The UK might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wild and surprising animal populations, and understandably so.
However, the countryside, forests, and even urban areas are home to some unexpected and amazing creatures. While some species have been reintroduced, others have adapted and thrived in ways that many people don’t even realise. From exotic escapees to comeback success stories, here are some wild animals you might not know are living and thriving in the UK. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see one in person someday.
1. Wild boar are making a comeback.
Once native to the UK, wild boar were hunted to extinction centuries ago, but now they’re back. After escaping from farms in the 1990s, these powerful animals have established thriving populations, particularly in the Forest of Dean and parts of Kent and Sussex. They might look intimidating, but they play a key role in shaping woodlands by rooting through the soil, which helps plants regenerate. While some farmers and landowners see them as a nuisance, wild boar are a fascinating example of nature reclaiming lost ground in the UK.
2. Wallabies are hopping around in the wild.
It’s hard to believe, but you don’t need to be in Australia to see wild wallabies — they can be found in parts of the UK, thanks to past escapes from zoos and private collections. The most famous population lives in the Peak District, where sightings have been reported for decades. These marsupials have surprisingly adapted to the British climate, surviving on plants and shrubs in remote areas. While their numbers aren’t huge, occasional sightings confirm that wallabies are still bouncing around the British countryside.
3. Golden eagles are returning to England.
Scotland has long been the stronghold for golden eagles, but these majestic birds are starting to make a comeback in England. A reintroduction project in the south of Scotland has helped expand their range, and there have been more confirmed sightings in the Lake District. Golden eagles need vast, open landscapes to thrive, and conservationists are hopeful that with continued protection, these incredible birds will establish stronger populations outside of Scotland once again.
4. Wild beavers are back in British rivers.
Once hunted to extinction for their fur, beavers have made a remarkable return to the UK. Thanks to successful reintroduction projects, they can now be found in rivers across Devon, Scotland, and parts of East Anglia. Beavers are known as ‘nature’s engineers’ because they create wetlands that benefit other species. Their dams help reduce flooding and improve water quality, making them a welcome addition to Britain’s natural landscapes.
5. Scorpions have taken up residence in the UK.
Yes, you read that right — scorpions live in the UK. The European yellow-tailed scorpion has been quietly thriving in the warmer parts of southern England for over a century. They were originally brought over on cargo ships and found a perfect home in the cracks of old dock walls. While they might sound terrifying, these scorpions are tiny and relatively harmless to humans. They’ve managed to survive the British winters by sticking to sheltered areas, making them one of the UK’s most surprising wild residents.
6. Parakeets have taken over London’s parks.
If you’ve ever seen flashes of bright green in the trees or heard loud squawking in a London park, chances are you’ve spotted the ring-necked parakeets. These tropical birds have adapted remarkably well to the UK’s climate and can now be found in parks and gardens across the south of England. There are many theories about how they got here — from escaped pets to birds released in the 1960s — but one thing’s for sure: they’re thriving. Love them or hate them, parakeets have become a permanent part of Britain’s urban wildlife.
7. Pine martens are making a quiet return.
Pine martens were once common across the UK, but habitat loss and hunting nearly wiped them out. Now, thanks to conservation efforts, they’re making a slow but steady comeback, particularly in Scotland and parts of Wales. These elusive creatures are excellent climbers and play a crucial role in balancing ecosystems, even helping control invasive grey squirrel populations. If their recovery continues, we might see them spreading even further across the country.
8. The white-tailed eagle is soaring over Britain again.
Also known as the ‘sea eagle,’ the white-tailed eagle was driven to extinction in the UK over a hundred years ago. However, reintroduction programmes have successfully brought them back, and they can now be seen soaring over Scotland and parts of southern England. With a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres, they are one of the most impressive birds of prey in the UK. Their return is a huge conservation success story, proving that with protection and effort, lost species can be brought back.
9. Wild cats are still holding on in Scotland.
The Scottish wildcat is one of the rarest mammals in the UK, often called the ‘Highland tiger’ due to its elusive nature. These cats are much tougher than your average domestic moggie and are a vital part of Scotland’s natural heritage. Although they face challenges from habitat loss and interbreeding with domestic cats, conservation projects are working to protect and restore their numbers. Spotting one in the wild is incredibly rare, but they are still clinging on in remote parts of the Highlands.
10. Dolphins and whales are thriving off UK coasts.
You might not expect it, but the waters around the UK are home to an incredible variety of marine life, including bottlenose dolphins, orcas, and even humpback whales. Sightings have become more common, especially around Scotland, Cornwall, and Wales. Cleaner waters and improved conservation efforts have helped these marine mammals thrive. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins playing in the waves or a whale breaching off the coast. The UK’s seas are more alive than many people realise.
