
You only have to glance at a newspaper or spend a few minutes looking through social media channels to know that the way in which humans interact with the natural world is the subject of intense scrutiny and debate right now.
The Attenborough Effect, created by esteemed wildlife documentary director, Sir David Attenborough and his award-winning Netflix series - shows that by talking about the impact humans have on nature, a powerful message can be sent and action taken. As a direct result of initiatives such as this, 53% of people have actively reduced their consumption of single-use plastics.*
However, it’s easy to forget that biodiversity is all around us, not just in the rainforests of the Amazon or the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef. At holidaycottages.co.uk, we believe passionately that our properties provide a base from which families can go and experience the wide range of flora and fauna the UK has to offer.
To encourage people to go out and experience the natural world, we’ve put together this interactive infographic to show just how many distinct types of mammals, birds, fish, crustaceans, insects, plants, mushrooms (and even bacteria!) there are in different parts of the UK. Whether you’re travelling to a sprawling wilderness or a coastal hideaway, it’s amazing to see just how many living things we share our space with. You can even search by area and find out how many different species can be found in your region.
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Witness biodiversity within the UK
The Scottish Highlands has the highest number of species anywhere in the UK, with 16,273 separate species inhabiting the remote landscape. While the Highlands has the highest number of species, because of its vast size, it also has the lowest density, with only two species per square metre. However, from the magnificent stags that roam the moors to the orcas swimming off the craggy coastline, a trip to the Highlands can only bring you closer to nature.
Majestic stags in the Scottish HighlandsIf you’re keen to see some birdlife, intrepid twitchers should head to North Norfolk, where there are 434 species of birds. The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a protected landscape covering over 450 square kilometres of coastal and agricultural land. In the winter you can see the pink-footed geese arrive from their breeding grounds in Iceland and Norway, or if raptors are more your thing, you might also spot buzzards and kestrels. The area also plays host to Chinese water deer and is famous for its seal colonies. Blakeney Point is a nature reserve that has been run by the National Trust for over 100 years and is home to thousands of Common and Grey seals and their pups!
A seal colony at Blakeney PointEntomophobics (people with a fear of insects) should give East Cambridgeshire a wide berth – the area boasts over 7,611 different species of creepy crawlies! For would-be botanists who want to find an abundance of flora, Scotland and Wales have the most varieties of plant species, accounting for 19 of the 20 most diverse areas in the UK.
And it’s not just the wild and remote parts of the UK that are home to a wide range of species. Surprisingly, the borough of Camden in North London is the second most biodiverse place in the country by density, home to 2,553 distinct species in a relatively cramped 8.4 square miles – Hampstead Heath is one of the best places to see bats in London, as well as moles, foxes, hedgehogs and muntjac deer.
Bluebells in spring at Hampstead HeathFrom majestic deer in the Highlands of Scotland to crabs in Cornwall, Britain’s wildlife is something to be celebrated. Unfortunately, it is a sad fact that biodiversity in the UK is in decline. There is a variety of contributing factors and it would be disingenuous to suggest that the tourism industry doesn’t play a part. However, we believe that as long as visitors are considerate and careful, tourism can be a positive force in the protection and rehabilitation of Britain’s ecology.
How you can help
If you’re visiting one of our holiday properties from elsewhere in the UK, you’ve already done nature a favour by avoiding the carbon emissions that come from air travel. If you’d like to do more when you’re on holiday, here are our tips for giving mother nature a helping hand...
Leave nature as you found it
This isn’t as simple as picking up your litter. Stick to designated paths in areas where your footsteps might erode or destroy important habitats and don’t collect natural souvenirs without careful consideration of how this may affect wildlife!
Think about what you pack
Avoid single-use plastic like water bottles and take a reusable shopping bag, whether it’s to local markets or windswept hilltop picnics.
Take public transport where possible
You’ll help carbon emissions and reduce the environmental damage caused by vehicles on delicate thoroughfares by taking a bus or a train to the nature spot.
Walk
When you’ve got to your destination, stretch those legs! As long as you’re respectful of animals and their habitats, the best way to enjoy Mother Nature is up close.
Go local
If you’re looking for a beer after a long walk on a hot day, try out one of the local brews. The same goes for products and services; by consuming local products you’ll save on the carbon emissions and packaging waste created by long-haul transportation.
Support can be a souvenir
There’s no harm in picking up a souvenir to remember your trip by, but remember that many beauty spots are maintained and protected by charitable bodies like The National Trust or local wildlife charities. A small donation or show of support will help preserve the local fauna and flora, meaning you can enjoy it again on your next visit.
Looking for a UK staycation? Have a browse of our diverse collection of quality holiday cottages spanning the UK and enjoy a break within the spectacular flora and fauna Great Britain has to offer.
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Data notes for our Biodiversity in Britain map
All data on the number of species on our map was extracted from National Biodiversity Network Atlas as species having at least 1 occurrence within the boundaries of a given local area. Areas with the highest total number of distinct species were deemed more biodiverse and areas with a lower count of distinct species were deemed less biodiverse. *figures as per 2019.