Live in the North of England?
For carpets of Bluebells, visit Burton Mere Wetlands in late April-early May
Ancient woodlands at Burton Mere wetlands and Haweswater’s Naddle Valley are home to a wide range of wildlife, including threatened species which depend on these woodlands for food and shelter – Look out for Red Squirrels and Pied Flycatchers at Haweswater!
Badgers can be found right across the countryside* but our team at RSPB Haweswater run a specialist Badger hide to help you to see these nocturnal creatures without disturbing them.
Kingfishers can be seen across the North of England be hard to spot. The best way to find them* is to learn the call here and listen out for them calling in flight, they can be particularly vocal in Spring! In Cumbria, look out for them at RSPB Leighton Moss, the best time to see them here is in August and September around the Saltmarsh pools. They can also be spotted along Swindale Beck at RSPB Haweswater, at RSPB Marshside and RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands.
Puffins can be found at our RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve – Colonies gather from mid-April to breed on this coastal reserve
Live in Central England?
For carpets of Bluebells visit RSPB Minsmere in Suffolk, RSPB The Lodge in Bedfordshire or RSPB Nagshead in Gloucestershire. Bluebell bloom dates can vary depending on weather but for Minsmere, the best blooms were seen between May-June in 2022, and for The Lodge, in late April. RSPB Nagshead, in May!
Oak woodlands can also be found on our RSPB Minsmere, RSPB The Lodge and one of the most well-known ancient Oaks in England is the Major Oak, located at Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.
Ancient Oaks can also be found on our RSPB Nagshead reserve, Gloucestershire, where threatened species like Pied Flycatchers and Dormice can also be spotted on the reserve.
Kingfishers can be seen across central England but can be hard to spot. The best way to find them* is to learn the call here and listen out for them calling in flight, they can be particularly vocal in Spring! In Suffolk, look out for them at RSPB Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk from Mere Hide – most sightings of these elusive birds at this reserve last year were from summer and early autumn. Kingfishers can also be spotted around the ponds at RSPB Nagshead.
Live in Southern England?
For carpets of Bluebells visit RSPB Swell Woods, Taunton or RSPB Pulborough Brooks, West Sussex. Bluebell bloom dates can vary depending on weather but for Swell Woods and RSPB Pulborough Brooks, the best blooms were seen between late April and Early May in 2022.
Dormice* can be found on our RSPB Labrador Bay, Exe Estuary and Aylesbeare reserves, although these creatures can be hard to spot. Look out for hungry dormice feeding on flowers in spring!
Kingfishers can be seen across the South of England but can be hard to spot. The best way to find them* is to learn the call here and listen out for them calling in flight, they can be particularly vocal in Spring! In Cornwall, look out for them at RSPB Hayle Estuary and Marazion Marsh. In Dorset, they can be seen at RSPB Radipole and RSPB Arne and in Somerset, RSPB Ham Wall and Greylake. Near London, RSPB Rainham Marshes can also be a good place to see these brightly coloured birds!
*Badgers and Kingfishers, along with many other animals, are protected by law. At many of our RSPB reserves, you can see these species without causing disturbance by using hides or designated viewing platforms – if you are lucky enough to have a protected species living near you please check the laws regarding disturbance and breeding activity before attempting to photograph or get close to them.