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A red squirrel foraging for food. Photo Danny Lawson\/PA Wire<\/p>\n A red squirrel foraging for food. Photo Danny Lawson\/PA Wire<\/p>\n
As Wales gets set for spectacular displays of autumn leaves, many of us will be heading out on the weekend to take in the sights \u2013 and a new study has revealed the parts of Wales where you\u2019re more likely to bump into our native wildlife.<\/p>\n
The outdoor experts at Millets<\/a> analysed the number of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and insects that can be spotted in each UK area, specifically during autumn, to reveal the ultimate wildlife hotspots.<\/p>\n Wales\u2019 best places to spot wildlife this autumn:<\/p>\n Number of species spotted September \u2013 November 2024<\/p>\n Rank<\/p>\n Local authority<\/p>\n Population<\/p>\n Area (km2)<\/p>\n Mammals<\/p>\n Birds<\/p>\n Fish<\/p>\n Amphibians<\/p>\n Insects<\/p>\n Total species<\/p>\n Total species per km2<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n Monmouthshire<\/p>\n 94,930<\/p>\n 886<\/p>\n 69<\/p>\n 263<\/p>\n 51<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n 2,286<\/p>\n 2,677<\/p>\n 302<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n Pembrokeshire<\/p>\n 125,761<\/p>\n 1,651<\/p>\n 65<\/p>\n 355<\/p>\n 95<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 2,464<\/p>\n 2,984<\/p>\n 181<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Ceredigion<\/p>\n 72,599<\/p>\n 1,807<\/p>\n 57<\/p>\n 293<\/p>\n 47<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n 2,377<\/p>\n 2,781<\/p>\n 154<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n Gwynedd<\/p>\n 120,813<\/p>\n 2,620<\/p>\n 63<\/p>\n 386<\/p>\n 75<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n 3,385<\/p>\n 3,914<\/p>\n 149<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n Powys<\/p>\n 135,059<\/p>\n 5,195<\/p>\n 66<\/p>\n 312<\/p>\n 31<\/p>\n 13<\/p>\n 3,694<\/p>\n 4,116<\/p>\n 79<\/p>\n Taking the top spot as Wales\u2019 best place to spot autumnal wildlife is Monmouthshire, with 302 species per km\u00b2.<\/p>\n Thanks to its mix of valleys, farmland, wetlands and woodlands, the county offers an abundance of wildlife to spot in autumn, including goshawks and redshanks.<\/p>\n The season also brings an array of migratory birds such as geese and swans, which can be spotted as they pass through the region on their journey south.<\/p>\n Dolphins, seals and razorbills<\/p>\n Pembrokeshire takes second place with 181 species recorded per km\u00b2. Along its coastal areas, such as Skomer Island and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, visitors can spot dolphins, seals and razorbills.<\/p>\n Strumble Head, Canaston Woodland and Marloes Mere are great spots for birdwatching, hosting species including geese, starlings, kingfishers and red kites in the autumn months.<\/p>\n In third place is Ceredigion with 154 species per km\u00b2. The area has a variety of spots which are perfect for autumnal birdwatching, including Ynyslas, Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve, Dyfi Ospreys and the Ceredigion Coast Path.<\/p>\n In addition, Cardigan Bay is home to Europe\u2019s largest population of bottlenose dolphins, which are visible from September through to November.<\/p>\n Natalie Wolfenden, Author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets<\/a>, comments: \u201cWales is home to an incredible variety of wildlife that thrive during the autumn months. While the weather is still relatively mild, it\u2019s the ideal time to head outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen planning a wildlife spotting trip, it\u2019s essential to be prepared for changeable conditions. A waterproof jacket <\/a>and sturdy walking boots<\/a> are essentials. A good pair of binoculars <\/a>will help you get a closer look at species you might otherwise miss.\u201d<\/p>\n Protect the environment<\/p>\n Visitors to Wales\u2019s natural places are being asked to protect the environment, respect other people and enjoy the outdoors safely over the school holidays<\/p>\n With three heatwaves already under its belt, and with further periods of hot and sunny weather expected over the summer, Wales\u2019s nature reserves, forests and national parks are expected to be very popular with local residents and visitors alike. <\/p>\n Over the last few years, many of these special places have seen a rise in anti-social behaviour and environmental damage such as littering, fires and fly-camping, as well as an increase in mountain and water safety incidents. \u00a0<\/p>\n Concerned for the potential impacts on wildlife, communities, and the emergency services, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is urging visitors to follow the Countryside Code in all outdoor spaces, reminding visitors of the need to take steps to plan their adventure, prevent wildfires and be safe around water during the summer months.<\/p>\n Follow the Countryside Code<\/p>\n The Countryside Code is your guide to enjoying all outdoor spaces responsibly, including countryside, coast, parks and waterways.<\/p>\n Joseph Conran, Lead Specialist Advisor for Outdoor Access and Recreation at Natural Resources Wales said: \u00a0\u201cWales offers such an amazing backdrop for your individual or family adventures. From on-the-doorstep fun in your local park or woodland, weekends away to splash in the waters of our beautiful beaches, to longer trips exploring the majesty and mystery of our mountains, it has something for everyone and we love to give a \u2018croeso cynnes\u2019 (warm welcome) to responsible visitors.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFor many, the summer months are a time for relaxing, having fun and recharging batteries. However, it\u2019s also the busiest time of year in the outdoors, and can unfortunately lead to increased incidents of injury, damage to our environment or antisocial behaviour.\u201cThe Countryside Code has been with us for generations as a gentle reminder of how we can respect the places we visit. By following its simple messages, you can feel confident that you are doing the right thing for yourselves, other people and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n Prevent wildfire<\/p>\n Following the exceptionally warm, dry spring that sparked a 400% increase in wildfires, people need to take extra care around dry vegetation, as it only takes one stray spark to cause a fire that could devastate wildlife and communities, as well as put our emergency services under extra pressure. <\/p>\n To prevent wildfires from igniting, do not light campfires, discard cigarettes or leave litter in the countryside, especially glass bottles. During periods of dry weather, leave the BBQ at home in favour of a picnic. At other times, BBQs should only be used in designated places where signs say they are allowed, then put out and disposed of responsibly once the ashes are cold. <\/p>\n Fly-camping (camping without the landowner\u2019s permission) increases the risk of wildfires through littering and campfires, so those looking to camp should book ahead at official campsites.<\/p>\n Stay safe around water<\/p>\n As the thermometer rises, so does the temptation to cool off in open water.<\/p>\n Before entering the water, you should consider whether your location is a safe place to swim by checking for hidden dangers, currents or fast flowing water, and assessing whether you can get out easily. Do not go alone, and if you get into trouble in the water try to float and remain calm while someone calls 999 for help.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Following devastating fatalities in waterfalls, it is important to understand that waterfalls are dangerous places to swim. The bubbly, turbulent water at the base of falls can prevent you from floating, while strong, recirculating currents can make it impossible to break free.\u00a0<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Nation-Banner-Gif.gif\"\/)
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Grey seal
Image by Georg Wietschorke on Pixabay<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5x7a5044-edit-1024x427.jpg\")
Dyfi National Nature Reserve \u2013 Ynyslas Visitor Centre, near Aberystwyth. Image: NRW<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/unnamed-65.jpg\"\/)
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