Belonging to the falcon bird family, the merlin is the UK's smallest bird of prey. While you'll likely spot these stunning creatures in many open country areas, they're often found closer to coastal areas.

Of the two seal species in the UK, the grey seal is the largest. You can often find these curious creatures bobbing in the waves close to shore.

The smaller of our 2 UK seal species, the common or harbour seal has softer features.

The orca or 'killer whale' is, in fact, the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. Like many other marine mammals, the orca uses echolocation (clicks and whistles) to help hunt and navigate the ocean around them.

Despite its magnificent length — reaching up to 9 metres long — the minke whale is the smallest member of the rorqual family. Sadly, it is also one of the species most severely affected by the whaling industry.