Nature and wildlife - Wildlife in England - Practical information

Wild animals need to be treated with respect and caution. They can carry diseases which are transferable to humans, and they can cause injury by biting or otherwise attacking. Never put yourself at risk of injury.

Approach animals with care, and if in doubt, stay back.

Do not attempt to approach an animal if you think it might be dangerous.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after contact.

Children are particularly at risk from many animals, and should stay well clear of them unless supervised.

Check out Bill Oddie’s top tips for finding wildlife (www.bbc.co.uk/nature/programmes/tv/bill_oddie/tips/) in eight different habitats found in the UK.

The right gear is essential for wildlife watching and photography. Protection from the cold and wet is important, as is good footwear. Take a torch and some food and drink. If you go off marked paths, a compass and map (and the ability to use them!) are essential. You can find the right kind of supplies for spending time outdoors and observing wildlife at Wildlife Watching Supplies (www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk/index.htm).

What to look for

Take a look through the English countryside and discover a wealth of nature on your doorstep. Here is the BBC's guide on what you might find (www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/wildbritain/look_around/).

What to listen for

Listen to the song of some of our more common birds on the BBC’s website. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has an RSPB website A to Z (www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/index.asp) of UK birds guide on its website. You can listen to the song of most birds listed, and there are also short videos of some of them.