Coastal Wildlife in the UK

The coastline of the British Isles is a haven for many different types of wildlife, some of which are only found on these shores. Indeed, many would be surprised to learn what is living on our own coast, sometimes under our very noses.

The common lizard is prevalent around the coastline of the UK. Favouring dunes and moorland it enjoys warm, damp conditions and can even be found in gardens and hedgerows inland. Often mistaken for newts, they are brown or grey with long tails. Females tend to have dark colouring and may be a little larger than the males. They hibernate between October and March.

Basking sharks are also to be found in abundance around our coastline and can often be seen cruising close to the surface displaying that unmistakable dorsal fin. Don't let this put you off enjoying our coast though, as basking sharks have relatively small teeth, are very docile and only eat zooplankton!

The number of leatherback turtle sightings has been declining in recent years but are starting to increase again. These spectacular creatures nest and breed in the Caribbean but return to UK waters to feed. The large rise in the jellyfish population, particularly around Devon, Cornwall and Wales, is providing these turtles with a veritable feast of their favourite food. Sightings of loggerhead and green turtles have also been reported off the UK coastline.

Both grey and common seals enjoy our coast and if you know where to look, they are easy to find. Around half the world`s population of grey seals can be found off the UK coast, enjoying the windswept and rocky shores. Common seals, which are also prevalent around our coast, prefer something a little calmer. White furred seal pups are an endearing image and can be spotted living on secluded UK beaches between September and November.

There are miles upon miles of coastal paths around the UK affording breathtaking views and the opportunity to spot some beautiful and often rare species of insect. The clouded yellow butterfly is usually found in North Africa and southern Europe but can sometimes be spotted around the south coast of the UK. Varying in colour from creamy white to bright yellow they usually start appearing around May to June time and enjoy coastal cliffs where large amounts of clover and other nectar rich plants are found.

There are so many opportunities to enjoy the abundance of wonderful wildlife around our coast but if you are not lucky enough to live nearby, it is likely that holidays are the only chance you get to appreciate it. It is also true that many people do not know what is ready and waiting for them on their own shores and are often surprised when they spend their annual holiday in the UK. There are any number of excellent resorts around our coastline, a fact to which Ruda Holiday Park reviews can testify.

Of course, seabirds are perhaps the most easy to spot of our coastal wildlife, with gulls, guillemots, razorbills, puffins and shags all visible around the coast. The island of Lundy off the North Devon coast is named after an old word for puffin.

Then, there are my favourites, the rockpools, where the interesting little creatures, crabs, shrimps, anenomes and so on are found. If you haven't got rockpools, even a wide sandy beach is teeming with life if you know where to look. Clams, Lugworms, razor clams and cockles are all just below the surface.