Sea of Swans Nestled in an enclosed tidal basin on Scotland’s east coast, one nature reserve boasts the achievement of recording over 200 species of visiting birds every year. Operated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Montrose Basin makes up part of the estuary where the River South Esk meets the North Sea. Covering an area of over 750,000 hectares, the …
Loch Fleet – Scotland’s Most Northerly Nature Reserve
Ancient Ruins Loch Fleet is one of the few sea lochs of Scotland to reside on the east coast. Located just north of the town of Dornoch in Sutherland, the loch is designated as a National Nature Reserve and is the most northerly example of such in the country. It’s quite possibly one of the most diverse in terms of …
Torridon – A Highland Paradise
At One with the Clouds In the remote North-West Highlands, around 100 miles north of Fort William, there’s a small coastal village named Torridon. The settlement itself might seem a little unassuming, however the surrounding area is home to some of the most spectacular mountains in the United Kingdom. With high pinnacles, sheer cliff faces and knife-edge ridges, the Torridon …
Beautiful Flowers growing at or near the UK Coast
Primrose One of the best indications that spring is on the way, the primrose is a common flower throughout the British Isles. Often found near areas of shaded woodland, this species flowers between January and May. The plants themselves are small in stature, growing close to the ground, with the flowers generally appearing in whites or various shades of yellow. …
Top 10 Wildlife Highlights Of The UK Coast
Bittern – Norfolk Broads A master of camouflage, the Bittern is a handsome bird in the heron family. Tricky to see, these birds only like to give away their positions during the breeding season, when the males make loud booming calls to attract females. Their haunting sounds can travel for over 3 miles on a still day. Bitterns can be …
Marine Giants – Whale Watching in Oban
Gateway to the Isles The largest town in Argyle, Oban is situated right on the coast and is a popular destination among tourists, attracting thousands during peak season. There are many reasons for this popularity. The town looks out over the picturesque Oban Bay and provides fantastic views out towards the Isle of Mull and Kerrara. The surrounding area also …
Chasing the Sun – Carmarthen Bay
Extensive Estuaries On the South Wales coast, the rolling countryside landscape cuts inland, forming a large inlet known as Carmarthen Bay. The Carmarthenshire coastline surrounds the bay and provides a window into the past, with a variety of historic attractions that are the remnants of the Welsh struggle against the Normans. Two of the most impressive sights are Carmarthen Castle …
England
A World of Endless Waterways – The Norfolk Broads
The Venice of The East The Norfolk Broads has been one of the most popular boating holiday destinations in the UK since the late 19th century. Its network of navigable lakes and rivers stretch for more than 200 kilometres, giving the region a greater area of waterways than both Venice and Amsterdam. It’s no wonder then that the Broads attract …
Knapdale Forest – Land of the Beaver
Scotland’s Very Own Rainforest Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Knapdale forms the beginnings of a peninsula in the west of Scotland that is greatly underrated as a wildlife destination. Bounded on both sides by the sea, this remote part of the country is sandwiched between Loch Fyne to the east and the Sound of Jura to the west. The …
The Blue Fields of Brean Down
An Ancient Monument There aren’t too many places in the UK that can boast a landscape similar to Brean Down. Situated just to the west of Weston-super-Mare, the area forms a narrow promontory that stretches 2 kilometres into the Bristol Channel. Its unique appearance is the result of the unusual geology in the region, with Brean Down forming the end …