Wildlife calendar

UK seal pup season varies by species: common seals pup in summer, grey seals mostly in autumn and winter.

Red squirrels can be seen year-round, but autumn and late winter to spring are often the easiest spotting windows.

Swallows usually arrive in the UK from late March to May, after migrating north from Africa.

Ospreys usually return to UK nesting sites from late March to April after wintering in West Africa.

Puffins are usually around UK breeding colonies from April to August, with peak viewing in late spring and early summer.

UK bats become active from spring, with the best dusk watching usually from May to September.

Swifts usually arrive later than swallows, from late April into May, then leave again by August.

Basking sharks are most often seen around western UK coasts from May to September, especially in calm summer conditions.