Where to see amazing wildlife in the UK this spring?

Beavers

About the size of a small spaniel, beavers are Europe’s largest rodent. Known for their natural engineering abilities, beavers can build substantial dams to slow and divert the flow of water in order to better suit their needs.

Although beavers became extinct in the UK in the 16th century, they’ve been reintroduced to the wild at a number of locations. If you want to see a beaver this spring, you’ll need to travel to Knapdale Forest in Argyll, the River Otter in Devon, Hen Fen in Kent or Ladock in Cornwall.

Bluebells

If there’s one thing that famously signals the start of spring, it’s bluebells. Found in woodlands across the country, these beautiful blooms put on a mesmerising show in April and May. In many places carpets of bluebells turn the ground into a sea of violet, with other early flowers - like orchids and stitchworts - often dotted among them.

You’ll find bluebell woods throughout the country. These magical flowers are some of the easiest wildlife to spot this spring.

Ospreys

During the Victorian times, ospreys were driven to the brink of extinction - with just a single pair surviving in Scotland. But thanks to the hard work of conservationists, these huge birds of prey are back - with around 300 breeding pairs in the UK now.

That means it’s possible to see them at several sites across the country including the Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve in Cumbria, Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland, the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve near Perth and The Llyn Brenig Osprey Project in North Wales. Beautiful ospreys are normally visible in the UK from mid-March to late summer when they make an incredible 3,000 mile migration south to Africa.

Water voles

Water voles live in rivers, ponds and streams across the country. But they’re one of the most endangered mammals in the UK. Threatened by a rapidly disappearing habitat and the invasion of mink, these little creatures have had a hard time over the past few years. But thanks to some amazing volunteers, their numbers are now slowly increasing and it’s possible to see water voles at a handful of places this spring.

Some of the best spots to see water voles are Gowy Meadows in Cheshire, Cromford Canal in Derbyshire, Winnall Moors in Hampshire and Rutland Water in Rutland.

Orchids

Orchids are some of the most ornate flowers in the natural world. In the UK, we’re lucky enough to have a number of orchid species growing wild. These include monkey orchids, lady orchids, bee orchids, pyramidal orchids and common spotted orchids. One of the best places to see orchids is Hartslock in Oxfordshire, but you can also find lovely displays in chalky marshes, quarries and meadows across the UK when they’re in flower from April to September.

Common dolphins

Yes, dolphins can be seen in the UK’s waters throughout the year. But it’s much easier to spot them from late spring to late summer when the waters are calmer.

If you want to see some common dolphins this spring, visit Durlston Head in Dorset, Cardigan Bay in Wales, Porthgwarra in Cornwall or the Moray Firth in Scotland. Wherever you go, make sure you take some binoculars, some snacks and some patience.

Pasque flower

Folklore has it that the pasque flower comes into bloom on Good Friday to signal the start of spring and better weather. Legend has it that pasque flowers spring from the blood of slain Viking warriors. Whatever you believe, pasque flowers can generally be found on chalky grasslands like Hartslock in Oxfordshire and Fox Covert in Hertfordshire.

Pine martens

With their big eyes, big ears and long bushy tails, pine martens look cute and friendly. But with their sharp teeth, big claws and appetite for small mammals - pine martens are far from cuddly.

Most pine martens left in the UK can be found in Scotland but there are small populations in northern England and Wales too. As their name suggests, they spend most of their time in pine trees, making them famously hard to spot. Pine martens are also largely nocturnal, which makes them even harder to pin down. But if you like a challenge and you’ve got lots of time, you’re on.

Fritillaries

Once common across the UK, fritillaries are now only really found in a handful of floodplain meadows in southern and central England. Fritillaries are generally in bloom in April, making spring the perfect time to spot them. Some of the best locations are Iffley Meadows in Oxfordshire, Lugg Meadow in Herefordshire, Mickfield Meadow in Suffolk and Clattinger Farm in Wiltshire.

You can also find fritillaries right in the heart of London. Camley Street (close to King’s Cross St Pancras) on the banks of the Regent’s Canal, is one of the best places to spot wildflowers in the capital.

Wallabies

Of all of the wild animals that come out in spring, wallabies are probably the most unexpected. Originally brought to the UK to be kept in zoos and private collections, wallabies have been released into the wild both intentionally and unintentionally over the years.

You have a good chance of seeing wallabies on a small island in the middle of Loch Lomond, in Ashdown Forest in Sussex and in the Peak District. There is also a small colony of wallabies on the Isle of Man. These animals are descended from a pair that escaped from a local wildlife park.

Learn more about the beautiful flowers blooming in Britain this spring by taking a look around today.