Thick-legged flower beetle on a daisy at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Wildlife

From coast to countryside, discover all kinds of wildlife at the places in our care, including marine animals and rare woodland species.

Young bird watcher at Sizergh Castle and Gardens, Cumbria

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Wildlife-spotting tips

Looking to catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or a rare butterfly? Follow our top tips for getting up close (but not too close) with wildlife.

A Eurasian beaver perched by the water and eating

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Our guide to beavers

Did you know that beavers are helping us adapt to tackle climate change? Discover facts about these fascinating creatures.

Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) emerging from log roost.

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Our guide to UK bats

The places we look after are home to every kind of bat that lives in the UK. Use our handy guide to identify different species and find out where to spot them.

Young grey seals on the beach at Horsey, Norfolk

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Seal-spotting guidance

Take a look at our guidelines for responsible seal spotting and top tips for seal watching.

Otter swimming in the river at Croome, Worcestershire

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Top tips for spotting otters

Although otter numbers are on the rise, the shy and elusive marine mammals are still notoriously difficult to find. To boost your chances, here are our top tips on how to spot them in the wild.

Red squirrel sitting on a mossy rock eating a nut

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Red squirrel spotting tips

Find out how to spot red squirrels, the best times to see them and how to tell them apart from grey squirrels.

Fallow deer (Dama dama) grazing on the Crom Estate, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

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Deer-spotting tips

Find out about fallow, red and muntjac deer, how to tell them apart and other top tips for seeing and photographing them at the places we care for.

A goldfinch perches on blackthorn blossom on the Norfolk coast

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Birds to spot through the seasons

Find out how the changing seasons affect the birds you’ll see out and about, with spotting tips and photo galleries to guide you.

Puffins on the Farne Islands, Northumberland

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Guide to puffins

Every year, thousands of puffins come to the places in our care to breed. Find out more about what they eat, when they breed and the best time to see them.

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Guide to identifying birdsong

There are more than 600 known bird species in the UK and their calls are an important clue when bird spotting. Listen to our selection of distinctive birdsongs to get you started.

Barn owl, perched in early evening at Orford Ness, Suffolk

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Our guide to barn owls

Barn owls are instantly recognisable from their heart-shaped faces and distinctive feathers. Learn where they prefer to hunt and nest, and the kinds of habitats they use at the places in our care.