Where to See Wildlife in England

Looking for nature walks where you have a real chance of seeing something memorable?

This page brings together wildlife-rich walks and reserves across England, along with a few favourite places on the east coast.

Many are easy, open places to explore, making them especially good for beginners who want to enjoy the countryside and spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife along the way.

Some of the places here gave us unforgettable firsts — cranes bugling over the Wash at Nene Washes, and swallowtail butterflies drifting over the reeds in Norfolk after more than one hopeful trip.

They’re the kinds of places that make you want to lace up your boots and head out again.

Before you set off, browse the counties and featured reserves below for ideas on where to go and what you might spot.

Explore by County

Cambridgeshire

If you enjoy big skies, open landscapes, and the chance of spotting birds at a distance, Cambridgeshire is a rewarding place to start. The Fens give this county its character, with wetlands that attract wintering birds and reserves such as Nene Washes and Fowlmere offering very different kinds of wildlife experiences.

Norfolk

Norfolk is one of the best counties in England for wildlife-rich day trips, from the Broads to the coast. It is also the only place in the UK to see the native Swallowtail butterfly, which makes places like Strumpshaw Fen especially exciting in summer.

Northamptonshire

As the former home of the great Rockingham Forest, this county retains significant ancient woodlands and wetlands. It includes locations like Fermyn Woods, one of the few places in the UK to find the Purple Emperor butterfly.

Rutland

Best known for Rutland Water, an internationally important wetland and wildfowl reserve. The successful reintroduction of the Osprey here offers a remarkable wildlife spectacle.

East Yorkshire

The coastline here is marked by towering chalk cliffs and unique landforms like Spurn Point. It is one of the best places in the country to witness vast seabird colonies and seasonal bird migration.

Featured Walks and Reserves

These are a few standout locations that offer a memorable experience of the region's wildlife.

  • Nene Washes, Cambridgeshire A winter visit to the Fens, with sunrise over the washes, Whooper Swans on the water, and the chance of seeing Short-eared Owls hunting over the flooded fields. 
    Read more about visiting Nene Washes in winter
  • Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk A summer trip into the Norfolk Broads in search of the UK’s only native Swallowtail butterfly — a special place if you enjoy dragonflies, reedbeds, and the thrill of finally finding what you came for.
    See what to expect at Strumpshaw Fen
  • RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire A spectacular clifftop walk during seabird season, with Puffins, Gannets, Guillemots, and the noise and movement of one of the country’s great wildlife spectacles.
    Explore Bempton Cliffs in breeding season
  • Spurn Point, Yorkshire A walk along the unique and ever-changing landform of Spurn Point, documenting the birds and wildlife encountered during the autumn migration.

Each of these places offers something a little different, whether you enjoy wetlands, woodland, butterflies, seabirds, or wide open landscapes. I hope they encourage you to explore a few new places and perhaps find a favourite of your own.

Photo of Carol

About the Author

I've spent over 30 years walking and photographing UK wildlife, with work featured in Canon EOS Magazine and a Wildlife Trusts calendar. I still learn something new on most outings. This site is my field notebook: photo tips, help identifying what you see, and where to walk.

Read more about me

Step Behind the Wild Lens

Seasonal field notes from my wildlife walks: recent encounters, the story behind favourite photos, and simple, practical tips you can use on your next outing.

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