Discover where the wild things really are in the UK this spring

It’s been five years since the world shut down due to Covid, but one of the healthy trends that’s remained is an appreciation of green spaces close to home.

Connecting with animals has been scientifically proven to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and induce relaxation – so it’s no surprise more travellers are seeking to spend time in nature.

Although not typically known as a wildlife destination, the UK still has plenty of countryside and coastline to explore – from woodlands designated as national parks to farmlands regenerated by environmentally focussed individuals.

As the weather warms up, venture to some of these places guaranteed to literally put a spring in your step.

Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales

Britain’s canals are a haven for all sorts of winged creatures ranging from birds to bats. Away from the main aquatic arteries, take a detour along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal which follows the Usk Valley through the Brecon Beacons National Park. Woodland and water birds to spot include iridescent blue kingfishers diving faster than bullets to forage for food. Around sunset, trees running alongside the canal serve as dark corridors for Daubenton’s bats, also known as the ‘water bat’, and common and soprano pipistrelle.

How: A weekend on the 47ft Red Naped Finch narrowboat (for up to five people) from Goytre, costs from £765, including bed linen, towels, car parking, buoyancy aids and tuition. Fuel costs are based on use, approximately £10-£15 per day. Visit drifters.co.uk and canalrivertrust.org.uk.

Somerset

With only 53% of its original nature remaining, the UK has some of the lowest biodiversity in Europe. But several innovative individuals are doing their best to reverse the catastrophic decline. Siblings Seth and Lara Tabatznik have rewilded and regenerated their 42 Acres Somerset estate to the point many species thought locally extinct have returned. Beavers, wild boar and pine martens can all now be seen along with barn owls, otters, hares, kestrels and buzzards. Stay in the open plan and light-filled Monk’s Hatch and Library Barn, decorated with quirky touches. Experiences on the estate include guided rewilding and beaver walks.

How: Stays cost from £300 per night. Visit kiphideaways.com.

East Norfolk

It’s not only humans who pack aways their winter wardrobe as the weather warms up. April is the tail-end of East Norfolk’s annual seal moult, when hundreds of adult grey seals come ashore to shed their worn-out coats and replace them with fresh new waterproof ones. Find the blubbery creatures huddled in groups at Horsey Beach and watch them from a respectable distance. All along the coast up to Winterton Dunes Nature Reserve, there are opportunities to spot birds and even the rare Natterjack toad. Stay in a wide choice of self-catering accommodation, including a converted 19th century Methodist Church Chapel at Winterton-on-Sea.

How: A three-night stay at 2 Old Chapel Cottages (sleeps four) cost from £335 in April. Visit wintertoncottages.co.uk.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Remote and undisturbed, Britain’s most northerly outpost provides the ideal habitat for wildlife to flourish. Island hop from the mainland to spot a variety of creatures. From April to August, puffins return to the cliffs of Shetland, while kittiwakes and razorbills glide above Sumburgh Head and great skuas frequent the Ness of Hillswick Headland. To see puffins up close, try Yell and Unst. May is also the start of the orca season when these majestic marine predators arrive in bays to feed on seals. In between animal spotting, take boat rides and visit ancient archeological sites.

How: Ramble Worldwide offers the seven-night escorted Shetland Archipelago group tour from £2,099pp, including half board accommodation and flights from Glasgow to Sumburgh. Departs May 10. Visit rambleworldwide.co.uk.

New Forest, Hampshire

Synonymous with new beginnings, spring is the period when many species give birth. Originally set aside as a hunting ground by William the Conqueror around 1079, Hampshire’s New Forest National Park is now a place where animals thrive. Wander along woodland trails lined with beech, oak and ferns in search of free-roaming foals, fawns, calves and kids can often found straying into nearby villages. During quiet moments, it may be possible to find vixens playing with fox cubs and badgers foraging for their young. Aside from the animal life, this is also a great place to witness some of the UK’s most vibrant bluebell displays. Check out Pondhead Inclosure near Lyndhurst and Roydon Woods near Brockenhurst.

How: Four-night breaks at Brogensdale cottage (sleeps eight) overlooking heathland start from £1,162. Visit newforestcottages.co.uk.