The UK is home to so much wildlife. From rare birds to recently repopulating butterflies, there is so much nature to spot if you keep your eyes peeled.

Across the country, conservation efforts are leading to more and more animals breeding and becoming more common. If you want to take a peek at some of these amazing animals, it's all about knowing where to find them. Experts at Independent Cottages have compiled a list of some of the best regions in the UK to visit if you want to see wildlife. From Yorkshire to the Cotswolds, there are so many places to see.

Matthew Fox, CEO of Independent Cottages,said: "It's so positive to see this level of wildlife recovery happening so visibly across the UK. Species that were once disappearing are now being spotted again, and that's changing how people think about where they travel.

"We're seeing more people choose a destination because of one specific experience - whether that's seeing birds of prey, spotting rare species, or simply being in a truly unspoilt landscape. Wildlife is becoming a real reason to travel, not just something you stumble across while you're there."

The first recommendation is the Cotswolds, which is full of woodland and meadow animals. Roe deer browse the hedgerows, and at dusk you can spot barn owls hunting. In the wetlands of the Cotswold Water Park you can see great crested grebes, kingfishers and reed warblers.

Second on the list is Northumberland - and especially the Farne Islands which is home to one of the UK's most important seabird colonies.

Over spring and summer you can spot Atlantic puffins, razorbills, arctic terns and guillemots nesting. On the coast, grey seals sun themselves on the beaches and off shore you might even be lucky enough to spot bottlenose dolphins and minke whales.

Further island the Kielder Water and Forest Park has red squirrels as well as ospreys and goshawks.

If red squirrels are your thing, then you need to head to the Lake District. It's one of the last places in England where these charming little critters still thrive - especially in the Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter Forest Park.

Around Bassenthwaite Lake, ospreys have successfully returned and can be seen diving for fish during the breeding season. In quieter valleys such as Ennerdale, you may spot red deer, while birds of prey, including peregrine falcons and buzzards, are commonly seen overhead.

The final place that Matthew recommends people visit is the Yorkshire Dales. This beautiful region is one of the most important upland habitats for birds. Curlews, lapwings, and oystercatchers breed across its wide open landscapes - especially within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The wider area, including Ingleborough National Nature Reserve, is also home to ring ouzels and twite, species that are becoming increasingly scarce elsewhere in the UK.