National Trust Coastal Wildlife Walks
In the UK you are never more than 75 miles from the coast, and holidaying within the UK is becoming an increasingly attractive cost effective and ‘green’ option. With over 700 miles of coastline in its care, the National Trust not only offers a great seaside escape but also an undiscovered world of wildlife – from puffins and grey seals on the Farne Islands to clouded yellow butterflies on the White Cliffs of Dover.
The National Trust’s coastal Neptune Walks can be downloaded at www.natioanltrust.org.uk. They’re guaranteed to offer a day out full of wildlife, wild views and history.
The National Trust’s coastal Neptune Walks can be downloaded at www.natioanltrust.org.uk. They’re guaranteed to offer a day out full of wildlife, wild views and history.
Here are some of the top National Trust spots for wild coastline and wildlife:
The Lizard and Kynance Cove, Cornwall – On this most southerly point of mainland Britain, there are dramatic cliff-top walks, rare wildflowers and unique geology. It’s home to grayling butterflies in late summer and iridescent rose chafer beetles; and also one of our rarest breeding bird, the Cornish chough. Kynance Cove is a gem, with white sands and turquoise waters. For further information, tel: 01326 561407.
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve, Dorset – Glorious sandy beaches stretching for 3 miles. Its two national nature reserves are havens for rare birds and other wildlife. For further information, tel: 01929 450259.
Rhossili, Gower, Wales – Endless dunes and deserted beaches. In summer the gaudy scarlet tiger moth flits along the beach. There are cliff-top walks with views of Worm’s Head. For further information, tel: 01792 390707.
The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent – The famous natural wonder and protected site with rare plants (such as the endangered oxtongue broomrape and a large population of rare early spider orchids) and animals, including visiting clouded yellow butterflies. Great coastal walks and views out over the Channel. Visitor centre, café and shop. For further information, tel: 01304 202756.
Souter Lighthouse, Tyne & Wear – The world’s first electric lighthouse. Amazing views over Marsden Bay and a cliff-top walk along The Leas. Nesting kittiwakes and other seabirds on the cliffs and stacks, and a great tearoom with local specialities. For further information, tel: 01670 773966.
The Lizard and Kynance Cove, Cornwall – On this most southerly point of mainland Britain, there are dramatic cliff-top walks, rare wildflowers and unique geology. It’s home to grayling butterflies in late summer and iridescent rose chafer beetles; and also one of our rarest breeding bird, the Cornish chough. Kynance Cove is a gem, with white sands and turquoise waters. For further information, tel: 01326 561407.
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve, Dorset – Glorious sandy beaches stretching for 3 miles. Its two national nature reserves are havens for rare birds and other wildlife. For further information, tel: 01929 450259.
Rhossili, Gower, Wales – Endless dunes and deserted beaches. In summer the gaudy scarlet tiger moth flits along the beach. There are cliff-top walks with views of Worm’s Head. For further information, tel: 01792 390707.
The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent – The famous natural wonder and protected site with rare plants (such as the endangered oxtongue broomrape and a large population of rare early spider orchids) and animals, including visiting clouded yellow butterflies. Great coastal walks and views out over the Channel. Visitor centre, café and shop. For further information, tel: 01304 202756.
Souter Lighthouse, Tyne & Wear – The world’s first electric lighthouse. Amazing views over Marsden Bay and a cliff-top walk along The Leas. Nesting kittiwakes and other seabirds on the cliffs and stacks, and a great tearoom with local specialities. For further information, tel: 01670 773966.
Dunwich Heath, Suffolk – This coastline is bird-lover’s paradise, with summer sand martins, skylarks and rare Dartford warblers. The backdrop of heathland is ablaze with heather in summer, and gorse in winter. Home to red deer and lizards, otters and frogs, ant lions and damselflies. The sea is safe, the water a touch cold. For further information, tel: 01728 648501.
Sandscale Haws, Cumbria – One of England’s largest and most important sand dune systems. Home to rare animals, including a thriving population of natterjack toads – seen in a specially constructed pool on spring evenings, when the males are calling. Bracing walks and picnics are the order of the day.
North Yorkshire Coast – National Trust properties extend 40 miles from Saltburn to Filey, and include Robin Hood’s Bay. The Cleveland Way national trail hugs the cliffs, where there are orchids, kittiwakes and cormorants to be spotted. It’s an area rich in industrial archaeology, including the Peak Alum Works at Ravenscar. For further information, tel: 01723 870423.
Farne Islands, Northumberland – More than 100,00 pairs of nesting birds, including 55,000 pairs of puffins in spring and summer. There’s also a large colony of grey seals. The wildlife is extremely friendly, but just watch out for the dive-bombing terns – wear a hat! For further information, tel: 01665 721099.
Giant’s Causeway, Co Antrim, Northern Island – At this World Heritage Site, bizarre polygonal columns of dark basalt dominate the coastline, and are immortalised in Irish folklore. First-class walking and wild flowers along the cliff paths. Peregrine falcons and grey seals can be spotted. For further information, tel: 028 2073 1582.