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 …
Neptune Coastline Campaign
One of the National Trust’s largest fundraising campaigns, the Neptune Coastline Campaign is an ongoing initiative that allows the charity to secure large sections of the coastline, with the aim of preserving the natural importance of coastlines for current and future generations to enjoy. In the UK, no-one lives more than 120 km (75 miles) away from the sea, so …
Inverewe – Gardens of Delight
Fed by Warmer Waters The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that originates in the tropical Gulf of Mexico and sweeps northwards, eventually ending its journey in northern Europe. The west coast of Scotland is fed directly by this current – one of the main reasons why this part of the world stays warmer during the winter than other …
Outstanding Natural Beauty – Arnside and Silverdale
Size Isn’t Everything In the north-west of England, the Lake District National Park gets most of the plaudits when it comes to picturesque countryside. However, just to the south, on the border between Cumbria and Lancashire, there’s a gem of a destination known as Arnside and Silverdale. Named after the two villages that reside in the area, Arnside and Silverdale …