England’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to ancient woodlands and intricate waterways, support a rich variety of native wildlife. This article explores species that have naturally established themselves in the region over long periods, becoming an integral part of its ecosystems.
Understanding “Native”
In an ecological context, a “native” animal is a species that arrived and established itself in a region without human intervention. For England, this typically means species that naturally colonized the land after the last glacial period, adapting and evolving alongside the local environment. This natural colonization process distinguishes native species from “introduced” or “non-native” species, which are those brought to an area by human activity. While introduced species might thrive, they are not considered native, and some can even become “invasive” if they negatively impact existing ecosystems.
Key Native Mammals
England’s terrestrial environments are home to a range of native mammals. The European badger, a nocturnal mammal recognized by its distinctive black and white striped face, is widespread across the country, inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and suburban areas where it forages for earthworms and other invertebrates. The red fox, another highly adaptable species, can be found in almost every habitat, from rural farmlands to urban centers.
Larger native mammals include the red deer, Britain’s largest land mammal, often found in the extensive woodlands and heathlands of areas like the New Forest and Exmoor. The common pipistrelle, one of England’s most common bats, weighs only about 5 grams and consumes thousands of tiny insects nightly, emerging at dusk to forage in diverse habitats including woodlands and urban gardens. The hedgehog, a spiny nocturnal insectivore that forages for beetles, worms, and slugs, often found in gardens and hedgerows.
Key Native Birds
England’s skies and landscapes are graced by numerous native bird species, each with unique characteristics. The European robin, easily identified by its bright red breast, is a common sight in gardens and woodlands, known for its melodious song throughout much of the year. The common blackbird, with its glossy black plumage and vibrant orange-yellow bill in males, is another widespread garden bird, often heard singing from a high perch or seen foraging for worms on lawns.
The common kingfisher, a striking bird with iridescent blue and orange plumage, is often spotted as a flash of color along rivers and streams, where it dives to catch small fish. England’s largest bird of prey, the common buzzard, is frequently seen soaring on thermals over open countryside and woodlands, identified by its broad, rounded wings and a distinctive mewing call. The tawny owl, a nocturnal woodland resident, is known for its classic “twit twoo” call and large dark eyes, hunting small mammals and birds under the cover of darkness.
Native Reptiles, Amphibians, and Freshwater Fish
England also supports a range of native reptiles, amphibians, and freshwater fish, each adapted to specific aquatic or terrestrial environments. Among reptiles, the common European adder is the only venomous snake native to England, characterized by its distinctive zigzag pattern along its back. The grass snake, Britain’s largest snake, is non-venomous and often found near water, where it preys on amphibians and fish, and is known for feigning death when threatened. The common lizard, a small and agile reptile, is widespread across various habitats, including grasslands and heathlands.
For amphibians, the common frog is widely recognized, identified by its smooth, moist skin and long legs, frequently found in gardens and ponds where it breeds in spring. The common toad, distinguishable by its warty, dry skin and tendency to crawl rather than hop, is also a native resident, often found in woodlands and grasslands. The smooth newt, a small amphibian, spends much of its life on land but returns to ponds to breed, where males develop a wavy crest. Native freshwater fish include the European perch, a predatory fish with distinctive vertical stripes, and the common roach, a silvery fish found in many rivers and lakes. Brown trout are also native, inhabiting clear, well-oxygenated rivers and streams.
Conservation Status and Notable Absences
England’s native wildlife faces various pressures, with some species experiencing population declines. Habitat loss and fragmentation, alongside changes in land use and climate shifts, affect many species. For example, hedgehog populations have seen significant declines, with habitat loss and increased road mortality as contributing factors.
Historically, some native animals that once roamed England are no longer present due to past human activities. The wolf and brown bear, for instance, were hunted to extinction centuries ago. However, there have been efforts to reintroduce species once native. Beavers, extirpated centuries ago, are now being reintroduced to various sites, with the government approving wild releases to aid in wetland restoration and flood management. Similarly, the white-tailed eagle, which disappeared from England over 240 years ago due to persecution, has been the subject of reintroduction projects, with young birds released on the Isle of Wight beginning in 2019. These reintroduction efforts highlight a commitment to restoring England’s biodiversity and re-establishing its native fauna.