Wildlife

Wildlife

The whole world's Public Waters  wildlife refers to the diverse array of animal and plant species found across the globe, from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountains. It includes everything from tiny insects to massive mammals and from lush rainforests to vast deserts. Unfortunately, much of the world’s wildlife is under threat due to habitat loss, climate change, poaching, pollution, and other human activities. Efforts are being made worldwide to protect endangered species and their habitats through conservation programs, wildlife protection laws, and sustainable practices.

The United Kingdom Public Waters is home to a fascinating variety of wildlife all over the UK, ranging from common species to rare and endangered ones. Within there is a rich diversity of Public Waters and its wildlife, with a mix of native and migratory species thriving in its various habitats, ranging from woodlands and heathlands to wetlands and coastal areas. Including all types of Amphibians - Birds - Ferns and Horsetails - Freshwater Fish - Fungi - Galls - Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes - Invertebrates - Mammals - Marine - Moss and Liverworts - Reptiles - Trees and Shrubs - Wildflowers.

Amphibians

The United Kingdom is home to several species of amphibians. They are mainly found in wetlands, ponds, and woodlands. Here's a list of the most notable ones: Common Frog (Rana Temporaria) - This is the most widespread amphibian in the UK. They are often found in gardens, ponds, and wetlands. Frogs are known for their smooth, green or brown skin and are excellent swimmers. Common Toad (Bufo Bufo) - Slightly more terrestrial than frogs, toads have dry, warty skin and are often seen in gardens or on roads at night, particularly during the breeding season. They also thrive in ponds or slow-moving water. Great Crested Newt (Triturus Cristatus) -  Larger than the smooth newt, the great crested newt is protected under UK law due to its declining numbers. It has a distinctive crest along its back during the breeding season. The Marsh Frog (Rana Ridibunda) - is a large species of frog found in parts of the UK, especially in wetland areas. Originally native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia, it was introduced to the UK in the 19th century. Marsh frogs are known for their distinctive deep croaking calls and their preference for still or slow-moving water, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. They are quite large compared to native UK frogs, with some adults reaching up to 10 cm in body length. Their coloration is typically green, with dark spots or mottling, and they have a characteristic yellow or white underbelly. They're often seen basking in the sun or swimming in the water. Natterjack Toad (Epidalea Calamita) - Known for its distinctive yellow line down its back, the natterjack toad is rarer than the common toad and is mostly found in coastal sand dunes and heathland. Palmate Newt (Lissotriton Helveticus) - Smaller and less common than the smooth newt, palmated newts have webbed hind feet and are found in ponds and slow-moving water. Smooth Newt (Lissotriton Vulgaris) - The smooth newt is common in ponds and slow-moving waters. It has a distinctive orange belly and dark markings. It's the most widespread newt species in the UK. Amphibians in the UK are often threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, so conservation efforts are important for maintaining their populations. Have you encountered any of these in the wild?

Birds

The UK is home to a wide variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. Some of the most iconic and commonly spotted birds include: European Robin - Known for its bright red chest, the robin is a familiar sight in gardens across the UK and often associated with Christmas. Common Blackbird - Easily recognizable by its all-black plumage (with the male having a yellow-orange beak), the blackbird is frequently heard singing in gardens and parks. European Starling - A small, iridescent bird often seen in large flocks, especially during the winter months when they create stunning aerial displays called murmuration. Mallard Duck - Commonly found in ponds and rivers, these ducks have a distinctive green head (on the male) and are easily identifiable. Woodpigeon - Larger than the city pigeon, woodpigeons are common in rural areas and woodlands, characterized by their grey feathers and white patches on the neck. Great Tit - A small songbird that’s often spotted in gardens, the great tit is known for its black cap and white cheek patches. Red Kite - Once endangered, red kites are now a common sight in parts of the UK. Their forked tail and soaring flight are key identification features. Barn Owl - Recognizable by its heart-shaped face and pale plumage, barn owls are often seen hunting at dusk and night. Peregrine Falcon - Known for being the fastest bird in the world, peregrine falcons can often be seen in urban areas, particularly on tall buildings. Sparrowhawk - A small bird of prey, the sparrowhawk can be seen in woodlands and gardens, hunting smaller birds.

Freshwater Fish

The UK is home to a variety of freshwater fish species, found in lakes, rivers, canals, streams, and reservoirs. Carp - Common, Mirror, Leather, Grass, Crucian, Ghost and Koi Carp are popular species in coarse fishing, carp can grow very large and are often found in lakes, reservoirs and slow-moving rivers. Tench - (Tinca) - Known for their olive-green colouring and normally found in slow-moving rivers, and lakes. They’re a popular species among anglers due to their elusive nature and challenging fight when caught. Barbel - A species of freshwater fish found in rivers, barbel are known for their long, whisker-like barbels on the side of their mouths. Pike - A predatory fish that can grow to impressive sizes. Pike are often found in lakes, reservoirs and slow-moving rivers. Bream - A common species in still waters like lakes and reservoirs, bream have a distinct flat body shape. Chub - Found in rivers, chub is a hardy species and often sought after by anglers. Roach - A small, silver fish found in lakes, rivers, canals and streams. They're commonly targeted by anglers due to their abundance. Dace - A small, silver fish that inhabits the fast-flowing waters of rivers and streams, often found alongside roach. Perch - A striped fish found in many freshwater environments, known for its sharp spines and aggressive feeding habits. Minow’s and Stickle Backs - Well known for being the first catch for many children using their fishing skills with a net or small float fishing rod before advancing onto the bigger fish. Brown Trout - Well known to many fly-fishing anglers for its fighting ability and being more of a challenge and a rare catch in comparison to the Rainbow trout. Rainbow Trout - Although originally from North America, rainbow trout were introduced to the UK some time ago, you will often find Brown and Rainbow trout in reservoirs, lakes, rivers and streams.

Insects

The UK is home to a variety of insect species, many of which are important for pollination, the ecosystem, and the environment. Here are some common types of insects found in the UK. Bees - Honeybee (Apis mellifera) - One of the most famous pollinators, crucial for agriculture and food production. Bumblebee: Known for their distinctive, fuzzy appearance and also important for pollination. Solitary Bees - These bees don't live in colonies and are also effective pollinators. Butterflies - Peacock Butterfly - Recognizable by its eye-like spots on its wings. Red Admiral - A migratory species that is often seen in gardens. Cabbage White - A common garden butterfly, especially attracted to cabbage plants. Moths - Lunar Yellow Underwing - A brightly coloured moth found in gardens. Elephant Hawk-Moth - Large moth with a striking pink and green appearance. Common Pug - A smaller moth, often found in woodlands and gardens. Beetles - Ladybird - Famous for its red or orange body with black spots, known for eating aphids. Stag Beetle - One of the largest beetles in the UK, found in woodlands and parks. Ground Beetle - Predatory beetles that can be found in a variety of habitats. Ants - Black Ant - The most common species found in the UK, especially around gardens and parks. Red Ant - Known for their more aggressive behaviour and slightly reddish appearance. Dragonflies - Common Blue Damselfly - Often seen around ponds and lakes during the summer. Southern Hawker Dragonfly - Known for its bright green and blue body. Grasshoppers and Crickets - Meadow Grasshopper - A common grasshopper in the UK, usually found in long grass and meadows. Common Field Cricket - Though rare, it's notable for its chirping sound. Flies - Housefly - Ubiquitous in homes, commonly found around food waste. Hoverfly - Known for hovering in mid-air, often mistaken for bees. Dronefly - A mimic of the honeybee, it’s often found in gardens and parks. These are just a few examples of the fascinating and diverse insect life in the UK! Many of these species are integral to maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance in the environment.

Mammals

The UK is home to a variety of mammal species, ranging from common ones that are often seen to rarer ones that require conservation efforts. Here are some of the notable mammals in UK Wildlife: Common Mammals - Red Fox - A widespread and adaptable mammal, the red fox is often seen in urban and rural areas across the UK. European Hedgehog - Found in gardens, woodlands, and meadows, hedgehogs are iconic and are known for their nocturnal habits. European Rabbit - A familiar sight in the countryside, rabbits have played a significant role in UK ecosystems, though their population can fluctuate. Brown Rat - Highly adaptable, rats are common in urban areas, but they also live in rural environments. Grey Squirrel - An invasive species in the UK, the grey squirrel has become widespread, often outcompeting the native red squirrel. Stoat - A small carnivore, stoats can be found in woodlands and countryside, known for their agility and ability to hunt small prey. Water Vole - Often associated with riverbanks and wetland habitats, the water vole has sadly declined in numbers in recent decades. Common Shrew - A small insectivore, common shrews are often found in gardens, woodlands, and fields. Bat Species - The UK is home to 18 different species of bats, including the pipistrelle and the brown long-eared bat. They are vital for controlling insect populations. Badger - Found in woodlands and rural areas, badgers are nocturnal and live in family groups called setts.

Rare or Protected Mammals

Scottish Wildcat - Critically endangered, the Scottish wildcat is found mainly in the Scottish Highlands. It's often mistaken for a domestic cat but is a distinct species. Eurasian Beaver – Once extinct in the UK, beavers have been reintroduced in some areas, and they are known for their dam-building behaviour. Pine Marten - A small carnivorous mammal found in woodland habitats; the pine marten is relatively rare but has been making a comeback in certain regions. Grey Seal - Found around the coasts of the UK, particularly in Scotland, grey seals are commonly spotted on rocky outcrops. Harbour Porpoise - The smallest species of whale in the UK, harbour porpoises are found in coastal waters.

These mammals play an important role in the UK's ecosystems and often need protection due to habitat loss, pollution, and other environmental pressures. Wildlife conservation programs are in place to help protect several of these species.

Reptiles

In the UK, reptiles are a fascinating part of the wildlife, though they are relatively few in number compared to other animal groups. There are several species of reptiles that are native to the UK: Common Lizard - Found throughout the UK (except some of the more northern and higher-altitude regions). They are usually brown or greyish, with a variety of patterns. Known for their agility and for basking in the sun. Slow Worm - Not actually a worm, but a legless lizard. Found across much of the UK. It has smooth, shiny skin and can vary in colour, from brown to silvery. Slow worms are often mistaken for snakes, though they are harmless. Adder - The only venomous snake in the UK. Found in heathlands, woodland edges, and grassy areas. Typically, brown or grey with a distinctive zigzag pattern down their backs. Despite its venom, it is generally not dangerous to humans if left undisturbed. Grass Snake - A non-venomous snake, often found near water, in grasslands or woodlands. It has a characteristic yellow or white collar behind its head and a greenish or olive-brown body. Grass snakes are good swimmers and are often seen hunting amphibians.

Rare Reptiles

Smooth Snake - This is a rarer species, mainly found in southern England. It has a slender body with a smooth texture and is usually a light brown or grey colour. The smooth snake is non-venomous and feeds primarily on small mammals and lizards. European Pond Turtle - A very rare native reptile in the UK, primarily found in parts of southern England. As its name suggests, it lives in aquatic environments such as ponds and lakes. Due to habitat loss and predation, it is a species of concern.

All reptiles are important members of the UK's ecosystems, contributing to the balance of both prey and predator dynamics. However, many of them are facing threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. If you're interested in seeing these reptiles in the wild, certain public waters, nature reserves and wildlife areas, especially in southern England, are excellent places to spot them.

Public Water Locations

Activities