10 BEST PLACES TO SPOT SEABIRDS

The chip-guzzling gulls of seaside resorts are just a small part of the UK’s seabird story. While they’re certainly the most regularly visible species, the British Isles enjoys a diverse army of coastal birds, playing host to several globally important breeding colonies – around eight million seabirds from 25 species nest here each year, while many more waders, divers and sea ducks winter in coastal estuaries, and rare migrants pause en route to warmer climes. Today, overfishing, pollution and climate change are among the threats facing seabird populations, but campaigns from wildlife charities and the implementation of Marine Protected Areas in our waters are helping lead the fightback. We can all do our bit to help, and observing birds in their coastal habitats is a thrilling and accessible first step.

SKOMER ISLAND, PEMBROKESHIRE

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