Wildlife Sites around Britain

[Jeapesy]

Hi guys i'm about to book up a week trip somewhere in rural britain and i was hoping people could give me some advice of good wildlife hotspots. I know scotland is the best place to go but i went there at the beginning of this year so was thinking of going somewhere different. My initial thoughts are Snowdonia, Forest of Dean and Brecon Beacons area, Exmoor/ Dartmoor.

Which area has more potential for wildlfe viewing? Otters, BOP's, Deer, Seals are my main target groups so areas which could offer all of these would be great.

[Ruth Daniel]

How about Northumberland,you'll get plenty of seals and some really good seabirds too and Red Squirrels are quite common there as well.
And the scenery is stunning!!

[Jeapesy]

Thanks for the suggestion i like the idea of Hadrians Wall and the scenery as you say does look stunning.

[Ruth Daniel]

Originally Posted by Jeapesy

Thanks for the suggestion i like the idea of Hadrians Wall and the scenery as you say does look stunning.

And the Farnes Isles too!

[ChrisJB]

If you are desperate to see an Otter outside of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, try Shapwick Heath NNR on the Somerset Levels. Early morning from Noah Hide is best.

Regards, Chris

[rlchew]

Hi Jeapsey

It is a long way for us Essex folk but Mull in western Scotland is a top spot for all your target species.

I have just come back from Mull (and Islay) myself and had excellent views of Otters, both eagle species, both seal species and the 3 commoner deer species.

Richard

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by rlchew

Hi Jeapsey

It is a long way for us Essex folk but Mull in western Scotland is a top spot for all your target species.

I have just come back from Mull (and Islay) myself and had excellent views of Otters, both eagle species, both seal species and the 3 commoner deer species.

Richard

Ive been discussing going to Mull recently - I look forward to your report!

[Jeapesy]

Thanks for the responses everyone and all the suggestions. I went scotland at the beginning of this year so wanted to go somewhere else next year, will have to do mull another year.

I've decided to go Snowdonia and have booked up a log cabin for April next year so looking forward to that. Decided upon Wales because i just loe the scenary of Snowdonia National park plus angelesey isn't too far away which is good for puffins and seals. Plus Wales is a hot spot for Red Kite another bird i'd love to see.

[wellies101]

Being a Welshman I'd have to say Wales would be my choice. I moved out of South Wales about 8 years ago, but the Beacons and the SW coastline are both great spots, as well as the Gower Penninsula.

[RoseStones]

I'm from the East but by jimminy Dorset's good:

Brownsea Island : Deer, red squirrels, megansers this time of year, lots of waders
Studland Nature Reserve : (should get commission from the NT the way I go on about this place) Dartford Warblers, Red Deer, Starlings swooping before roosting (see my thread on them Starlings over Studland - fantastic)
New Forest : Pine martens, deer, nightjars
Kingscombe meadow : BBC Natures Calendar An ancient meadow, not many of these left!
Charmouth/Lyme Regis : fossil hunting - best to go after a big storm when the sea's churned up a load of fossils onto the beach (not after a hot. calm patch like I did when the fossil hunters have been through and there's nothing left!)

Hope this helps a bit

Jim