Where to watch wildlife

Now that autumn – and Autumnwatch – are here, how about getting out there to enjoy all the amazing wildlife around the UK? Autumn really is a fabulous time to experience some of our greatest wildlife spectacles – so why not wrap up warm and enjoy them!

You might think that autumn is a time when most creatures are beginning to hide away for the winter, or even leave our shores for warmer climes. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Amidst the death, decay and departures there's all sorts of action going on: flocks of birds arriving to take advantage of our mild winter climate; mammals storing up food for the cold weather ahead; and all sorts of fascinating stuff from fungi to fruits of the forest.

And getting out and about – especially as the long winter nights draw in – is a great way to shake off the autumn blues! Studies now show what many of us have known for a long time – that contact with the natural world is very good for our physical, emotional and spiritual health.

But where should you start? Right here... below are some links which will help you to find the best that the UK has to offer.

But before you do, do you know any great places to watch nature in the UK? Or any other helpful website links? If so, we'd love to hear about them. We've set up a discussion on the messageboard for you to do just that.

From the BBC:

From elsewhere:

How to watch wildlife:

Grey seals:

Bats:

Seabirds: