You're out walking, doing your own thing when a squirrel scampers across the path up ahead and quickly, yet majestically, scuttles up a tree trunk to the safety of a branch.
“Squirrel!” you shout to anyone who will listen, and even though it’s a grey squirrel and they’re ten a penny in our woodlands these days, it’s still exciting to have seen something out in the wild, something unexpected, something outside the sphere of our control. You know the feeling; a little heart flutter, a moment of exhilaration…
If you have a love of nature and the wild outdoors in general, you’ll want to find your closest national park and quietly roam the pristine wilderness in search of your favourite animals native to the UK. And perhaps stay in a wonderful self-catering holiday cottage nearby.
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What is a national park?
In England and Wales, national parks have two statutory purposes: to conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; and to provide the public with enjoyment and an understanding of their special qualities. Scottish national parks incorporate two further objectives which are largely the same.
This legal protection offers these wild spaces the chance to thrive, which in turn allows UK wildlife species the opportunity to spread and adapt to an ever-changing climatic landscape. Further to this, the safeguarding of our national parks promotes opportunities to educate ourselves about these inspiring settings, including the deep-rooted issue of conservation.
The Cairngorms National Park, est. 2003 - best for forest animals
“Forests are like churches, hallowed places. There’s a stillness about them, a sort of reverence.” – Sabrina Elkins
There certainly is a stillness when you step into the wooded heights of the Cairngorms, a primordial vastness made up of Scots pine, juniper, birch, rowan and aspen which not only provide a kaleidoscope of colour throughout the seasons but also a rich, fragrant scenery to accompany you on your visit.
Covering much of the Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park is the Caledonian Forest which, at its height around 5,000 BCE, covered as much as 1.5 million hectares. Many forms of forest wildlife would have called this area home over the millennia. Upon visiting, it wouldn’t have been uncommon to have shared the space with wild boar, lynx, brown bears and grey wolves – although you may have wanted to give such commanding species a wide birth. Unfortunately, forest animals like these no longer prevail in this wonderful woodland, instead making way for largely more reticent types, who allow for more relaxing strolls without the fear of a nip on the ankle (or worse)!
It is probably true that residents of any of the UK’s national parks will argue that theirs is the best place to spot wildlife. However, in the Cairngorms, it is quite possibly true. There are no less than nine National Nature Reserves across the park, protecting and showcasing the abundant and unique wildlife housed within this impressive biodiverse arena. These reserves allow not only the protection of the wildlife but also the scope for visitors to observe these animals in their habitats and thus, adhering to the rightful purposes of national parks.
Find wild red squirrels and resident pine martins amongst the branches; British mammals, including Scottish wildcats and red foxes, on the woodland floor; and birds such as the ptarmigan, the capercaillie and the beautifully named snow bunting. For guaranteed wildlife spotting in Scotland, try the Highland Wildlife Park or the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre on Cairngorm Mountain.
Wildlife highlight
What: Scottish wildcat
Where: The National Nature Reserves that punctuate the park are the perfect protected spaces to spot this alluring feline. Make use of the hides dotted throughout the park also.
Cairngorms holiday cottages
Lake District National Park, est. 1951 - best for wetlands, lakes and river animals
"A good river is nature's life work in song.” – Mark Helprin, 'Freddy and Fredericka'
When you’re the largest of England’s ten national parks, you’re bound to boast a contingent of remarkable wildlife. Comprising 912 square miles of lakes, rivers and wetlands, it is perhaps little wonder that accomplished writer, Beatrix Potter, found such a wealth of inspiration in this wonderful region. Characters from her fabled stories, such as Jemina Puddle-Duck, Mr Jeremy Fisher and his good friend Sir Isaac Newton, would happily reside in the watery habitats of the park’s lakes and rivers.
A veritable paradise for animals that don’t mind a dip in the refreshing Cumbrian waters, the Lake District does have more to it than the name might suggest. A varied landscape, sporting craggy fells, open moorland and verdant woodland, supports a wide range of wildlife that spends little of its time on the waterways and lagoons of Lakeland. Whilst kites, falcons and ospreys patrol the skies, majestic red and roe deer cover the ground along with smaller mammals like voles, shrews and foxes.
The red squirrel is perhaps the most iconic British rodent you’ll find in the Lake District, having first appeared over 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age when Britain split from Europe. Here in the Lakes, you’ll be perfectly placed to catch a glimpse of the bushy-tailed hoarder, with the region harbouring the largest surviving population left in England. In particular, Whinlatter Forest is a great spot to rest and catch sight of this elusive beauty.
When out on the lakes, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wintering birds like the goldeneye and tufted ducks, as well as the more local species of diving duck who excel in plunging head-first into the water to scoop up tasty morsels. They are not strong fliers, however, and patient observers might witness them running across the water to build up the necessary speed for flight. Beneath the surface, see if you can spot the apex predator of the lakes, the pike!
Wildlife highlight
What: Otter
Where: A top predator, despite their cuteness, these semi-aquatic mammals can often be seen playing or hunting around the rivers that feed the lakes. Rare but widespread throughout the region, you are most likely to see them in the summer around Derwentwater or the rivers Kendal, Eden and Petteril.
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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, est. 1952 - best for coastal animals
“After a visit to the coast, it’s hard to believe that we live in a material world.” – Pam Shaw
If you want to tie in a coastal getaway with your national park trip, then there’s only one real candidate. Other national parks have coastlines, of course, most notably Exmoor, the South Downs and Snowdonia, but only the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, one of three national parks in Wales, is recognised primarily for its shores, with the park covering almost all of Pembrokeshire’s 260 miles of coastline.
Another fantastic string to the national park’s bow is also due to its littoral location. Hugging the coastline so tightly means that much of the landscape has escaped the modern rigours of intensive farming and indeed human settlement. This means that the space has remained unspoiled for the indigenous species whose cousins have been driven from similar habitats in other parts of the UK.
Making the most of these untouched shores is a vast array of seabirds such as puffins, gannets and choughs who perch on the cliffs and rock ledges to socialise and safely raise their young away from predators and the crashing waves of the wild Atlantic. Closer to the water, grey seals choose these shores to bear their fluffy white young, preferring the secluded and often inaccessible (from land) beaches of Cemaes Head and Strumble Head. Offshore islands are also a favourite, with Ramsey seeing 500-700 pups born each year, making it southern Britain’s largest grey seal pupping site.
As well as these more native residents, there are tourists who pop by seasonally for various reasons, be it food or shelter. If you have patience and a decent dollop of good fortune, you may catch a glimpse of some incredible aquatic creatures including basking and blue sharks, orcas, turtles, jellyfish and dolphins. Containing one of only three Marine Nature Reserves in the UK (located at Skomer), it’s clear why the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a top site for wildlife spotting on the Great British coast.
Wildlife highlight
What: Puffin
Where: Possibly the best-known and well-loved seabird of the Pembrokeshire coast, the puffin can be found on most cliff sides up and down the shoreline. The best spots to discover them are at Skomer Island and neighbouring Skokholm Island, where they form southern Britain’s largest breeding colony. Be aware: if you venture out to Ramsey Island in hope of sighting these colourful-beaked beauties, you will be out of luck as they are non-existent on this particular isle.
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Exmoor National Park, est. 1954 - best for nocturnal animals
“For as the eyes of bats are to the blaze of day, so is the reason in our soul to the things which are by nature most evident of all.” – Aristotle
Owing to its low light pollution, in 2011 Exmoor National Park became Europe’s first-ever International Dark Sky Reserve. This makes it a particularly excellent spot for stargazing and night-time photography but behind this veil of shadows lies a wealth of wildlife often hidden from the eyes of man. This is fine by the insects, mammals and birds that have benefitted from this recent award, having already adapted well to the challenges of hunting and foraging in the dark. And whilst wildlife is wild and ultimately might not need managing, it should be noted that the more we can find out about these creatures without adversely affecting their habitats, the more the Exmoor rangers can do to understand the dangers they face on a night-to-night basis.
The mosaic of habitats found over a relatively small area of land means there is a surprising amount of nocturnal activity. The best time to head out and try to spot wildlife in nocturnal Exmoor is probably during the twilight zone. These golden hours at dusk and dawn give you the low light needed to catch the silhouette of night-loving mammals such as badgers, bats and beavers, and the after-dark winged wonder, the barn owl. The monochrome shadings of the badger are best spotted in woodland or open countryside as they exit their setts at dusk. Beavers, only having been reintroduced to Exmoor in January 2020, can be seen in their family unit by riverbanks that commonly support tree species such as willow, aspen, poplar, oak and holly.
It’s worth stopping and thinking about the last time you found yourself outside in the dark. In the true absence of light. We’ve grown so accustomed to leaving our homes and having streetlights guide the way, or switching on the headlamps on our vehicles to illuminate our journeys, that we forget the wonders of nightfall. We overlook that these animals have only the dull glow of the moon in which to live out their lives. We neglect that they rely on this dearth of light to perform their most basic of functions.
Bats, for example, are hardwired to avoid light in order to avoid predation. So, with Exmoor having such low levels of light pollution, it’s no surprise that this national park is home to 16 of the 17 species of British bat. There are other reasons Exmoor is well suited to the bat, including high-quality foraging habitats such as wooded river valleys, and an abundance of roosting sites in tree crevices and old buildings. Varieties you might spot include the lesser horseshoe, barbastelle and long-eared bats.
Wildlife highlight
What: Bat
Where: Possibly the most well-known of the UK’s nocturnal animals, bats can be found in fissures of old trees or in the loft spaces and eaves of old buildings, depending on their species. The National Trust’s Holnicote Estate is a popular destination for bat spotters, boasting 15 resident species.
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South Downs National Park, est. 2010 - best for field animals
“The smaller the creature, the bolder its spirit.” – Suzy Kassem
Even though the last section touched upon how wildlife is wild and needs no interference from man, the topography of the South Downs National Park may be the exception to the rule. The managed landscapes of this region show how man and nature have worked together through hundreds of years of farming and livestock grazing to produce prosperous environments for field animals. Were it not for this governance of the land, these areas would turn into scrubland and eventually woodland. Which is no bad thing in all honestly, but it is the variety of terrains found in our national parks – and the assortment of creatures within – that gives them that special quality and justifies visiting each one separately.
The rolling green hills of the South Downs merge with a thick band of chalk sea cliffs to create a quintessential South England look. And with 2,050 miles of footpaths and nearly 12,000 species of wildlife, it’s understandable that visitors come back year on year for the abundant ecosystem on offer. The area is hugely popular with moth enthusiasts, with the chalk carpet moth, elephant hawk moth, large yellow underwing and the blood vein, all showing their dulled kaleidoscope of colours as dusk approaches.
For those who prefer flora over fauna, orchids are out in full force, with nearly half of Britain’s native orchid species flourishing in the fields of the South Downs. Varieties such as the spider orchid, the bee, the early purple and the honey-scented musk orchid will delight more than one of your senses. Whilst these pretty blooms sway in the onshore wind, keep your eyes peeled for land animals such as deer, rabbits, foxes and badgers. Again, some of these may be more noticeable after the sun has set but if you’re walking by the chalky headlands during the day, keep your eyes to the sky and you may spot any one of the following birds: grey partridges, lapwings, stonechats, linnets, skylarks and peregrines.
A mammal that is seen in many of our national parks is the otter. Thought to have been lost to Hampshire until the eel, a favourite food source, was reintroduced to the South Downs, they are now prospering along the chalky River Meon. Head there for a chance to spot one of these cute furry critters. Speaking of semi-aquatic animals, did you know that the South Downs is the only place in the UK where all our native reptile and amphibian species can be found? A wild creature you might not always associate with Britain is the snake and the UK’s only venomous serpent, the adder, is populous in this southern England area.
Wildlife highlight
What: Adder
Where: This cold-blooded beauty can be found sunbathing in the grasslands or open pockets of woodland. Be careful if you are out walking your dog: adder bites are rare and although seldom harmful to humans, they could be threatening to your four-pawed friend.
South Downs holiday cottages
New Forest National Park, est. 2005 - best for grassland and heathland animals
“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” – John Muir
Whilst there may be plenty of discoverable UK woodland creatures in the New Forest, it is perhaps best known for its heathland and the animals that graze there. In fact, the New Forest showcases Europe’s most extensive heathland landscape, boasting over 10,000 hectares of vibrant heather and resilient bracken and gorse. Sunset over the New Forest is a resplendent sight, fitting for a land so ecologically vast that it often appears to be a wildlife lovers’ paradise.
The characteristics of this terrain suit the birds, invertebrates, reptiles and mammals that occupy it, providing a natural collage of habitats that is difficult to find replicated anywhere else in Western Europe. Wet and dry heaths, ancient woodlands, bogs and mires, coastline and grasslands combine to draw together beetles, butterflies, snakes, deer and ponies into a patchwork of symbiosis and interdependence.
The Dartford warbler, which sees its largest breeding population in the UK at home in the New Forest, is one of many important heathland and ground-nesting birds. Amongst others, these include snipes, lapwings, curlews and nightjars. Other animals of flight comprise dragonflies and damselflies, which can be found above wet bogs and streams, animated butterflies that zip from flower to flower on the heathlands, and the only flying mammal, the bat, which has 14 species represented throughout the New Forest woodland.
For something a little different, try to visit this national park in the autumn during Pannage. This ancient rite dating back to the era of William the Conqueror sees around 600 pigs and piglets released into the forest to scoff the acorns and chestnuts that are poisonous to the native ponies and donkeys. Although ultimately managed by humans, this is the type of species mutualism that makes this park, and its ecosystem, one of the most magical. Other more permanent residents of the forests include deer, of which there are five species: red, roe, sika, fallow and muntjac. Head to the woods in autumn again and witness rutting season, a customary battle between stags to impress their dominance over one another for the benefit of the females.
But perhaps, the most emblematic animal of the New Forest is the wild pony. You’ll do well to miss a sighting of these regal-looking steeds, with over 5,000 of them being found grazing on the grassland, trotting through villages and socialising in forest glades.
Wildlife highlight
What: Wild pony
Where: In the village of Beaulieu, the ponies seem only too happy to pose for a photo as they water and graze around Hatchet Pond and Culverley Green. Other frequented villages include Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, or Tanners Lane Beach near Lymington where the ponies will paddle and catch 40 winks by the shoreline.
New Forest holiday cottages
The Broads National Park, est. 1989 - best for rare and endangered animals
“When we lose an animal to extinction, we lose a part of our family.” – Anthony Douglas Williams
The chances are that if you’re reading this and you have a keen interest in wildlife watching, you’re happy to take life at a slower pace. Content to allow life’s translucent glow to flow over you at its own rate and let the good times come to you, rather than chasing them. The rat race isn’t for everyone; sometimes sitting in a hide armed solely with a thermos and your binoculars is all you need. If that’s the case, the Broads National Park is for you.
You’ll probably have an image in mind when you think of the Broads, and for the most part, you may be right. But it’s an ever-changing environment in this part of East England. You’ll find inland waterways of course, but there’s so much more: grazing marshlands, sea-washed estuaries, coastal dunes and wet - or carr - woodlands. These low-canopied forests are a labyrinth of woody species and shade-tolerant foliage and form an important piece of The Broads’ ecological puzzle. The natural niches present sheltered nesting spots for herons as well as the ideal environment for guelder-roses to prosper and attract thrushes in the spring/summer.
These varying ecosystems, some of which are considered rare on a national scale, mean that the Broads National Park presents one of Britain’s most important habitats. Rare biomes naturally suggest rare species, and this is unquestionably the case here, but due to habitat degradation and invasive species, it sadly exhibits all manner of endangered wildlife too. In fact, more than a quarter of the rare animals in the UK including fish, mammals, birds and butterflies reside in the Norfolk Broads. And the area’s endangered species comprise water voles, cuckoos and European eels: the water vole now being the UK’s fastest declining mammal; the cuckoo having seen its population decrease by 50% in recent years; and the European eel, despite being able to live to over 100 years old, being overfished on a staggering scale.
Despite these fugitive faunas, there is still an abundance of wildlife that you are likely to spot here. Allow the landscape to subsume you as you rest on riverbanks and listen out for the rustle of reeds signifying the presence of otters. Take to the waters, particularly around the Blakeney National Nature Reserve, and spot grey seals, porpoises or even humpback whales if you’re lucky. If you like your wildlife scaled back in size, the Broads is home to 22 species of butterfly, including Britain’s largest, the swallowtail, and 20 species of dragonfly – one of which is the Norfolk hawker dragonfly.
Wildlife highlight
What: Norfolk hawker dragonfly
Where: This rare hawker is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and can be found above slow-flowing dikes and reed-filled bodies of water where soldier plants grow. RSPB Strumpshaw Fen and How Hill National Nature Reserve are great locations for spying this distinctive dragonfly.
Norfolk Broads holiday cottages
Image credits: Moors for the Future Partnership (first four images) and the Lake District National Park Authority (last three images)
The importance of conservation
With the national parks in the UK being visited over 100 million times each year, it’s vitally important that we do everything within our power, as a society and as individuals, to conserve these precious and diverse landscapes.
The leaders of the UK’s national parks have re-examined how they deliver their statutory purposes – calling this new regime its Innovation Engines for a Green Recovery. There are several ongoing projects and some also in the pipeline, all aimed at growing the well-being of the parks and of those who find pleasure within them using the simple trope of ‘doing right by nature’.
One such venture is the launch of Environmental Recovery Projects which strive for new techniques to protect and work with nature in ways that also reduce carbon emissions. Below is a short introduction to three of these projects.
This is the plan for UK national parks to tackle the ever-present problem of the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis. The restoration of wetlands and peatlands, forests and meadows is its central purpose and it comes with a projected budget of £239 million in additional funding. All 15 of the UK’s national parks have committed to NZWN’s goals and they also plan to provide additional support to local communities and visitors who want to contribute to this important endeavour. Find out more here.
Another restoration project, The Great North Bog targets reinstating 7,000 square kilometres of peatland across four national parks and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty over 20 years. Peatland is the rainforest of the UK, improving the island’s ability to sequester carbon as well as reducing flood risk to nearby communities, helping in the development of biodiversity and the fight against climate emergencies. The project will even enhance the quality of local drinking water.
With so many visitors frequenting our national parks, it’s crucial that the negative imprint we leave is as minor as possible. That’s why the Peak District and Lake District have teamed up with local and national governments to focus on the matter of sustainable transport. Future plans include introducing a framework that will allow for travel within the parks to be solely electric. Not only this but there are also plans to encourage social and behaviour change to help visitors adopt new practices in their own lives away from national parks.
Get involved
If you want to have fun and help nature at the same time, Look Wild is a national park-led citizens’ science project which helps identify and protect plants and animals in an enjoyable and interactive way. Just download the app, get outside, take your photos and upload them to the Look Wild online community. Learn about the natural world and do your bit to protect it too.
Self-catering holiday cottages in the UK
Once you’ve had your fill of spotting wild animals in the UK and you breathe out that deeply satisfying and contented sigh of a person who has just grown that little bit closer to nature, it’s time to head home. Luckily for you, we have all manner of quality, self-catering cottages to suit your every need. From cosy woodland cabins and riverside retreats to breezy coastal getaways and lakeside lodges, we can help find the perfect accommodation to get some rest before another serene day of wildlife spotting.
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