The UK is home to a diverse range of birdlife and has some of the most spectacular habitats in which to see it. Searches for birdwatching have been steadily increasing over the last two weeks (by 33%) with it being prime season.
While typically seen as a hobby for older generations, Gen Z are showing a rising interest, with the top TikTok result showing a 20-year-old sharing her new-found love for birdwatching, which has gained 60,000 likes. These trends reflect holidaycottages.co.uk’
In light of rising interest in birdwatching, holidaycottages.
RSPB Exminster Marshes and Bowling Green Marsh, near Exeter, Devon
Sarah Pring, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, comments: “This is a great spot for novice birders. There are two large RSPB reserves on opposite banks of the River Exe Estuary near Exeter in Devon – one is Exminster and Powderham Marshes and the other is Bowling Green and Goosemoor Marsh. It’s possible to visit both in one day, as they’re just a 20-minute (5.5 mile) drive apart.
“Both offer the best habitats for optimal birdwatching. Estuarine locations like these attract waders like Little Egrets, Wigeons and Black-Tailed Godwits, to name a handful. For panoramic views across the marshes, take a leisurely walk or cycle along the elevated track to Darts Farm. To visit Goosemoor from Bowling Green, simply pass under the railway bridge.
“History enthusiasts in your group will appreciate Exminster and Powderham Marshes in particular, where the land was once part of the estuary before the Exeter Ship Canal was constructed in the 19th century. In fact, the remains of the RAF Second World War signal interception base are still visible today.”
RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, near Lydd, Kent
“RSPB Dungeness in the garden county of Kent is the one of the most unique historic RSPB reserves in England, as host to three Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Set back from the sea The Dungeness reserve boasts mile after mile of open shingle, freshwater pits, wet grassland and stunning wildflower meadows. In the Autumn you’ll also spot hundreds of migrating birds stopping to feed here before migrating elsewhere in the winter.
“The stark and flat landscape is quite beguiling as there is a thriving ecosystem here where you can find rare butterflies and colourful wildflowers. After your visit, head to The Pilot Inn or The Britannia in beautiful Dungeness for a spot of lunch.”
Haweswater Nature Reserve, near Penrith, Cumbria
“Haweswater near the valley town of Penrith is situated close to the eastern edge of the Lake District National Park. It’s home to a reservoir and woodland hiking trails set against a backdrop of craggy hills. Other natural habitats to be found at RSPB Haweswater are moorlands, heath, and a network of fresh streams.
“Keep a watchful eye out for a number of bird species, including Ring Ouzels which glide over the hills in summer. In these warmer months, make sure to gaze into the trees and streams where you may spot Red Squirrels and Mountain Ringlet butterflies.”
RSPB Coombes Valley Nature Reserve, near Leek, Staffordshire
“RSPB Coombes Valley is a woodland reserve close to the market town of Leek which is just outside of the Peak District National Park. It’s a lovely spot for quiet birdwatching and it’s here in the colder months that you can see birds like Redwings, Fieldfares and winter finches.
RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, Poole Bay, Dorset
“RSPB Arne is situated near Poole in Dorset within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a diverse area of open heathland and ancient oak woodlands. A haven for birds, it’s also home to all six species of reptile found in the British Isles. There are several trails around the reserve including to Shipstal Beach, which is great for a picnic. October is peak season for majestic Sika Deer rutting here.
“We recommend keeping a keen eye out for rare Dartford Warblers, they love it here. With views of the distant ruins of Corfe Castle, take the Coombe Heath Trail for more opportunities to see some a whole host of wildlife in the Middlebere Channel which rises , from late autumn through winter, offering a haven to thousands of waders and wildfowl.”
RSPB Blacktoft Sands, near Kingston-upon-Hull, East Riding
“RSPB Blacktoft Sands near Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire is situated in the Humber Estuary. Much of the reserve is covered by reedbeds, making it the UK’s second largest area of such a habitat. Lots of wild birds find sanctuary at the beautiful low-lying intertidal reserve, such as warblers and Tree sparrows that love the scrub that lines the reed marshes. The lagoons give shelter to wildfowl and waders in winter, and the mudflats and grazing marshes attract Golden Plovers and Lapwings.”
RSPB Saltholme, near Middlesborough, Cleveland
“RSPB Saltholme, near Middlesborough in the North East of England, is a very popular reserve made up of reedbeds and pools, and wet grassland.
“You can spot wintering wildfowl and waders from one of the four hides. The reserve is also home to the largest inland breeding colony of Common Tern in the UK. Other parts of the broader nature reserve ecosystem include Dorman’s Pool, Greatham Creek, and Saltern Wetlands if you wanted to spend your whole holiday birding on the Cleveland coast.”
RSPB Mawdacch Valley – Arthog Bog, near Barmouth, Gwynedd
“RSPB Mawdacch Valley – Arthog Bog near Barmouth on the west coast of Wales is a small wetland reserve but is full of wildlife. This ‘secret’ corner of the Welsh coast is a real gem for a day out, especially if you are seeking out lesser-travelled parts of the UK. Just a short drive from the seaside town of Barmouth, this site is comprised of a fen and mire habitat which is home to a happy family of wildflowers shouldered by a flank of alder and willow.
“Star species of bird to see at RSPB Mawdacch Valley – Arthog Bog are Long-tailed Tits and Siskins. The best time to see them is late winter until early spring. In summer, keep an eye out for grass snakes basking on the pathways whenever it’s warm and sunny.”
For more inspiration on where to head, whether you’re a seasoned birdwatching pro or a beginner, please visit holidaycottages.co.uk