10 charming creatures for wildlife lovers to spot in the UK

The United Kingdom might not be known as one of the world’s top destinations for wildlife, but it is actually home to an incredible range of curious, quirky, and wonderful species. From beavers and bumblebees to hedgehogs and even parakeets, there’s no shortage of creatures to discover. 

Getting to know the local nature is a wonderful part of immersing yourself in a new place, and the UK is no exception. You don’t even have to head to the countryside, as many of these can be spotted in the heart of UK cities. Here are ten charming species to keep an eye out for.

Did you know?

Spending time in nature can work wonders for our well-being. It’s been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, lower heart rate and cortisol levels, and even lift our mood and spark our creativity.

These well-being benefits only get stronger when we really connect with nature — like slowing down and watching wildlife. Let's dive in!

1. Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are fascinating. These small, shy mammals look like a shuffling sphere of spikes and will curl up into a ball when they’re scared. They emerge to find food after dark, so keep an eye out just after dusk in quieter green spaces like gardens and parks. Hedgehogs in the UK hibernate through the winter, so spring and summer are the best times to spot them.

2. Swan

Move over, ducks­; these massive water birds somehow also manage to be elegant. Swans’ long necks arch forward to create an iconic S-shaped silhouette, and they are common on ponds, lakes, and rivers. Be careful not to bother them — if you get too close in the spring when they’re looking after their young (called cygnets), they’ll noisily let you know. Fun fact: All mute swans in England and Wales are still technically owned by the monarch (currently, the King).

3. Fox

One species that thrives in cities is the urban fox. Sure, they’ll dig through bins in search of leftover food sometimes, and, yes, their loud shrieks at night can be a bit unsettling, but all is forgiven when you see one. Their pointed ears, inquisitive faces, and fluffy orange tails are captivating. You’re most likely to catch a glimpse of a fox in the UK around dusk.

4. Beaver

Beavers are river-dwelling rodents with orange teeth and fat tails that make a loud ‘slap’ when they hit the water, and their dams create impressive wetlands. They’re active at dawn and dusk and can be seen from the riverbank if you know where to find them — some are even in urban parks, such as London’s Paradise Fields. If you’re wondering where to see beavers in the UK, this rewilding project is a great place to start. Beavers were hunted to extinction around 400 years ago, and their return to rivers is a conservation success.

5. Bumblebees

There’s nothing quite like seeing the first bumblebees buzzing around in the spring, searching for flowers. They’re so fluffy that, quite frankly, their ability to haul themselves off the ground seems like a miracle. The UK has 24 different species of bumblebee, and from March to October, you’re likely to see at least one or two in any garden, city park, or area of the countryside. Some have black and yellow stripes, others have fancy red or white tails, and they’re very peaceful to watch.

6. Red squirrel

Before the well-known grey squirrel arrived in the UK, there was the red squirrel. Little did the Victorians know when they brought greys from North America that they were bringing diseases that largely wiped out the smaller — and, dare I say, cuter­ — native species. There are still a few places where you can see copper-coloured red squirrels, though. Head to the Lake District, Northumberland, the Scottish Highlands, or Brownsea Island off the coast of Poole in autumn to see them collecting nuts.

7. Parakeet

You might not expect to see exotic bird species in the UK, but the ring-necked parakeet is an exception. Though originally from Africa and Asia, thousands of these bright green parakeets live wild in the parks and tree-lined streets of London. It’s thought they are the descendants of escaped pets, and they’re now an iconic part of London’s wildlife scene. You might see them anywhere in the city, and Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, and Kew Gardens are hotspots.

8. Badger

Warm summer evenings are perfect for spotting one of the UK’s most distinctive creatures: the badger. They live in setts, underground tunnel systems that they dig out with their powerful front claws. They’re typically in the countryside or the woods, so look out for them along woodland edges or nature reserves at dusk. Badgers have squat little legs (ideal for that cave-dwelling life), distinctive black-and-white striped faces, and emerge at night to search for worms. 

9. Robin

Even novice birdwatchers can’t fail to identify this beloved UK bird. Robins are small with brown wings and a bright red face and chest. You might recognize them from Christmas cards (they’re a classic symbol of winter), but you can spot robins all year round in the UK. They’re a very common sight in both cities and the countryside, and they’re quite friendly, too. If you’re gardening or digging in the soil, they’re known to perch nearby and watch to see if you unearth any worms, which they’ll grab as an easy meal.

10. Deer

The UK is home to several deer species, many of which are common in the countryside — especially across Scotland, Exmoor, and the New Forest. In London, Richmond Park and Bushy Park are famous for their resident free-roaming deer herds, offering the feeling of being somewhere remote while still being able to catch the tube home. For an experience that will take your breath away, search for deer in the autumn to see these majestic creatures really show off. At this time of year, the males will ‘rut’ by clashing their antlers. It’s dramatic, beautiful, and feels oh-so-wild.

Whether you're wandering through woodlands or strolling in city parks, keep your eyes peeled — the UK's wildlife has plenty of wonderful creatures to discover. Take a moment to slow down, look around, and let nature work its quiet magic.