UK Seas

Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores

UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Grey heron

Ardea cinerea

Type

Birds

Description

A tall, long-legged fish-eating bird, that stands motionless for long periods, before darting with its sharp bill for fish prey.

Herons were commonly eaten throughout Europe in the middle ages, less popular today!

Location

Common at the coast in Autumn, often spotted in the tidal shallows.

Habitat

Mudflats, Estuaries, Onland, Freshwater