In January, BBC Wildlife magazine celebrated its 60th birthday. To mark this special milestone, we asked 60 people from our wonderful network of conservationists, writers, presenters and photographers to share their favourite places for wildlife in the UK. The array of locations up and down the country – from lofty hills to spectacular seas – were then put to a public vote. With the results in and counted, we can now reveal the nation’s favourite place for wildlife. Drum roll, please...
60 YEARS
The 10 regional finalists
Scotland Scaur Glen, Dumfriesshire
Nominated by Juliet Vickery, BTO
“The Scaur rises in Polskeoch on the Southern Upland Way, bubbles through moorland, meanders through pasture and tumbles through woodland to Penpont. I spent three summers here for my PhD; 35 years later, summer still draws me back.”
Wales
RSPB Ynys-hir, Ceredigion
Nominated by Martin Hughes-Games, BBC presenter
“Of all the places I visited in my 10 years co-presenting Springwatch, this is the most memorable. The scenery is spectacular, and every day I was plunged into a world teeming with wildlife, including, to name a few stars, otters, hen harriers and grass snakes.”
Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coast
Nominated by Tara Shine, environmental scientist and science communicator
“The Causeway Coast is a wild place of outstanding natural beauty, with dunes, cliffs and, of course, the amazing rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway. I’ve spent some of my most memorable days exploring the sea here – it enthralls every time.”
Yorkshire Rodley Nature Reserve, Leeds
Nominated by Pam Taylor, British Dragonfly Society
“Nestled between Horsforth and the River Aire, Rodley is a dragonfly and damselfly hotspot on the edge of the city. At least 18 species have been recorded here.”
The North
Winter Hill, Greater Manchester
Nominated by Anita Sethi, nature writer
“When I climb to the summit of Winter Hill, I feel like I’m on top of the world. The site, managed by The Wodland Trust, is being restored and revitalised with tree-planting galore. Wildlife to look out for includes cuckoos, deer and common lizards.”
The Midlands
RSPB Middleton Lakes, Staffordshire
Nominated by Lucy Lapwing, naturalist
“Hidden between the urban stretches of Tamworth and Birmingham, this patch of rustling reedbeds and stretching skies has become a place of learning and escape. The hours spent absorbing wild things here are consistently uplifting.”
London
Wimbledon Common, south-west London
Nominated by Jini Reddy, author and journalist
“Wimbledon Common is a favourite wild place in all seasons and provides a marvellous gre
