Mammals

Here is the complete list of mammals in the United Kingdom, including native, reintroduced, and established non-native species (Great Britain & Northern Ireland, plus surrounding seas).

The UK has 110+ regularly occurring mammal species, most of which are bats and marine mammals.

Terrestrial Mammals (Land Mammals)

Order: Eulipotyphla (Hedgehogs, Shrews & Moles)

Hedgehogs;

European hedgehog

Shrews;

Common shrew

Pygmy shrew

Water shrew

Greater white-toothed shrew (non-native, expanding)

Moles;

European mole

Order: Chiroptera (Bats)

Horseshoe Bats;

Greater horseshoe bat

Lesser horseshoe bat

Pipistrelles;

Common pipistrelle

Soprano pipistrelle

Nathusius' pipistrelle

Long-eared Bats;

Brown long-eared bat

Grey long-eared bat

Myotis Bats;

Daubenton's bat

Natterer's bat

Whiskered bat

Brandt's bat

Bechstein's bat

Other Bats;

Noctule bat

Leisler's bat

Serotine bat

Barbastelle

Alcathoe bat

(All UK bats are legally protected.)

Order: Rodentia (Rodents)

Native;

Red squirrel

Hazel dormouse

Harvest mouse

Water vole

Bank vole

Field vole

Wood mouse

Yellow-necked mouse

Non-Native / Introduced;

Grey squirrel

Edible dormouse

Brown rat

Black rat

House mouse

Coypu (now eradicated)

Order: Carnivora (Carnivores)

Red fox

European badger

European otter

Stoat

Weasel

Polecat

American mink (non-native)

Scottish wildcat

Feral cat

Order: Artiodactyla (Deer)

Native;

Red deer

Roe deer

Introduced / Naturalised;

Fallow deer

Sika deer

Reeves's muntjac

Chinese water deer

Marine Mammals (Seas Around the UK)

Seals;

Grey seal

Common seal

Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises (Cetacea)

Regular species include:

Harbour porpoise

Bottlenose dolphin

Common dolphin

Risso's dolphin

Minke whale

Humpback whale

Fin whale

Sei whale

Killer whale

Pilot whale

Plus several rare beaked whale species

(UK waters record 25+ cetacean species, though many are rare visitors.)

Summary

Land mammals - 55 species

Bats - 18 species

Marine mammals - 30+ species

Total: 110+ species

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Sparrow: A Day in the Life..

A Day in the Life of a House Sparrow Dawn: A Rustle in the Hedge Before most are awake and kettles begin to boil, a small brown bird stirs inside a thick privet hedge. She is a house sparrow — known to science as Passer domesticus — and like many of her kind across the UK, she has learned to live alongside humans while remaining largely unnoticed. As the first light seeps over slate rooftops and brick chimney our sparrow puffs her feathers against the chill, shakes once, and hops toward the edge of the hedge. The world is quiet but promising. A blackbird rehearses a liquid melody somewhere beyond the fence. A wood pigeon claps its wings overhead. The sparrow answers the morning with a bright, practical chirrup — not a song for admiration, but a call that says, “I’m here.” Breakfast: Pavements and Possibilities Food is never guaranteed, even in a land of gardens and bakeries. The sparrow launches herself into the cool air, wings beating in a blur, and heads for a familiar str...

Hedgehogs: A Secret Life..

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Bats: A Day in the Life..

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Peacock Butterfly

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British Wildlife That Breeds in April: A Complete Guide

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Grass Snake: A Day in the Life..

Grass Snakes in the UK: Britain’s Largest Native Snake Explained Learn about grass snakes in the UK, including identification, habitat, diet, and behaviour. Discover why Britain’s largest native snake is harmless and protected. Grass snakes are one of the UK’s most fascinating—and misunderstood—wild reptiles. Often spotted swimming in ponds, basking near compost heaps, or disappearing into long grass, these shy snakes play an important role in British ecosystems. Despite their size, grass snakes are completely harmless to humans and are protected by law in the UK. In this guide, we’ll explore grass snakes in the UK, including where they live, what they eat, how to identify them, and why they matter. What Is a Grass Snake? The grass snake (Natrix helvetica) is the UK’s largest native snake, capable of growing over 1.5 metres long. It belongs to the colubrid family and is non-venomous. Once grouped with European grass snakes, UK populations are now recognised as a distinct species, adapt...

European Adder: Vipera berus

Here is a scientific summary of adders in the UK — specifically the common European Adder, Vipera berus, which is the only venomous snake species native to Great Britain. This article covers taxonomy, morphology, ecology, physiology, behaviour, conservation status, threats, population genetics, and distribution, based on various scientific and conservation sources. Taxonomy & Scientific Classification Common name: Adder, Common European adder Scientific name: Vipera berus (nominotypical subspecies often referred to as Vipera berus berus). Family: Viperidae Order: Squamata (snakes and lizards). IUCN Red List status (global): Least Concern, reflecting a wide range across Europe and Asia, not just the UK. Morphology & Physiology Size: Adults typically 60–80 cm long, with females often slightly larger than males. Weight: Around 50–100 g in adults. Colouration: Grey or brown base with a distinct dark zig-zag pattern along the back; melanistic (all-black) individuals occur. Male...

Moorland Ponies

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Red Deer: A Day in the Life..

A Day in the Life of a Red Deer As dawn stretches its pale fingers across the hills, a red deer lifts its head from the heather. The air is cool, silvered with mist, and the world feels hushed — balanced on that quiet edge between night and day. For one of Europe’s most iconic wild mammals, the rhythm of life begins not with haste, but with caution. Early Morning: The Quiet Grazer In the soft light, a red deer feeds. Grasses, young shoots, heather tips, and the occasional fallen acorn make up its breakfast. If it is a hind (female), she may be accompanied by her calf, born in early summer and still learning which plants are safe and nourishing. If it is a stag (male), especially outside the autumn rut, he may graze alone or in a small bachelor group. Ears flick constantly. Red deer rely on acute hearing and an exceptional sense of smell. Every shifting breeze is analyzed. The snap of a twig could mean nothing — or everything. As the sun rises higher, the deer gradually move from open g...

Marsh Fritillary Butterfly

The Marsh Fritillary Butterfly: Britain’s Fragile Flagship Species Discover the Marsh Fritillary butterfly in depth. Learn about its lifecycle, habitat, conservation status, and why this rare UK butterfly is so vulnerable. The Marsh Fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia) is one of the UK’s most intensively studied and most threatened butterflies. Once widespread across Britain, it has suffered dramatic declines due to habitat loss and changing land management. Today, it survives only where landscapes are carefully balanced — making it a powerful symbol of conservation success and failure. This article explores the Marsh Fritillary butterfly in depth, including its lifecycle, habitat needs, behaviour, decline, and why protecting it matters far beyond a single species. What Is the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly? The Marsh Fritillary is a medium-sized butterfly known for its striking orange, cream, and black chequered wings. Unlike many butterflies that thrive in a wide range of habitats, ...

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