5 'Blue Planet' Wildlife You Can See Around The UK’s Coasts This Summer

You do not need to board a long-haul flight to experience a true ‘Blue Planet’ moment. This summer, as the school holidays begin and families flock to the coast, The Wildlife Trusts are revealing that some of the world's most spectacular marine giants are thriving right here in British waters.

Recent sightings along the UK coastline have been nothing short of extraordinary. From majestic orcas and elusive Risso’s dolphins to massive basking sharks and bizarre sunfish, our seas are teeming with life. Summer offers the ultimate window for coastal wildlife watching, as warmer weather and calmer seas make it much easier to spot these magnificent creatures from beaches, clifftops, and shorelines.

The revelations come just ahead of National Marine Week, running from 25th July to 9th August. This year’s celebration focuses on the extraordinary journeys marine animals undertake. UK seas serve as vital international highways, feeding grounds, and nurseries. For instance, basking sharks travel vast distances to feed on summer plankton, while tiny European eels migrate thousands of miles between British rivers and the Sargasso Sea. Even humble limpets make daily feeding excursions across their rockpools before returning to the exact same spot.

However, these crucial marine journeys are becoming increasingly perilous. Our underwater residents face mounting pressures from rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution, and habitat loss.

"People often think you have to travel abroad to see incredible marine life," says Daniele Clifford, Marine Conservation Officer at The Wildlife Trusts. "But there are amazing animals living in and travelling through UK waters... Protecting the places they depend on has never been more urgent."

How to get involved

You can play a direct role in protecting these species this summer. The Wildlife Trusts are urging coastal visitors to responsibly spot and record wildlife. Sharing your photos and videos helps scientists map species movements and understand how environmental changes are affecting British marine life over time. Report your spottings and photos here: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-advice/marine-sightings-strandings

Top five marine species to spot this summer

• Basking sharks: The world's second-largest fish visits western shores to filter-feed on plankton.
• Bottlenose dolphins: These charismatic, playful acrobats are frequently spotted leaping in Cardigan Bay and the Moray Firth.
• Grey seals: Look out for these curious "ocean puppies" resting on rocky beaches and swimming close to shore.
• Seabirds: Millions of puffins, gannets, and guillemots crowd coastal cliffs during the summer nesting season. You can watch these majestic creatures via the Manx Wildlife Trust’s Manx Shearwater nest webcams. 
• Rockpool creatures: Explore shallow shores to discover hidden worlds of colourful anemones, crabs, and travelling limpets.

To find an event near you or to report a magical marine sighting of your own, head over to wildlifetrusts.org.