UK nature map: Where you can go in the UK to see red squirrels, whales and even sharks
THE UK boasts some of the most stunning sights in Europe, with its roaring coastlines and historic settings providing the ultimate backdrop for tourists at home and abroad. It may come as a surprise but the UK also has a diverse wildlife.
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The British Isles are home to thousands of different animal species, but some are inevitably harder to find than others. While the country is mostly known for its hedgehogs, foxes, badgers and vast array of wild birds, tourists can also see sharks, whales and otters in the island’s waters. And despite almost being wiped out completely in the Victorian era, red squirrels still exist in various parts of the UK.
A map devised by the team at Lease Car UK shows spots in the UK where some of the most uncommon species can be seen first hand.
If you’re lucky enough and travel at just the right time, you could even spot sharks, humpback and killer whales.
While travel looks to be largely off the cards this year, many will likely swap a flight for a road trip right here.
Not only will you be injecting cash into a flailing domestic travel economy, it’ll give you the chance to really explore the islands you call home.
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Where to see red squirrels, whales and sharks in the UK
Red squirrels are prevalent in the Smardale Gill area of Cumbria, in the north of England.
In addition to Smardale Gill, you will also likely spot the little red, furry creatures in Wreay Wood, in the same area of the country.
Red Squirrels can also be spotted in:
- Dorset, Brownsea Island nature reserve
- Isle of Wight, Bouldnor Forest
- Lancashire, Freshfield Dune Heath
- Northumberland, Hauxley
- Northumberland, East Cramlington Point, Holystone North Wood, Holystone Burn
- Northumberland, Tony’s Patch
- Northumberland, Juliet’s Wood, Briarwood Banks
- Perthshire, Loch of the Lower
The UK’s waters include both killer and humpback whales in its diverse marine life composition.
Whales are largely located in Scotland’s waters, while there is one area in Wales you could get a glimpse of the magnificent creatures.
You can see Killer Whales in:
- Scotland, Orkney
- Scotland, Shetland Islands
- Wales, Cardigan Bay
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You can see Humpback Whales in:
- Scotland, Fife, Newburgh
- Scotland, Moray Firth
- Scotland, Stoer Head lighthouse
- Scotland, Hebrides
- Scotland, Shetland islands
Basking sharks are the most common kind of shark which can be found in the UK.
The species are passive feeders, which means they don’t actively hunt, but instead, swim with their mouths wide open taking in water, and eating any tasty bits which come its way.
These sharks are a sight to behold as they can grow to between 20 and 26ft in length and live for a staggering 50 years.
Basking sharks can be found all over the world, and luckily for Brits, the UK is one of their favoured spots to pass the time.
To see basking sharks in the UK, head to:
- The Coast of Cornwall
- Scotland, Hebrides
- Dorset, Lyme Bay
- Isle of Man’s southern coastline
- Wales, Cardigan Bay