{"id":23052,"date":"2023-01-23T12:30:09","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T11:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=5855"},"modified":"2023-01-23T15:35:59","modified_gmt":"2023-01-23T14:35:59","slug":"britains-best-nature-reserves-for-walks-and-wildlife","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/britains-best-nature-reserves-for-walks-and-wildlife\/","title":{"rendered":"Britain\u2019s best nature reserves for walks and wildlife"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"><\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By countryfile\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Monday, 23 January 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body> <p>Few days out in the countryside can beat a visit to a local nature reserve. There are hundreds of them throughout the UK, each offering its own unique blend of landscapes, wildlife and walks.<\/p>\n<p>These protected areas \u2013 looked after by a variety of conservation organisations, including the\u00a0National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland, the RSPB and the Wildlife Trust \u2013 are a joy whatever time of year you visit. Wander among swathes of <a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/trees-plants\/bluebells-guide-where-to-see-best-walks-around-the-uk-and-how-to-grow\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">bluebells<\/a> in spring, marvel at fledging <a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/birds\/guide-to-british-seabirds-how-to-identify-and-where-to-see-them\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">seabirds<\/a> in summer, and experience stunning <a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/birds\/what-is-a-murmuration-and-where-are-the-best-places-in-britain-to-see-one\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">starling murmurations<\/a> in autumn and winter.<\/p>\n<p>From <a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/attenborough-nature-reserve-nottinghamshire\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Attenborough Nature Reserve<\/a> near Nottingham and Beinn Eighe in the Highlands to Wyming Brook on the edge of Sheffield and Kenfig in Glamorgan, this\u00a0<em>BBC Countryfile Magazine<\/em> guide reveals some of the best nature reserves to visit in the UK for walks and wildlife watching.<\/p>\n<section class=\"&quot;highlight\"><div class=\"&quot;highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> <h4>Looking for more wild inspiration?<\/h4>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/trees-plants\/orchid-id-guide-uk-species\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Orchid ID guide: species to look for in Britain<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/reptiles\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Reptile guide: snakes, lizards and slow worms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/trees-plants\/oak-tree-guide-lifespan-uk-species-identification\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Oak tree guide: how long they take to grow, UK species and how to identify?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><p> <\/p><\/div> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image-container&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;img-container\" img-container--highlight-image=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Earyl-purple-orchid-44928d7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=556,556&quot;\" srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Earyl-purple-orchid-44928d7.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1025,1025\" https:=\"\" sizes=\"&quot;(min-width:\" calc=\"\" width=\"&quot;556&quot;\" height=\"&quot;556&quot;\" class=\"&quot;img-container__image\" img-fluid=\"\" wp-image-112780=\"\" alignnone=\"\" size-highlight_image=\"\" img-container__image=\"\" alt=\"&quot;Purple\" flower=\"\" with=\"\" a=\"\" lot=\"\" of=\"\" flowers=\"\" on=\"\" stem=\"\" in=\"\" the=\"\" sunlight=\"\" title=\"&quot;Early\" purple=\"\" orchid=\"\"\/><\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section><hr\/><h2>What is a nature reserve?<\/h2>\n<p>Nature reserves are areas where wildlife, plants and animals are protected to allow them to thrive.<\/p>\n<p>In 1912 Charles Rothschild founded the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves (which later became The Wildlife Trusts), and first proposed the idea of seeking out the best places for wildlife in Britain, promoting them as \u2018nature reserves\u2019.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C235,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C235,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C268,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C268,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C367,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C367,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C411,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C411,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-134931\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Wyming-Brook-9c05320-e1674461010286.png?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C411&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Wyming Brook Nature Reserve near Sheffield is known for it enchanting woodland and waterways\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<hr\/><h2>How many nature reserves are there in the UK?<\/h2>\n<p>There are currently 224\u00a0<abbr title=\"&quot;National\" nature=\"\" reserves=\"\">NNRs<\/abbr>\u00a0in England with a total area of over 94,400 hectares \u2013 approximately 0.7% of the country\u2019s land surface. The largest is The Wash covering almost 8,800 hectares, while Dorset\u2019s Horn Park Quarry is the smallest at 0.32 hectares, according to Natural England.<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-71449\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/04\/Muckle-Flugga-lighthouse-Hermaness-National-Nature-Reserve-Unst-Shetland-Islands-1bbe491.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> View towards the northern gannet breeding colonies of Hermaness National Nature Reserve in the Shetland Islands\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<hr\/><h2>England\u2019s best nature reserves<\/h2>\n<h3>Rutland Water,\u00a0Rutland<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=295%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=295%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=350%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=350%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=399%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=399%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=547%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=547%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=612%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=612%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=402%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=402%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=548%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=548%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-42564\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/GettyImages-949641506-d50cf7b.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=612%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Normanton Church, Rutland Water, Rutland\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Set in the heart of the East Midlands, <a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/walks-rutland-water\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Rutland Water<\/a> is one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe. Created in the 1970s, the reservoir serves the Peterborough area with drinking water and is also home to an internationally renowned nature reserve.<\/p>\n<p>Managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, the site has been instrumental in re-launching the British osprey population and is home to the first Ospreys to breed in Britain for 150 years, in a scheme that began almost two decades ago.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-38612\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Nature-reserve-7c48eb6.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> A viewpoint at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve in Skegness\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>A rugged, windswept stretch of the Lincolnshire coastline, the spectacular landscape of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust\u2019s <a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/gibraltar-point-national-nature-reserve-lincolnshire\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Gibraltar Point<\/a> is rivalled only by the scale and variety of birds that can be seen here during spring and autumn migration.<\/p>\n<p>October is one of the most exciting months to visit, and there\u2019s no better place to start than the visitor centre\u2019s rooftop viewpoint. With so much sky on show, it\u2019s a great spot to search for birds of prey. The slender shape of a merlin, or the stiff, deliberate wingbeats of a short-eared owl could be glimpsed above the saltmarsh, and rarer visitors include the threatened hen harrier. Look, too, for common seals hauled out along the river, with hundreds more on the sandbanks offshore.<\/p>\n<p>Hides look out over freshwater pools, where wildfowl and waders can be seen close-up. Wigeon dabble in the open stretches, dwarfed by the majestic whooper swans that sometimes stop off on their southward migration. A few late dragonflies shimmer along the margins, common darters and migrant hawkers the most likely to be seen.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Blacka Moor, Sheffield<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=295%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=295%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=350%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=350%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=399%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=399%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=547%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=547%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=612%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=612%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=401%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=401%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=548%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=548%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-38818\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Blacka-Moor-91c3636-e1674467267305.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=612%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Moorland viewed from Blacka Hill\/ Credit:\u00a0Jonathan Clitheroe and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>As the sun slowly rises above the heather on Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust\u2019s <a href=\"\/\/www.wildsheffield.com\/reserves\/blacka-moor\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Blacka Moor<\/a>, a ferocious roar fills the still morning air. A tall shadow emerges from the distant gloom, a jagged skeleton of antlers rising from its head. The stag throws back his head and bellows again, his breath erupting in a cloud. A challenge to every other male on the moor. The males compete for a harem of females, rivals coming to blows when posturing isn\u2019t enough to settle the dispute.<\/p>\n<p>Early mornings offer the best chance of a bellowing stag, but always enjoy the rut from a safe distance and leave dogs at home or on a lead. Pumped full of testosterone, rutting stags can be highly aggressive.<\/p>\n<p>Between the birches, look for the fairytale figures of fly agaric fungi, white-spotted red caps delicately balanced on slender stalks. The archetypal toadstool, these beautiful mushrooms are actually poisonous. Careful searching on Strawberry Lee Pastures could reveal the macabre scarlet caterpillar club fungus, growing from the subterranean remains of a caterpillar or pupa.<\/p>\n<section class=\"&quot;highlight\"><div class=\"&quot;highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> <p>More related content:<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/britains-best-autumn-wildlife-spectacles\/&quot;\">Britain\u2019s best autumn wildlife spectacles<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/best-places-to-see-the-autumn-deer-rut\/&quot;\">Best places to see the autumn deer rut<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/our-guide-to-hedgehogs-where-to-see-and-how-to-help-hedgehogs-in-your-garden\/&quot;\">Our guide to hedgehogs: where to see and how to help hedgehogs in your garden<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><p> <\/p><\/div> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image-container&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;img-container\" img-container--highlight-image=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/reddeermain-66b2103.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=556,556&quot;\" srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/reddeermain-66b2103.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=205,205\" sizes=\"&quot;(min-width:\" calc=\"\" width=\"&quot;556&quot;\" height=\"&quot;556&quot;\" class=\"&quot;img-container__image\" img-fluid=\"\" wp-image-19461=\"\" alignnone=\"\" size-highlight_image=\"\" img-container__image=\"\" alt=\"&quot;reddeermain-66b2103&quot;\" title=\"&quot;reddeermain-66b2103&quot;\"\/><\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section><hr\/><h3>Pensthorpe,\u00a0Norfolk<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137358\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Little-owl-73acfc2.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Pensthorpe is home to little owls\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The East Anglian nature park \u00a0of <a href=\"\/\/pensthorpe.com&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Pensthorpe<\/a> stretches over 600 acres either side of the River Wensum near Fakenham and focuses its conservation efforts on the breeding of endangered and threatened species and habitat restoration. In 2004 the River Wensum was made a European Special Area Of Conservation to protect the wildlife there.<\/p>\n<hr\/><section class=\"&quot;highlight\"><div class=\"&quot;highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> <h4><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/guide-to-britains-national-parks-wildlife-history-best-walks\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">What is a national park?<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>In the UK, national parks are protected areas set aside for their beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/guide-to-britains-national-parks-wildlife-history-best-walks\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Find out more with our guide to Britain\u2019s national parks<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><p> <\/p><\/div> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image-container&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;img-container\" img-container--highlight-image=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/03\/GettyImages-454086019-9a332e6.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=556,556&quot;\" srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/03\/GettyImages-454086019-9a332e6.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1025,1025\" https:=\"\" sizes=\"&quot;(min-width:\" calc=\"\" width=\"&quot;556&quot;\" height=\"&quot;556&quot;\" class=\"&quot;img-container__image\" img-fluid=\"\" wp-image-29804=\"\" alignnone=\"\" size-highlight_image=\"\" img-container__image=\"\" alt=\"&quot;Cwm\" idwal=\"\" and=\"\" llyn=\"\" in=\"\" snowdonia=\"\" title=\"&quot;Cwm\" north=\"\" wales=\"\"\/><\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section><hr\/><h3>Attenborough Nature Centre,\u00a0Nottinghamshire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C194,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C194,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C262,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C262,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C359,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C359,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C401,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C401,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C264,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C264,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C360,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C360,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-110500\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/03\/Attenborough-Nature-Reserve-a8c61cc-e1674464703119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C401&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Attenborough Nature Reserve\/ Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Th award-winning <a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/attenborough-nature-reserve-nottinghamshire\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Attenborough Nature Reserve<\/a> is owned and run by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and is just four miles to the west of the city centre. This eco-friendly centre provides a place for the people of the city to experience the best of British wildlife, right on their doorstep and from small beginnings it now covers 145 hectares of lakes, wetland, grassland and scrub.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Donna Nook,\u00a0Lincolnshire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-21014\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-187873339-9ff52b9.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> A female Atlantic grey seal in the surf of the North Sea at Donna Nook on the east coast of England\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Stretching over 10km of the Lincolnshire Coastline, from Grainsthorpe Havena and Saltfleet, the <a href=\"\/\/www.lincstrust.org.uk\/get-involved\/top-reserves\/donna-nook&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Donna Nook nature reserve<\/a> is home to one of Englands biggest grey seal populations. Every winter they choose to give birth to their calves and breed again on the beaches here.<\/p>\n<section class=\"&quot;highlight\"><div class=\"&quot;highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> <h4><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/marine-life\/britains-best-seal-watching-spots\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Britain\u2019s best seal watching spots and how to avoid disturbing the colony<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>Spotting a seal colony is one of Britain\u2019s great wildlife spectacles. Our guide explains how to spot seals without disturbing the colony, the best seal watching spots in the UK, plus how to identify harbour seals and grey seals.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image-container&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;img-container\" img-container--highlight-image=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/Grey-seal-d7d9a77.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=556,556&quot;\" srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/07\/Grey-seal-d7d9a77.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1025,1025\" https:=\"\" sizes=\"&quot;(min-width:\" calc=\"\" width=\"&quot;556&quot;\" height=\"&quot;556&quot;\" class=\"&quot;img-container__image\" img-fluid=\"\" wp-image-41042=\"\" alignnone=\"\" size-highlight_image=\"\" img-container__image=\"\" alt=\"&quot;Grey\" seal=\"\" halichoerus=\"\" grypus=\"\" title=\"&quot;Grey\"\/><\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section><hr\/><h3>Chapmans Well,\u00a0Durham<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C198,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C198,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C234&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C234&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C267&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C267&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C365&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C365&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C409&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C409&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C367&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C367&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-5879\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Chapmans_Well_Nature_Reserve_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_318793-415728a-e1674467289228.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C409&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Chapmans Well\/ in winterCredit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The Marshy grassland and ponds of <a href=\"\/\/www.durham.gov.uk\/media\/3988\/Chapmens-Well-Nature-Reserve\/pdf\/ChapmensWellNatureReserve.pdf&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Chapmans Well<\/a>, is considered one of the best bird watching sites in the country. Home to five species of Owl and many other predatory birds.<\/p>\n<p>The natural landscape is maintained by the conservationist with the help of some Exmoor ponies who nibble away at the grasses preventing more dominant species from taking over and allowing wildflower meadows to develop.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Woodwalton Fen,\u00a0Cambridgeshire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=296%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=296%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=351%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=351%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=400%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=400%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=549%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=549%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=614%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=614%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=550%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=550%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-134880\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Woodwalton-Fen-d92417e-e1674466776991.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=614%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Woodwalton Fen in summer\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>A rare and isolated part of Fenland lying at the most westerly point of the East Anglian fens, <a href=\"\/\/www.greatfen.org.uk\/woodwalton-fen&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Woodwalton<\/a> was bought by Charles Rothschild in 1910.<\/p>\n<p>These days the fenland is home to some very special flora and fauna, supporting 47 endangered species of invertebrates and two extremely rare plants, the fen violet and fen woodrush.<\/p>\n<section class=\"&quot;highlight\"><div class=\"&quot;highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> <h4>What is an otter?<\/h4>\n<p>The European otter, or lutra lutra (scientific name), is a carniverous mammal of the Mustelidae family (mustelid). There are seven species of mustelid living in the wild in the UK, each varying widely in looks and behaviour. Generally speaking mustelids are long-bodied, short-legged, thickly furred and tend to be active at night, which makes them elusive.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/days-out\/how-and-where-to-spot-otters\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Read more about otters in our species guide<\/a><\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image-container&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;img-container\" img-container--highlight-image=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/GettyImages-1142065695-24b42e4.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=556,556&quot;\" srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/GettyImages-1142065695-24b42e4.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1025,1025\" https:=\"\" sizes=\"&quot;(min-width:\" calc=\"\" width=\"&quot;556&quot;\" height=\"&quot;556&quot;\" class=\"&quot;img-container__image\" img-fluid=\"\" wp-image-51054=\"\" alignnone=\"\" size-highlight_image=\"\" img-container__image=\"\" alt=\"&quot;Otter\" on=\"\" the=\"\" coast=\"\" title=\"&quot;Otter\" data-source-name=\"&quot;Getty&quot;\"\/><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\">Getty<\/figcaption><\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section><hr\/><h3>RSPB Minsmere,\u00a0Suffolk<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-59014\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/04\/2143003-1-fc8ba9a-e1674466940475.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Mist lifting off reedbed at dawn, Minsmere RSPB Nature Reserve\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The \u2018Disneyland\u2019 of bird reserves, because it has so much in terms of habitats, species and facilities including many rarities and \u2018super birds\u2019! <a href=\"\/\/www.rspb.org.uk\/reserves-and-events\/reserves-a-z\/minsmere&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Minsmere<\/a> is family-friendly must.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Woolston\u00a0Eyes Nature Reserve,\u00a0Warrington<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C200,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C270&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C272&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137366\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Woolston-Eyes-285cb4f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Woolston\u00a0Eyes\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>A post-industrial gem, this oasis in the tangled wreckage of the \u2018manscape\u2019 comes complete with beautiful black-necked grebes and a fabulous team of volunteers. Highlights at <a href=\"\/\/www.woolstoneyes.com&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Woolston Eyes<\/a> include black-necked grebes, starling roosts and butterflies.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Smardale Gill, Cumbria<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C235,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C235,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C268,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C268,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C367,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C367,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C411,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C411,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C270,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-67633\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/04\/Smardale-Gill-5bcdbf3.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C411&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> View of Smardale Gill in Cumbria\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>This magnificent, relatively unknown limestone landscape became a part of the Dales in the 2016 boundary extension.\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/smardale-gill-cumbria\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Smardale Gill<\/a> oozes the character of a time long-gone.<\/p>\n<p>Sheep farming keeps the uplands open, tiny villages and hamlets claim the more sheltered locations and wildlife prospers. Wild birds, aquatic denizens and myriad mammals, insects and floral beauties conspire to enhance this natural wonderland, protected, in part, as the\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk\/nature-reserves\/smardale&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Smardale Gill National Nature Reserve<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Sutton Park, West Midlands<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=293%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=293%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=347%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=347%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=396%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=396%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=543%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=543%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=607%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=607%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=399%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=399%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=544%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=544%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-120730\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-875021516-95195ab-e1674467739667.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=607%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Longmore Pool at Sutton Park\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-sutton-park-west-midlands\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Sutton Park<\/a> is a miraculous survival \u2013 2,400 acres of wild country just six miles north of the bustling heart of Birmingham \u2013 and spring is a lovely time to explore it.<\/p>\n<p>The ancient oak and birch woodlands are alive with the song of nesting birds, and in the vast holly understory, one of the park\u2019s great specialities, the delicate little azure-winged holly blue butterfly, takes to the wing.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Bystock Nature Reserve, Devon<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C197,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C197,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C233,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C233,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C364,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C364,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C408,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C408,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C268,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C268,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C366,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C366,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137370\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Bystock-Nature-Reserve-0d7e0ab-e1674467911847.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C408&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Bystock Nature Reserve\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/bystock-nature-reserve-devon\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Bystock Nature Reserve<\/a> and its mosaic of lily ponds, heaths and open meadows sits on the doorstep of the Jurassic Coast. Of the 50 reserves managed by Devon Wildlife Trust, it remains a firm favourite among visitors\u00a0and Devonians alike.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137380\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lathkill-Dale-dfc27fc-e1674476398675.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Buttercups in Lathkill Dale\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The scenery of the south of the Peak District National Park, the limestone White Peak, has to rate as a favourite, if only on the measure of footfall that passes over it.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"\/\/www.visitderbyshire.co.uk\/places-to-visit\/parks-and-gardens\/derbyshire-dales-national-nature-reserve\/14697&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Derbyshire Dales<\/a> can be seen at its very best in the five neighbouring valleys that make up the NNR \u2013 Lathkill, Cressbrook, Monk\u2019s, Long and Hay Dales.<\/p>\n<p>All five are beautiful in a subtle, dressed-down sort of way, but that changes in late spring. That\u2019s when Lathkill Dale and its NNR neighbours go technicolour and the normally rather dowdy grey-green Derbyshire hills are blanketed with wildflowers in bloom. In places thousands of early purple orchids are in flower, so many that they create a stunning purple haze.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Lindisfarne, Northumberland<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C196,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C196,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C232&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C232&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C265&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C265&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C363&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C363&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C406&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C406&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C267&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C267&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C364&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C364&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-21013\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/GettyImages-484517742-18a16f0-e1674475976580.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C406&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The boundary of the Lindisfarne NNR takes in a big chunk of North Sea mudflats and marsh that has Holy Island at its heart. It\u2019s a place that is constantly changing with the tides; it is cut off by sea during much of the day, but at low tide exposed mud becomes a feeding ground for geese, ducks and wading birds.<\/p>\n<p>St Cuthbert lived on Holy Island, and when fellow monks created the Lindisfarne Gospels in his honour after his death in 687, they were thought to have been written with quills from wild geese, while the designs also include likenesses of birds that the artists could have seen from the monastery, such as herons and sea eagles.<br\/>\nVikings destroyed Cuthbert\u2019s monastery, but it was re-established during the Middle Ages and became a place of pilgrimage.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>The Stiperstones National Reserve, Shropshire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137381\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Stiperstones-bde6592.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Stiperstones comprises a ridge of quartzite outcrops\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Wild and romantic, the <a href=\"\/\/www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk\/site\/stiperstones-national-nature-reserve-nnr\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Stiperstones<\/a> is an unspoilt ridge of hills that captures the imagination. For the poet AE Housman it was at the heart of \u201cthose blue remembered hills\u201d, the upland horizon he could see from his Worcestershire home.<\/p>\n<p>The locals used to reckon that the Prince of Darkness was in residence when clouds obscured the Devil\u2019s Chair, while Shropshire writer Mary Webb wrote: \u201cThe Devil\u2019s Chair loomed over them\u2026 like a fist flourished in the face. It was dark as purple nightshade.\u201d But for all its dark side the Stiperstones has a more cheerful face too, especially in late summer when the heather is in bloom.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs, Dorset<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137382\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Lyme-Regis-Undercliffs-0492fd5-e1674476413622.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Lyme Regis Undercliffs\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The Undercliffs NNR is a strange and remarkable place. A walk into the strip of tumbled, wooded coastline that makes up the reserve can seem like an expedition into a very un-British jungle. What makes the place unusual is that its geology is active. The rocks, laid down in the Cretaceous period, perch shakily on top of older deposits, and because some of it is water-resistant and some is porous, it makes landslides inevitable.<\/p>\n<p>The biggest recorded slip happened on Christmas Day 1839, when 6.5 hectares of land shifted, but small slips happen all the time. Rich soil is exposed with each slip and quickly colonised by plants that thrive in the warm, sheltered conditions.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h2>Wales\u2019 best nature reserves<\/h2>\n<h3>Gilfach, Radnorshire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C197,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C197,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C234,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C234,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C267,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C267,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C365,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C365,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C408,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C408,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C366,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C366,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137354\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Gilfach-ee656d9.png?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C408&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Gilfach Nature Reserve\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Nestled in the beautiful Cambrian Mountains, in the heart of Wales, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust\u2019s <a href=\"\/\/www.rwtwales.org\/nature-reserves\/gilfach&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Gilfach Nature Reserve<\/a> is a spectacular landscape as rich in history as it is in wildlife.<\/p>\n<p>A winding path threads through oak woodland and over moorland, blushing pink with heather under the weak autumn sun. Where the track shadows the rushing waters of the River Marteg, scan the rocks for signs of movement. A splash of white against the dark stone could be the gleaming breast of a dipper, bobbing energetically on long, slender legs before plunging into the torrent to feed.<\/p>\n<p>The rocks themselves are worthy of closer inspection, bristling with miniature forests of lichen \u2013 425 species have been found on the reserve! A wooden platform offers a bird\u2019s-eye view of the spectacular waterfalls and, if you\u2019re lucky, the acrobatic finale of one of nature\u2019s greatest migrations:\u00a0Atlantic salmon.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Skomer,\u00a0Pembrokeshire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-120884\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/GettyImages-1163498815-0ccc8be.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> A colony of Atlantic puffins on Skomer Island in Wales\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Supported by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, this small island off the coast of Pembrokeshire is home to an array of life which shelters in its bays, inlets and in the waters surrounding.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/skomer-pembrokeshire\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Skomer<\/a> is only open to visitors between 1 April \u2013 30 September and in this period is a popular destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Rhinog NNR, Gwynedd<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=353%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=353%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=618%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=618%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-63691\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/08\/Cwm-Nantcol-Snowdonia-wales-ead28fd.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=618%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Cwm Nantcol and the Rhinogs in Snowdonia\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Snowdonia National Park is Wales at its best, but better-known parts of the park can be crowded in the summer. That\u2019s one of the beauties of the <a href=\"\/\/www.first-nature.com\/waleswildlife\/n-nnr-rhinog.php&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Rhinog reserve<\/a> \u2013 even in high season you won\u2019t find yourself shuffling up hill in a queue of walkers. The NNR\u2019s 600 hectares take in much of the range of peaks that includes Rhinog Fawr, Rhinog Fach and Y Llethr. It\u2019s a rugged, rocky landscape and that doesn\u2019t make for easy walking; it can be hard to follow paths and in parts you have to place each boot with care.<\/p>\n<p>But the views from the summits are great, and there\u2019s a chance you may see the wild goats that make the hills their home. They\u2019re not that popular with the NNR\u2019s managers (because they eat rare plants), but they do add to the wild spirit of a place that seems a long way away from the modern world.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h2>Scotland\u2019s best nature reserves<\/h2>\n<h3>Insh Marshes, Highland<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C192,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C192,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C227,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C227,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C259,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C259,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C354,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C354,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C396,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C396,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C261,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C261,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C355,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C355,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137356\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Insh-Marshes-fff9c0d.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C396&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Insh Marshes Nature Reserve in the Highlands, Scotland\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Considered to be one of the most important wetlands in Europe,<a href=\"\/\/www.rspb.org.uk\/reserves-and-events\/reserves-a-z\/insh-marshes\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\"> Insh Marshes<\/a> is home to lapwings, redshanks and curlews as well as row deer and foxes in what are versatile and varied habitats along a 10 kilometre stretch of the River Spey.<\/p>\n<p>The marshes that line the river flood during the winter months, providing a home for swans, geese and waders which can be observed from the hides around the site.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Montrose Basin, Angus<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C194,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C194,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C230,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C262,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C262,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C359,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C359,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C402,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C402,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C264,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C264,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C360,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C360,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/png&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137359\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Montrose-Basin-Nature-Reserve-4ddc7ff.png?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C402&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Montrose Basin Nature Reserve\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The Scottish Wildlife Trust\u2019s <a href=\"\/\/scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk\/reserve\/montrose-basin\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Montrose Basin<\/a> in Angus plays host to one of the largest autumn gatherings of pink-footed geese in the UK. Small flocks appear from late September, roosting on the water and feeding in surrounding fields. Numbers swell in October, until tens of thousands of geese can be seen and heard travelling between feeding and roosting grounds \u2013 90,000 have been recorded on a single October day.<\/p>\n<p>Huge flocks of wigeon whistle on the water, while the mudflats are alive with wading birds; thousands of redshanks and oystercatchers stalk the shore, sinking long, bright bills into the mud as they probe for worms. The bubbling calls of curlew echo around the estuary, and flocks of golden plover glimmer in the autumn sun. As the tide creeps in, waders are pushed closer to the Wigeon Hide, affording excellent views of these winter visitors.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Inversnaid,\u00a0Stirling<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137360\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Inversnaid-Nature-Reserve-ed6feca.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Inversnaid Nature Reserve\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>On the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, it\u2019s hard to find a more striking nature reserve on the British Isles. The woodland that rises from the shore gives way to moorland, opening up some truly inspiring views. Red deer and pine martens frequent these parts, as do buzzards and black grouse. If you\u2019re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a twite; a red status finch that is closely related to the linnet.\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.rspb.org.uk\/reserves-and-events\/reserves-a-z\/inversnaid\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">rspb.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Loch Garten,\u00a0Abernethy<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C368,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-50934\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/01\/Cairngorms-a30bb43.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C412&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Loch Garten is home ancient trees, tottering wood-ant nests, grazing deer and soaring ospreys\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Hidden within Abernethy Forest in the lowlands of the Cairngorms National Park is <a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/go-outdoors\/walks\/walk-loch-garten-highland\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Loch Garten<\/a>. With its ancient Caledonian pine forest, boggy woodland and rich waters, the reserve is an embodiment of the wild and compelling nature of the Scottish Highlands.<\/p>\n<p>May is an ideal time to visit. The weather is warming but the swarms of midges are yet to descend. The herby scent of pine fills the air, birdlife is abundant as summer migrants such as redstarts and tree pipits arrive, and the ospreys should be hatching their chicks \u2013 it\u2019s a unique chance to see these graceful fish-scooping predators in action.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Bass Rock and the Scottish Seabird Centre, Berwickshire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-50187\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2019\/12\/GettyImages-128108189-a7fe727-scaled.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Gannet on Bass Rock in Scotland\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/birds\/day-out-scottish-seabird-centre-east-lothian\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Bass Rock and the Scottish Seabird Centre<\/a> was the winner of our <em>BBC Countryfile Magazine<\/em> Nature Reserve of the Year 14\/15. In summer, this gannet-capped island becomes the most exciting birding spectacle in the UK. The Seabird Centre has a video link but a boat trip gives you the essential smell experience, too!<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Beinn Eighe NNR, Kinlochewe, Ross-shire<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C198,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C198,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C234,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C234,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C267,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C267,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C366,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C366,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C409,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C409,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C367,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C367,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-134786\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2023\/01\/Beinn-Eighe-a895164-e1673956581744.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C409&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> The eastern slopes of Beinn Eighe giving commanding views of the surrounding area\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The first and possibly the best, Beinn Eighe was named Britain\u2019s first NNR in 1951, and it hasn\u2019t been bettered for the drama of its scenery. The reserve\u2019s main draw is its fragmented ancient pinewood, with Scots pines that are close to four centuries old, but it also takes in beautiful Loch Maree, ridges, scree-strewn slopes and a fistful of rugged peaks.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a place to see typical Highland wildlife such as red deer, golden eagles and \u2013 if you\u2019re very lucky \u2013 pine martens. Also look out for Scottish crossbills; they strip the seed from cones high in the branches of pines and leave tell-tale debris scattered on the woodland floor.<\/p>\n<p>It is a great place for insects too \u2013 not just the all-too-common midge, but also some really impressive species including the golden-ringed dragonfly, which patrols the burns in high summer.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h2>Northern Ireland\u2019s best nature reserves<\/h2>\n<h3>Slievenacloy, County Antrim<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137357\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/Slievenacloy-62cbfb8-e1674463163536.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Slievenacloy Nature Reserve\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Ulster Wildlife Trust\u2019s <a href=\"\/\/www.ulsterwildlife.org\/nature-reserves\/slievenacloy&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Slievenacloy Nature Reserve<\/a> in County Antrim is the perfect place for a foray into the world of fungi.<\/p>\n<p>Lying in a picturesque valley of the Belfast Hills, this grassland paradise is the best site in Northern Ireland for waxcap fungi, with 27 species of these colourful, shiny-capped mushrooms recorded on the reserve. Splashes of colour amongst the grass could reveal crimson, golden, snowy and scarlet waxcaps, or the blushing parasols of pink waxcaps, their frilled caps curling with age until they rise upwards like a wind-ravaged umbrella.<\/p>\n<p>But it is the view that is often the most striking feature of a visit to Slievenacloy. From one viewpoint, you can see five of the six counties of Northern Ireland, as well as the shining expanse of Lough Neagh, the UK\u2019s largest body of freshwater.<\/p>\n<section class=\"&quot;highlight\"><div class=\"&quot;highlight__content\" editor-content=\"\"> <h4><a href=\"\/\/www.countryfile.com\/wildlife\/how-to-identify\/guide-to-british-fungi-where-to-find-and-how-to-identify\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">British wild mushroom and fungi guide: how to identify and where to find<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>The UK\u2019s woods, riverbanks and meadows are home to roughly 15,000 species of wild mushrooms. Find out how to identify the most common species found in Britain, plus essential safety tips on which mushrooms are edible or poisonous in our British fungi guide.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p><\/div> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image-container&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;highlight__image&quot;\"> <div class=\"&quot;img-container\" img-container--highlight-image=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Oyster20mushrooms-3431d79.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=556,556&quot;\" srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/Oyster20mushrooms-3431d79.jpg?quality=45&amp;resize=1025,1025\" https:=\"\" sizes=\"&quot;(min-width:\" calc=\"\" width=\"&quot;556&quot;\" height=\"&quot;556&quot;\" class=\"&quot;img-container__image\" img-fluid=\"\" wp-image-16868=\"\" alignnone=\"\" size-highlight_image=\"\" img-container__image=\"\" alt=\"&quot;A\" cluster=\"\" of=\"\" pale=\"\" brown=\"\" fungi=\"\" resembling=\"\" oyster=\"\" mushrooms=\"\" grows=\"\" on=\"\" the=\"\" trunk=\"\" a=\"\" tree=\"\" in=\"\" london=\"\" public=\"\" park.=\"\" title=\"&quot;Quirky\" moments=\"\"\/><\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section><hr\/><h3>The Giant\u2019s Causeway, West of Portrush, County Antrim<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-28561\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/06\/Giant\u2019s-Causeway-01eda5f.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Giant\u2019s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Northern Ireland\u2019s best-known landmark \u2013 <a href=\"\/\/www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/visit\/northern-ireland\/giants-causeway&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Giant\u2019s Causeway<\/a> \u2013 is a World Heritage Site as well as a \u00a0NNR. Although people once believed that a giant\u2019s footsteps created the causeway\u2019s rocks, this spectacular stretch of coast was formed around 60 million years ago, when the lava that became the area\u2019s basalt rocks cooled quickly, probably in contact with water. That resulted in the formation of the distinctive column shapes that give a weirdly uniform look to the rocks.<\/p>\n<p>As well as all the geology there are lots of interesting plants to see, especially in early summer, and birds, including peregrine falcons and choughs.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h2>Best urban nature reserves in the UK<\/h2>\n<p>Living in a city doesn\u2019t mean missing out on your daily dose of nature. We take a look at some of our favourite urban areas bursting with greenery and wildlife.<\/p>\n<h3>St Nicholas Fields, York<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=298%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=403%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=553%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=406%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-137389\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2020\/03\/St-Nicholas-Fields-83a8244.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=619%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> St Nicholas Fields in summer\/Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/stnicks.org.uk\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">St Nicholas Fields in York<\/a>\u00a0spreads over 24 acres of former rubbish tip, in between a housing estate and an industrial area just a mile from the city centre. Various bird breeds such as brambling, finches, tits, siskins and kingfishers are regularly seen on the site, which became a nature reserve in 2004. It\u2019s also a haven for butterflies, with over 20 species having been spotted, attracted by the wildflower meadow and rough grassland. The kilometre long tree trail guides visitors around the site as they take in sights and sounds of nature.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>BEES Urban Nature Reserve, Bradford<\/h3>\n<p>Bradford Environmental Education Service have\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.bees-ymca.org.uk\/index.php\/projects\/25th_anniversary&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">created the BEES Urban Nature Reserve<\/a>\u00a0on land which they rent from the University of Bradford. The cosy spot has been a nature reserve of some description since 1990. Currently it boasts two ponds and an area of trees and wildflower grassland. In an area historically associated with the Britain\u2019s industrial past, this soothing spot is prime dragonfly and damselfly territory. Teeming with birds and the insects that nourish them, the site is often a favourite to take youngsters on family days out, or school trips.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Ripple, Camley Street nature reserves, London<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-5897\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/09\/geograph-4712684-by-Bill-Boaden-46afe34.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Sydenham Hill Wood\/Credit: Bill Boaden, Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>The capital, stretching such a broad area, is bound to have some lovely areas of natural beauty despite the dense levels of human inhabitation.\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.lbbd.gov.uk\/services\/ripple-nature-reserve&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">The Ripple Nature Reserve in Dagenham<\/a>\u00a0is one such example. Once a dumping ground for pulverised fuel ash, this industrial landscape has been reclaimed and turned into a rich mix of scrub, woodland and grassland. Its former industrial state has caused the soil to become alkaline, as opposed to much of London\u2019s acidic land. This means there are many plants growing here that struggle elsewhere in the city, such as southern marsh orchids, grey club rush and wild basil.<\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere,\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.wildlondon.org.uk\/nature-reserves\/camley-street-natural-park&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Camley Street Natural Park in King\u2019s Cross<\/a>\u00a0provides a surprise little pocket of preserved wilderness next to the railway station. Created from an old coal yard in 1984, the site\u2019s ponds woodland and meadows are home to all sorts of wildlife, from amphibians to birds and insects.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/\/www.wildlondon.org.uk\/nature-reserves\/sydenham-hill-wood-and-coxs-walk&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Sydenham Hill Wood in Southwark<\/a>\u00a0is a green mass of ancient and recent woodland combined with a Victorian garden. It\u2019s a perfect spot to find woodpeckers, insects, bats and fungi.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Miley Nature Reserve, Dundee<\/h3>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk\/reserve\/the-miley\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Miley Nature Reserve lies within the Lochee and Beechwood areas of Dundee<\/a>\u00a0and has been constructed on what was once an impassable rubbish tip, a mile in length. It is now a thriving habitat for birds and insects, complete with tall herbs, tress, grassland, cycle tracks and footpaths.<\/p>\n<h3>King\u2019s Meadow, Nottingham<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=294%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=294%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=349%2C236&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=349%2C236&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=398%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=398%2C269&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=545%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=545%2C369&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=610%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=610%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=401%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=401%2C271&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=547%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=547%2C370&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-38828\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Wildflowers-5b143f6-e1674477885293.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=610%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Wildflowers on King\u2019s Meadow. Credit: Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>On the\u00a0edge of an industrial estate in Lenton, Nottingham lies the <a href=\"\/\/www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">King\u2019s Meadow<\/a>. This small nature reserves was created in 1992 in order to protect the unusual wildlife of the area, introduced by man thanks to the Wilford Power Station \u2013 decommissioned in the 1960s. The site is a veritable hotbed of rare plants and insects, many of which are found nowhere else in the county including the common spotted and southern marsh orchids.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Bog Meadows, Belfast<\/h3>\n<p>To many of us outside of Northern Ireland, Belfast\u2019s Falls Road is an area that not many would associate with natural beauty and wildlife. However,\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.ulsterwildlife.org\/nature-reserves\/bog-meadows&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Bog Meadows<\/a>\u00a0is a reserve that offers a tranquil, peaceful space in he heart of this reinvigorated city.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Leigh Woods, Brandon Hill Nature Park, Bristol<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=299%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=354%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=404%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=407%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=555%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-38825\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Leigh-Woods-Bristol-7a258f4.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Path though Leigh Woods, Clifton Bristol\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Bristol is an increasingly popular place to live. A small city centre with a sprawling residential area, this vibrant conurbation is home to a thriving arts scene and is also spoilt for choice when it comes to great countryside. The Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills and the Cotswolds are all a short drive away, but there\u2019s plenty to be found within the city itself too.\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/leigh-woods&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Leigh Woods<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk\/reserves\/brandon_hill.htm&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Brandon Hill Nature Park<\/a>\u00a0are two of the more are two well-known highlights, but\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk\/reserves\/coombe_brook.htm&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">the hidden gem of Coombe Brook Valley<\/a>\u00a0is perfect for wild adventures in the heart of the residential city, nestled in the middle of a housing estate in the Fishponds area of town. Visitors will find Oak, sycamore and hazel trees, along with spotted flycatchers, greenfinches, foxes and butterflies.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Deer\u2019s Leap Wood, Birmingham<\/h3>\n<p>In the central region of England you\u2019ll find the\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.bbcwildlife.org.uk\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Centre of the Earth<\/a>. Birmingham and the Black Country Wildlife Trust\u2019s environmental centre specialises in educating visitors about the environment, sustainable development and wildlife. Situated by the side of the old Birmingham Canal route, the community centre offers learning resources for children and adults, as well as training and inspiration for teachers and community projects.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/\/www.bbcwildlife.org.uk\/deers-leap-wood&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Deer\u2019s Leap Wood<\/a>\u00a0is an evocatively named mix of meadows, ponds, brooks and woodland that can be traced back to the medieval era when the land formed part of the Rotton Park Estate, which is said to take its name from the Anglo Saxon term \u2018Rot Ton\u2019, meaning \u2018cheerful farm\u2019. Shireland Brook, which flows along the site\u2019s northern boundary, historically formed the county boundary between Staffordshire and Warwickshire. Trees including birch, ash, cherry, oak, field maple, wych elm, hazel, alder, poplar, sycamore and willows can be found in the woodland. Greater Spotted Woodpeckers have been especially keen to make their home amongst them. Newts, moorhens, mallards and herons will often be found in the ponds, which are lined with meadowsweet, water mint, flag iris, and reedmace.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Moston Fairway, Manchester<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/\/www.lancswt.org.uk\/\/reserves\/moston-fairway&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Manchester\u2019s Moston Fairway<\/a>\u00a0developed between 80 and 100 years ago. It once formed part of the Moston Exchange sidings and is now a base-rich marshland. It is unique in the city of Manchester, and rare in the country as a whole, as large marshland areas tend not to occur in urban surroundings. It is an area of special interest and ecological value due to the diversity of plant and animal communities it supports.<\/p>\n<p>The site supports three species of rush and five species of sedge. Three species including White Sedge and Yellow Sedge are uncommon in Greater Manchester. Reed Bunting, Linnet, Kestrel and Snipe have all been seen on the site, which is close to the Manchester to Rochdale railway line. One more for the budding botanists, but still birds and animal life to be found too.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Sunnybank nature reserve, Sheffield<\/h3>\n<p>Lurking behind the petrol station at the bottom of Ecclesall Road is the\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.wildsheffield.com\/reserves\/sunnybank\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">small but perfectly formed Sunnybank Nature Reserve<\/a>. It\u2019s the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust\u2019s most visited nature reserve, despite its less than salubrious setting. Statues and sculpture of frogs are to be found scattered around the site, which marks the end of a green corridor running through the city from the botanical gardens through Endcliffe Park and Whitely Woods to\u00a0Derbyshire\u2019s Peak District.<\/p>\n<p>Once part of an industrial site,\u00a0Sheffield\u2019s Salmon Pastures\u00a0is one of many areas of land that have been transformed from their original use and become a rural sanctuary in the heart of the urban sprawl. Tucked away, clinging on to the banks of the River Don, surrounded by the industrial estates of Attercliffe, this very small site provides shelter for wildlife, as butterflies warm themselves in the speckled sun filtering through the trees and birds swoop down to catch insects by the river.<\/p>\n<hr\/><h3>Howardian Nature Reserve and Cardiff Bay Wetlands, Cardiff<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=285%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=285%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=338%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=338%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=385%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=385%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=528%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=528%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=591%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=591%2C413,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=388%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=388%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=530%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=530%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-38827\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2018\/11\/Cardiff-Bay-Wetlands-bd86ce5-e1674477950119.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=591%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" icon-camera-circle=\"\"\/> Howardian Nature Reserve and Cardiff Bay Wetlands\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\"\/><\/div>\n<p>Just a mile and half from the centre of the Welsh Capital, the\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.howardianlnr.org.uk\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">Howardian Local Nature Reserve<\/a>\u00a0is a tranquil oasis of wildflower meadows, ponds and reedbeds filled with orchids and butterflies. There\u2019s even a stream and waterfalls hidden away in the woodland. 25,000 trees and shrubs have been planted to expand the coppices that already existed in the area. It all makes for special habitat covering 32 acres that is home to a magical menagerie of animals include newts, dormice, voles, slow worms, shrew, frogs and foxes.<\/p>\n<p>Created in 2002,\u00a0<a href=\"\/\/www.naturvation.eu\/nbs\/cardiff\/cardiff-bay-wetlands-reserve&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener noopener noreferrer\" noreferrer=\"\">the Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve<\/a>, is a massive area along the mouth of the River Taff and Cardiff Bay. Previously saline mudflats were transferred into freshwater marshland and a 400 acre lake. The site is home to many migrating and breeding birds including herons, grebes and kingfishers.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By countryfile Published: Monday, 23 January 2023 at 12:00 am Few days out in the countryside can beat a visit to a local nature reserve. There are hundreds of them throughout the UK, each offering its own unique blend of landscapes, wildlife and walks. These protected areas \u2013 looked after by a variety of conservation [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":23053,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"26"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/01\/britains-best-nature-reserves-for-walks-and-wildlife-scaled.jpg",2560,1716,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/01\/britains-best-nature-reserves-for-walks-and-wildlife-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/01\/britains-best-nature-reserves-for-walks-and-wildlife-300x201.jpg",300,201,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/01\/britains-best-nature-reserves-for-walks-and-wildlife-768x515.jpg",768,515,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/01\/britains-best-nature-reserves-for-walks-and-wildlife-1024x686.jpg",800,536,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/01\/britains-best-nature-reserves-for-walks-and-wildlife-1536x1030.jpg",1536,1030,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/01\/britains-best-nature-reserves-for-walks-and-wildlife-2048x1373.jpg",2048,1373,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By countryfile Published: Monday, 23 January 2023 at 12:00 am Few days out in the countryside can beat a visit to a local nature reserve. There are hundreds of them throughout the UK, each offering its own unique blend of landscapes, wildlife and walks. These protected areas \u2013 looked after by a variety of conservation&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/23052"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23052"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23052"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}