key plant species in the garden.

    Grab your Zine 

  • Houseplant ID Guide in 'Beneath the Canopy' Illustrated Zine for RHS Malvern Show Garden

    There were many key plants featured in the RHS Malvern Show Garden, so I illustrated some important species to create a detailed identification guide that people could reference to buy their favourite plants to buy themselves in the future.

    Order your Plant Zine 

"Ferne took her time understanding the brief and adding her own flair along the way to create the most exquisite drawings that capture nature at its most beautiful. Drawings inspire and give life to wildlife. The most magnificent illustrations that perfectly capture nature at its best; they are inspirational and give life to fauna."

Gill Hampson - Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Wales

  • What are Illustrated Identification Guides?

    Illustrated identification guides are visual tools that are usually leaflets, posters, booklets, or even boards that help people recognise different species of wildlife. Instead of relying on long descriptions, they contain clear drawings to highlight the key, identifiable features of plants, animals, fungi, or habitats. They show what you should look for: colours, shapes, patterns, behaviours, and seasonal clues. They’re designed to make spotting and naming species easy, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone.

  • Who is an identification guide for?

    Nature Reserves


    National Parks


    Environmental Charities


    Conservation Groups


    Local Councils and Community Projects


    Schools, Outdoor Education Centres and Forest Schools


    Museums


    Heritage Sites


    Botanical Gardens

    Nature-Based Businesses

    Eco-tourism Organisations

    Universities and Research Projects

    Private Landowners and Estates

    Species Specific Charities

  • Inspiration for Your Next Illustrated Identification Guide Together

    Beginner-friendly guides highlighting identification details.

    Habitat-specific Guides

    Interactive children's guides with tick boxes, colouring pages, or QR codes for bird sounds.

    Seasonal Spotter Guides

    Urban wildlife you can find in towns with clues.

    Story-based guides with characters and captivating stories for children.

    Colour-themed Guides.

    Illustrated Posters or Wall Charts.

Ferne Creative with British wildlife illustrated commissions

Why I’m Basically a Field Guide Nerd

As a lifelong user of field guides, identification books, and leaflets to learn about new species, I have a practical understanding of what makes a guide clear, user-friendly, and genuinely helpful. My time spent observing wildlife in the field has taught me which details matter most when trying to identify a species in real conditions, and years of using guides have trained me to notice subtle features such as markings, shapes, habitat clues, and seasonal variation. Since I approach nature as both a learner and a communicator, I understand what beginners struggle with and how to translate complex information into simple, accessible designs. My style of illustration provides the perfect mix of realism, allowing people to compare and recognise species. My passion for nature education and helping others connect with wildlife through art is evident in my work, making guides more compelling.

Your Next Sign Starts Here!

FAQ's: Everything You Need to Know About Commissioning a Board

How does the commission process work?

Every relationship and commission is different, but typically we have initial chats via email until a brief is supplied and I can provide a quote. I prefer to speak via email so I can look back on everything we have discussed for the drawings. After the quote, I like a deposit, partial or full payment, before I get started to cover my artwork time, and I often send out a document to sign about usage and permissions. Once all that boring stuff is out of the way, I can get drawing, where I like to start with a very ugly scribbly sketch to work out the drawing and text layout. From this point you can make changes or give the go-ahead to go into detail. I have a detailed style of drawing,, so timescales are great so I can make the most of my time. Once I have finished, I will send over more proofs to be approved, and once you are happy and payment has been paid, all the print-ready artwork can be sent over.

What kind of information do you need from me to start?

First things first – drop me an email!

I am happy to discuss initial ideas if you need any help coming up with a plan, but a brief is great. To get started with a quote and draft, I will need a brief containing any information you would like me to illustrate or portray on the guides. Send me any logos or branding you want on the designs.

Do you create custom illustrations for each project?

Each Identification guide is unique to you! Some artists might be faster, but I go into detail, drawing each species individually as well as the individual backgrounds. This means everything has been drawn specifically for you. Lots of clients are happy for me to use these individual wildlife drawings on my own products as well as their ID guides, but I never use artwork from other clients' work.

Do you provide printed Identidication Guides or just the artwork?

Depending on your style of guide, I can look into whether I can help source your printed materials. This is at an additional cost due to the admin time talking and researching with manufacturers.

Can I include my own branding or logos?

Sending over your branding guidelines, fonts, and logos is very helpful with the design process. Adding branding to your Identification guides makes them look very professional and great for sharing your information.

What type of ID Guides can be commissioned?

Identification guides can come in a range of styles, including booklets, leaflets or pocket guides. They can be larger format as posters or wall charts for education centres or nature trails, or they don't need to be printed at all, have digital PDF guides on your website.

How much do Illustrated ID Guides cost?

As each illustrated identification guide is unique so I do not have any blanket costs. These vary in style of your guide, the number of illustrations within the guide and time it takes to complete. I can provide an obligation-free bespoke quote, so please get in contact.

If you have a set budget in mind, this is also helpful, and I can see if this is something I can work within.