With Google searches for ‘wildlife walk’ up 240%, suggesting Brits are looking for inspiration on where they can see wildlife this winter, the RSPCA in partnership with thortful have analysed TikTok data to find the best spots to catch some winter wildlife, from starling murmurations to migratory birds such as barn owls.
After collating a list of places to see nature on a wildlife walk, the study looked at the number of TikTok views under their corresponding hashtag to find the top 10.
The number one spot was Dartmoor National Park in Devon where the Dartmoor ponies can be found. Although not wild animals, they can be seen on the moor, along with otters and moorland birds like skylarks and snipe. The location has over 5.4m views on its appropriate hashtag on TikTok.
In second place was Teifi Marshes in Wales, famous for its stunning displays of starlings flocking together, called ‘murmurations’, helping to contribute to the 3.7m views for its hashtag. And in third place was Folly Farm in Avon with 2.5m views, boasting tons of wildlife including a roost of tawny owls and an extensive badger sett.
Also featuring in the top 10 spots for a wildlife walk were Dawlish Inner Warren in Devon, home to migratory waterbirds, Glenarm Nature Reserve in Northern Ireland, where otters and red squirrels can be spotted, Studland Bay in Dorset where deer and Brent geese roam, the Falls of Clyde in Scotland, another key place for otters, Marsden Moor in West Yorkshire with its mountain hares, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in North Yorkshire and its deer, and Godmanchester in Cambridgeshire, which draws visitors in with its starling murmurations.
If you are looking to spot wildlife this winter, the RSPCA has put together some of their top tips on things to bear in mind:
Be careful when walking your dog near wildlife
When out on a wildlife walk with your dog in the countryside, please be mindful of the wildlife and ensure your dog doesn’t disturb them, as this could cause parents to abandon their young or livestock to be upset. Keep your dog on the lead at all times in these areas, and obey any signs asking you to keep away from wildlife and livestock.
Don’t litter while out and about
It goes without saying, but any litter left around can be extremely dangerous to animals as well as bad for the environment. If there are no bins along your walk, please keep your rubbish with you until you come across one or until you get home.
Have a read of the countryside code
It’s important to be mindful of UK wildlife laws and the countryside code if you’re looking to spot some nature on a wildlife walk this winter. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects wild birds and other animals across England and Wales. Scotland has its own law, the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011. Wherever you’re going, it’s worth looking into the countryside code before you set off on a winter walk – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code
Other areas around the UK that made the list can be found here: https://www.thortful.com/blog/winter-wildlife-hotspots/
Evie Button, Scientific Officer in the wildlife department at the RSPCA, said: “It’s really encouraging to see that people are so interested in finding places to go and watch wildlife this winter. Although winter is traditionally a quieter time for much of our wildlife, there are still many animals around for us to enjoy watching including large numbers of birds, which you can only see in the UK at this time of year as they migrate from other countries to spend the winter here. From starling murmurations to gatherings of geese, you can find incredible wildlife spectacles all around the country.”
About thortful:
thortful is an online greetings card marketplace, providing a platform for independent creatives to sell their designs from all over the globe. thortful pay their creators an industry-leading royalty rate each time one of their card designs are sold.
Main image credit:Â danny moore from Pixabay
Wildlife Walks
£13.60
Discover Animals is a small team dedicated to bringing you the latest conservation and nature news. If you enjoy our content, please support our work with a donation from as little as £1.
