Wildlife of Britain

Cornwall's Octopus Boom: At What Cost? For generations, Cornwall's seas have supported wildlife, local fishing communities, and people who value the incredible marine life found around our coastline. But a new and worrying trend is unfolding beneath the waves. Boats from across the UK are arriving to target octopus in increasing numbers. While the sudden abundance of octopus has attracted commercial interest, the rush to exploit this resource raises serious questions about the long-term health of our marine ecosystems. More Than Just Another Catch Octopuses are remarkable animals. They can solve puzzles, use tools, recognise individual humans, navigate complex environments, and display behaviours associated with learning and memory.  In 2022, the UK recognised octopuses and other cephalopods as sentient beings under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act following an independent scientific review. Whether or not you support fishing, it is worth asking whether highly intelligent, ...

The Rarest Flora and Fauna in Cornwall, UK: Hidden Treasures of the South West Discover the rarest flora and fauna in Cornwall, UK. Learn about endangered plants and animals, where they live, and how conservation is protecting them. Cornwall is one of the UK’s most biologically rich counties, shaped by a mild Atlantic climate, rugged coastline, and ancient landscapes. These conditions have allowed rare plants and animals to survive here long after disappearing elsewhere.  From windswept cliffs to hidden valleys and offshore islands, Cornwall shelters some of Britain’s most threatened species. This article explores the rarest flora and fauna in Cornwall, where they live, and why protecting them matters. Why Cornwall Is a Biodiversity Hotspot Cornwall’s wildlife richness is no accident. Its uniqueness comes from: • A mild, frost-limited climate • Granite and serpentine geology • Long, unspoilt coastline • Low-intensity traditional land use Together, these factors create habitats that...

Where to See Dolphins in Cornwall, UK Wild encounters along Britain’s most dolphin-friendly coast! Cornwall is one of the best places in the UK to see dolphins from land.  Its long, rugged coastline, deep offshore waters, and strong tidal currents create perfect feeding conditions for several dolphin species — most commonly common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and occasionally Risso’s dolphins. While sightings are never guaranteed (and that’s part of the magic), certain Cornish locations consistently stand out.  Grab binoculars, check the tide times, and keep your eyes on the water — Cornwall’s dolphins have a habit of appearing when you least expect them. Why Cornwall Is So Good for Dolphin Watching Cornwall sits where the English Channel meets the Atlantic, meaning: • Deep water comes close to shore • Fish are funnelled by headlands and tides • Dolphins often hunt within visible distance of land Calm seas, a rising tide, and early morning or late afternoon light offer the b...

The Cornish Rex Cat: Cornwall’s Curly-Coated Original Elegant, athletic, and instantly recognisable, the Cornish Rex is one of the most unusual and fascinating cat breeds in the world — and it all began in a humble Cornish barn.  With its rippled coat, oversized ears, and greyhound-like build, the Cornish Rex looks almost other-worldly, yet it’s famously affectionate and people-loving. This is the story — and science — behind one of Britain’s most distinctive cats. A Breed Born in Cornwall The Cornish Rex traces its origins to 1950, in Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. A farm cat gave birth to a cream-coloured kitten with an extraordinary, curly coat. Named Kallibunker, this kitten was unlike anything seen before in domestic cats. Genetic testing later revealed a natural mutation affecting the hair structure. Instead of the usual three layers of fur, Kallibunker had only the soft undercoat, which grew in tight waves. Breeders recognised the uniqueness of this mutation and began carefully deve...

Here’s a guide for what to do if you find a stranded marine animal on the coast of Cornwall, UK — with authoritative contacts and clear steps to take.  Cornwall’s coastline is home to a rich variety of marine life, from seals and dolphins to sharks and turtles, and strandings — both live and dead — are taken seriously by conservation and rescue organisations.  First: Stay Safe & Respect the Animal Before anything else: Do not touch or handle the animal unless instructed by a professional — large marine animals can carry disease and may injure you if stressed.  Never try to push a stranded animal back into the water yourself. Animals that have stranded often need assessment and care before any attempt at release.  Keep people and pets at a distance to reduce stress on the animal and avoid interference with rescue teams.  Note the location, tide state, and any visible injuries — this information will help responders.  📞 Who to Contact — Live, Distressed,...

The Best Birdwatching Locations in Cornwall, UK Cornwall, with its rugged coastline, sheltered estuaries, and lush countryside, is a paradise for birdwatchers.  From seabirds soaring over dramatic cliffs to rare waders visiting tidal flats, Cornwall offers year-round opportunities to spot fascinating bird species.  Whether you’re a beginner with binoculars or an experienced twitcher, these top locations promise unforgettable birdwatching experiences. 1. The Lizard Peninsula The Lizard Peninsula in southern Cornwall is renowned for its coastal and migratory birds. Head to Kynance Cove and Lizard Point to see seabirds such as: Gannets diving for fish Fulmars gliding over cliffs Cormorants and guillemots nesting on rocky ledges Spring and autumn migration bring rare passerines and warblers, making the Lizard a hotspot for migrant birdwatchers. 2. Falmouth Harbour and the Fal Estuary The Fal Estuary is one of Cornwall’s most important wetland habitats, attracting waders, ducks, an...

Coastal Rockpools in Cornwall, UK: Tiny Worlds on the Edge of the Atlantic Cornwall’s rugged coastline is famous for its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and rolling Atlantic waves.  But at low tide, another world is revealed—coastal rockpools, packed with life and colour. These shallow pools, left behind as the sea retreats, are miniature ecosystems that offer a fascinating glimpse into marine life along the Cornish coast. What Are Rockpools? Rockpools are natural basins in rocky shorelines that trap seawater when the tide goes out.  A tide pool can be underwater and connected to the ocean at high tide, then become an isolated pool at low tide.  Organisms living there must cope with: • Rapid temperature changes • Fluctuating salinity (salt concentration) • Variable oxygen levels • Wave impact during high tide • Exposure to air and predators during low tide The intertidal zone is typically divided into several bands: Spray zone Rarely submerged Contains lichens, hardy sna...