Environmental issues have proved themselves to be an increasingly hot subject in film and television. With access to a wide range of environmentally-themed documentaries or movies, it might be overwhelming searching for entertaining yet educational content. From old to new, here are 20 of the best environmental films of 2022, covering some of the biggest environmental problems of our lifetime, including climate change, food waste, water ecosystems, the animal industry, and sustainability. 

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21 Environmental Films to Watch in 2024

1. The Human Element (2019)

First on our list of the best environmental films is The Human Element. Centred around climate change, The Human Element chronicles the quest of environmental photographer James Balog to highlight how the four elements — air, earth, water and fire — are being altered by the fifth element of human activity. Pioneering in its videography, the documentary reveals how global warming has drastically contributed to wildfires and hurricanes that disrupt human-nature balance. To examine the impact, Balog visits Americans at the forefront of climate change, including inhabitants of Tangier Island, a fishing community facing rising sea levels. The documentary encourages audiences to reconsider their relationship with the natural world.

2. Before the Flood (2016)

Next on our list of the best environmental films is Before the Flood, a collaboration between actor and Earth Alliance co-founder Leonardo DiCaprio and National Geographic. Taking viewers around the world, the documentary features poignant accounts of how different stakeholders are affected by climate change, through deforestation, rising sea levels and other human activities. The film calls for world leaders to fight for a more sustainable future and arms viewers with solutions they can implement into their lives, from reducing meat consumption to voting for leaders who will initiate positive environmental change.

3. Eyes of the Orangutan (2021)

A debut feature by internationally acclaimed environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, Eyes of the Orangutan details the abuse of primates in the tourism industry. The film documents how orangutans and other wildlife animals are forcibly removed from their natural habitats and are made to perform for humans in degrading displays, as well as shed light on how orangutan-smuggling syndicates work. While there are no shortage of shocking and upsetting scenes, it’s an incredibly important film highlighting wildlife exploitation and tourism, and the discussion whether tourists are just as responsible and complicit in animal abuse as the poachers.

4. 2040 (2019)

2040 is a refreshingly optimistic pick if you want something less grim. Rather than focusing on the urgency of problems, the solution-oriented documentary seeks out creative alternatives to tackle challenges of climate change. In particular, it imagines technological breakthroughs which, supported by academics and ecological experts, have the potential to reverse the situation by the year 2040. Cases in point include renewable energy like rooftop solar, shifts towards regenerative agricultural practices, and the versatile use of seaweeds as a facilitator of food security.

5. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

An Inconvenient Truth is a concert film recounting former US Vice President Al Gore’s campaign in 2000 to educate people about global warming, making the documentary stand out in its experimental narration. This presentation on climate change, Gore claims, has been delivered to worldwide audiences more than 1 000 times. Apart from detailed graphs, flow charts and visuals, the Keynote slide show also collates personal anecdotes of Gore such as his college education with an early climate expert. The film concludes with Gore stressing how “each one of us is a cause of global warming, but [….] the solutions are in our hands.” This is one of the seminal- and best- environmental films made.

6. RiverBlue (2017)

Moving on to water habitats, RiverBlue follows Canadian conservationist, professor and paddler Mark Angelo embarking on an unprecedented three-year river journey around the world. During his adventure, he unveils the irreversible damage that the global fashion industry has inflicted on water supplies. Through interactions with local conservationists interspersed with footage of rivers and seas heavily polluted by toxic chemicals, this eco-fashion film urges us to reevaluate our thirst for fast fashion and reorient our consumption practices

7. Artifishal (2019)

Produced by Patagonia, Artifishal exposes the impacts of overfishing, with a specific focus on wild salmon, which are now on the verge of extinction in North America. The documentary sheds light on the implications of wild salmon farming in aquaculture farms and fish hatcheries which is one of our many attempts to exploit nature for profit. Artifishal opens a rarely honest window on how our obsessive taste for seafood is eroding the diversity of ecological systems

8. Chasing Coral (2017)

A Netflix original documentary, Chasing Coral, captures an assembled team of divers, photographers and scientists striving to document the alarming disappearance of coral reefs in warming oceans. They set out on an ocean voyage, discovering numerous bleached coral reefs around the world.  By unraveling the underwater mystery in a time-lapse framework, film producers illustrate that the looming death of aquatic life is an environmental tragedy of our own making and can only be prevented through active intervention.

9. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)

This documentary serves as the “witness statement” of 94-year-old naturalist David Attenborough, who traces his career as a natural historian and outlines how the biodiversity of our planet has degenerated over his lifetime. The narrative starts in Pripyat, the ghost city home to the former Chernobyl Nuclear Plant, and traverses across various locations including the African Serengeti. He laments over a drastic decline in wildlife, caused by humans. Attenborough ultimately articulates hopes for the future and brings to the forefront solutions that may restore biodiversity. Looking at his career that spans five decades, this could easily go down as one of the best environmental films of all time.

You might also like: 4 Takeaways From David Attenborough ’s Film, ‘A Life on Our Planet’

10. My Octopus Teacher (2020)

A moving documentary released by Netflix, My Octopus Teacher captures filmmaker and diver Craig Foster forging a peculiar friendship with a wild common octopus. Filmed in an underwater kelp forest in False Bay near Cape Town, South Africa, his once-in-a-lifetime experience includes tracking the octopus’s movements every day, witnessing how the octopus defends herself against pyjama sharks and eventually dies after mating. Foster describes the effect of this unusual encounter on his life and further reflects on his relationship with his son, who has now become interested in the wonders of marine life.

11. Racing Extinction (2015)

The illegal animal trade is one of the most pressing threats to wildlife. In Racing Extinction, a team of eco-activists go on a mission to explore the man-made causes of the ongoing Anthropogenic mass extinction, fingering animal poaching and trafficking as the most prominent cause. Horrors of the black-market animal trade are disclosed, including the shark fin and manta ray gill plate trade in Hong Kong and mainland China for traditional medicines. The film also identifies the Amphibian extinction crisis and that of the Florida grasshopper sparrow, among others, as causes for concern.

12. The Ivory Game (2016)

The poaching of elephants for ivory is inarguably a paradigmatic example of unsustainable trade in wildlife commodities, which is exactly what The Ivory Game delves into. This Netflix documentary features two undercover filmmakers investigating the multi-million-dollar ivory trade in China and Hong Kong, as well as its complexities and repercussions. The documentary also delves into the deep-rooted corruption fuelling the trade. Meant to incite a worldwide call to stop the trade, the film warns us of the impending extinction of elephants within the next 15 years if no action is taken.

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13. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

Also centred on the animal industry, Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret dissects the catastrophic impacts of animal agriculture such as deforestation, water pollution and topsoil erosion. Identified as the most destructive industry facing the planet (and ironically the most unchallenged one), animal agriculture is further revealed to be responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than the combined exhaust from all transportation. Implicit at the heart of the documentary also suggests a certain reluctance for leading environmental organisations to openly discuss this issue, and filmmaker Kip Andersen further probes their policies.

14. Virunga (2014)

This Oscar-nominated film chronicles the story of four rangers who have risked their lives to save Africa’s most precious national park and its endangered gorillas, which are some of the world’s last mountain gorillas. Helmed by filmmaker Orlando von Einsiedel and executively produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the documentary follows events that occurred in Congo’s Virunga National Park during the rise of the violent M23 Rebellion in 2012 and investigates British oil company Soco International’s oil drilling activities and exploration within the World Heritage Site. Soon after the film’s release, Soco officially ended all oil exploration in Virunga in April 2014 following significant criticism, demonstrating the true power of documentaries and making it one of the best environmental films.

15. No Impact Man (2009)

If you’re looking for a more intimate story that inspires change, this is a must-watch. In No Impact Man, American writer and blogger Colin Beavan partakes in a year-long experiment to radically reduce his carbon footprint, but his wife is hesitant to abandon her consumer comforts. The struggles that characterise the zero-carbon experience of the Manhattan-based couple invite viewers to individually question their personal habits and lifestyle choices. This is a light-hearted look at environmentalism that might perhaps strike us as more relatable: After all, who doesn’t get emotionally stressed when trying to change our ways.

16. Food Inc. (2008)

Sustainability covers multiple aspects, food being one of the most notable. Food Inc. looks into how the fast food model employing harmful practices of corporate farming and agribusiness degrade the health of people and our planet. The film inspects the industrial production of meat and grains and vegetables and wraps up by pointing out the manipulative power of American multinational corporations who supply cheap but chemical-ridden food. By drawing attention to the recent booming trend of organic foods, the film compels us to make more environmentally conscious eating choices.

17. Catching the Sun (2015)

Energy is another aspect that sustainability touches upon. This documentary addresses the business of renewable energy by portraying unemployed workers in Richmond, Northern California engaging in green-collar job training to work in the field of solar installation. Also referencing the history of solar technology in the US and success stories of German and Indian clean energy businesses, Catching the Sun debunks the misconception that renewable energy requires sacrificing economic prosperity. Instead, these solutions are becoming more affordable, hopefully paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.

18. Just Eat it! A Food Waste Story (2019)

Follow Canadian couple, Grant Baldwin and Jen Rustemeyer, as they attempt to survive exclusively on food waste over the course of six months in this entertaining yet educational documentary work. With the goal to illustrate our “systematic obsession with expiry dates, perfect produce, and portion sizes”, the films encourages audiences to re-examine how they view food and relationship with it.  Featuring interviews with author and activist Tristram Stuart and acclaimed author Jonathan Bloom, Just Eat It will make you reconsider throwing out food every time you eat out in a restaurant and bypassing ‘ugly’ produce at the grocery store.

19. Extinction: The Facts (2020)

The world is in the midst of a sixth mass extinction caused by human activity such as deforestation, poaching and overfishing, not to mention, climate change. Narrated by David Attenborough, the documentary delves into how our actions and development is pushing one million species to the brink of extinction, as well as how biodiversity is linked to epidemics such as Ebola. But it’s not all doom and gloom, the renowned naturalist explores the different solutions in which we can slow down and prevent this rapid biodiversity loss, including putting environmental labels on food products, slashing the demand of agricultural land by reducing food waste, curbing our use of pesticides, and regulate fishing.

20. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Documentaries aside, here is an apocalyptic action movie in the realms of science fiction. The Day After Tomorrow is loosely based on the climate-induced disruption of the North Atlantic Ocean circulation, triggering global cooling and inevitably, a new ice age. Racked by abrupt global warming, the dystopian world drives home the message that human pursuits are transforming the climate which might lead us into unforeseen peril in the face of nature’s wrath.

21. Seaspiracy (2021)

This is last on our list of the best environmental films, although certainly not least. Seaspiracy is a shocking documentary film about the environmental impact of fishing. The film examines various human impacts on marine life and advocates for ending fish consumption.

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Whether your tastes lean more towards plot-based narratives or documentaries, this list of some of the best environmental films offers something for everyone to get a rounded view on the problems of today and the potential solutions that come along. 

Featured image: House of Lords 2020/Photography by Roger Harris/Flickr 

The post The 21 Best Environmental Films to Watch in 2024 appeared first on Earth.Org.

With fast fashion on the rise, discarded garments are filling landfills at an alarming rate. In 2018, more than 300 tons of textile waste were tossed out every day in Hong Kong landfills. Globally, the fashion industry accounts for 10% of annual carbon emissions. Fashion brands are now scrambling to promote sustainability and ethical practices in their operations. Here are 13 ethical and sustainable Hong Kong fashion brands. 

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15 Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Brands in Hong Kong

1. Basics for Basics

Established by Kayla Wong, Basics for Basics is driven to minimise fashion’s carbon footprint, using surplus fabrics and organic cotton to create simple essentials ranging from graphic T-shirts, Sunday dresses and tank tops to hoodies and sweaters.

To ensure fair trade, the brand is also enhanced with a volunteer rewards program supported by Hands On Hong Kong.

2. Kitdo

3. Paper Shades

Launched by sibling entrepreneurs James and Madi Chu in 2018, Paper Shades is an eyewear label that designs and manufactures customisable sunglasses from durable and sturdy recycled paper. The UV 400 lenses are paired with biodegradable frames and adjustable arms, available in a variety of designs to suit all face shapes and occasions. 

Photo by: Paper Shades

4. The R Collective

Born from Hong Kong-based charity Redress, The R Collective advocates for a circular fashion system and does so by upcycling waste materials- excess fibres, fabrics and fasteners- sourced from luxury fashion brands across the globe and then morphing them into versatile quality garments for women. Through rescuing fabrics, the brand has potentially reduced the emission of over 34 000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent and 65 500 yards of fabric.

The collective donates 25% of its profits back to Redress as part of their engagement with environmental fundraising activities. 

5. Vestiaire Collective

The global resale platform Vestiaire Collective also champions the notion of circular fashion but in a different way. Through facilitating the buying and selling of second-hand designer brand items, the platform extends the average lifespan of clothing by nine months, reducing the carbon, waste and water footprint of each item by 20-30%. That way, consumers may give their wardrobe a second life by purchasing vintage luxury goods whilst simultaneously getting rid of their own items!

6. The Hula

With a similar mission to extend the life of well-crafted pieces, the online marketplace The Hula sells an edit of pre-owned authenticated designer clothing and accessories. According to founder Sarah Fung, a minimum of 5% of net profits go to partnered charities spanning environmental to human trafficking NGOs, and members are also given the chance to donate at time of purchase. The marketplace currently has a showroom in Wong Chuk Hang.

Photo by: The Hula

7. PYE

Helmed by Hong Kong businesswoman Dee Poon, dress shirt specialist PYE produces classic men apparel with a sustainable fashion seed-to-shirt philosophy. From farming their own cotton in Xinjiang, spinning the yarn with Extra Long Staple cotton, to cutting and sewing their patterns, the brand offers an eco-conscious alternative to typical formal attire. Without compromising on aesthetics, PYE has reduced its water and energy consumption by 57 and 43% respectively over the last decade.

8. Angus Tsui

Dedicated to bridging high fashion with environmental sustainability, the eponymous fashion brand Angus Tsui is known for its futuristic and experimental designs. Many of its collections upcycle textile waste while applying zero-waste and eco-printing techniques. The designer has previously joined hands with H&M to create upcycled uniforms and accessories using sustainable processes.

9. Classics Anew

If you’re looking for vintage clothing, Classics Anew is your cup of tea. Founded in 2014, the brand gives the traditional Qipao a contemporary twist by blending materials such as organic cotton, linen and denim materials with classic Chinese elements like mandarin collars and buttons. Apart from their retail store in Central, qipao-making workshops are regularly held at their showroom in Hung Hom. 

Photo by: Classics Anew

You might also like: 10 Stunning Fast Fashion Waste Statistics

10. Net Sustain

Curated by Net-a-Porter, Net Sustain allows one to purchase clothing, shoes and jewellery products that support human, animal and environmental well-being.  Every item on the platform aligns with at least one of their eight key attributes: locally made, craft and community, considered materials, considered processes, considered ingredients, reducing waste, animal welfare, and vegan. 

11. Holenga

Traversing beyond the apparel landscape, Holenga crafts cruelty-free lifestyle accessories, including passport holders, luggage tags and customisable mugs. To curb waste, the company prints-to-order as customers purchase their wares. In particular, their award-winning signature ECO Can Plus- made of corn with zero plastic yielded- is biodegradable and heat-resistant. 

12. Good Days Activewear

Good Days was born during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 and centres itself around sustainable practices and values- be that the materials that go into the products or the labour that goes into producing the goods. It uses a range of recycled fabrics, including recycled polyester, nylon and cotton blends. It also creates fabrics using recycled plastic bottles, fishing nets and nylon carpets, all of which would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Photo by: Good Days Activewear

By collectively turning the spotlight on ethical businesses, we challenge the status quo of manufacturing practices. These Hong Kong sustainable and ethical fashion brands are changing the industry for the better; hopefully, the demand from consumers will drive a global industry-wide push to become more mindful of their practices. 

13. Vipop

Launched by Venezuelan natives Lenia Pérez and Fabiana González, Vipop sources conscious resort-wear and swimwear from small label and well-known designers in Latin America and Europe. They strictly only work with brands that have eco-friendliness and fair trade at the forefront.

From vegan materials and carbon-neutral manufacturing to supporting local hand makers and seamstresses in the countries the clothes are made in, their ethically made vibrant evening gowns, bikinis, and coord sets make you look like you just stepped off a sunbathed cobblestone street in Colombia. Vipop’s boutique Artezano is in the Soho district located right on the famous Graham Street which also houses an adorable café and Mediterranean grocery store.

You might also like: 16 Most Sustainable Fashion Brands to Support in 2022

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In an effort to deflect mounting criticism over the nation’s energy policy, Japan has announced that it will tighten restrictions on national exports of coal power to countries in the developing world. This revised limit on aid for overseas coal-powered projects constitutes a part of an ongoing effort to bring Japan “one step closer to achieving carbon neutrality,” in the words of environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi.

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The Japanese government will no longer provide financial assistance for coal-fired power plants in any host country that does not have a policy for decarbonisation. This marks a notable shift from Japan’s previous stance of supporting coal industry profits. At a press conference, Koizumi asserted that the imposed constraints will make it difficult for the government to fund foreign coal projects in the future. The new export policy is slated to take full effect in December, while its overall energy policy is set to be announced next year.

Nonetheless, the reform does not wholly outlaw official support abroad as it maintains special exemptions where the government will still export coal-powered technology, based on four conditions: (1) the nation has no other reasonable options for alternative energy sources, (2) the request is directly addressed to the Japanese government, (3) the nation’s energy policy and climate change prevention measures are comprehensively articulated, and (4) coal-fired power meets the basic standards of Ultra Supercritical Coal — a term referring to advanced plants with maximal efficiency and minimal heat waste and carbon emissions. The updated principle will not apply to ongoing projects already in its pipeline, including the controversial Vung Ang 2 in Vietnam and the Indramayu coal plant in Indonesia.

This detour in export policy is accompanied by another plan to close 100 inefficient domestic coal-fired power plants by 2030. These two moves signify a pivotal change in direction to bring Japan in line with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement under which Japan- the world’s third-biggest economy and fifth-largest greenhouse gas emitter- has recently pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050. 

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The steer-away from coal is a timely response to the strong international backlash against Japan’s previous promotion of coal power on both a local and foreign level. The island nation has long been under fire due to its continued reliance on and investment in coal-firing thermal power. Despite prior attempts to reorient its energy source mix, as of 2018, Japan still relied on coal for 32% of its total power generation, just behind natural gas at 38%. Constant calls for a halt to coal were directed to Japan during the G20, the UN Climate Action Summit, and COP25 conferences last year.

Yet, while the grip on coal seems to have loosened, some environmental activists claim that the curb on state foreign assistance falls short as it does not go far enough to combat the country’s long-standing addiction to coal. Various coalitions have demanded the total abolition of domestic coal plants and an immediate slash of coal financing without exceptions. Recently, the Japan Centre for a Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES) penned a statement arguing that the exemption of projects at the planning stage is a loophole and deemed the policy to be inconsistent with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement. More petitions have been launched, including one by groups in Japan and Indonesia urging the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to reject financing for the Indramayu coal plant “in exchange for future generations,” and another from 44 groups in 18 countries calling for JICA to cease the backing of the Matarbari 2 coal plant in Bangladesh. The government has and will continue to be on the receiving end of worldwide opposition until it wholly cuts ties with coal.

Slowly drifting towards a sustainable economy, Japan has initiated yet another bold breakthrough by bidding farewell to coal exports, paving a sound foundation for future energy policies. To facilitate a complete, swift shift towards renewable and clean energy, however, there is still a long way ahead.

The post Japan Phases Out Coal Power in Export Policy appeared first on Earth.Org.

It is no exaggeration to say that the UK, abundant in natural wonders and beautifully preserved species, is a haven for wildlife. Just in England, there are 224 National Nature Reserves, constituting a total area of over 94 400 hectares, not to mention other magnificent sites in the UK, in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. From rural wilderness to urban areas flourishing with greenery, here are 10 nature reserves and natural landmarks in the UK.

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1. The Peak District, Derbyshire

The Peak District was designated as the UK’s first national park in 1951, and is the world’s second most visited national park (next only to Mount Fuji in Japan). Situated in the outskirts of Manchester, Derby and Sheffield, the park is split into the Dark Peak along the north, characterised by its gritstone and moorland landscapes; and the White Peak in the south, where limestone dales and caves support a wide array of species. These include white-clawed crayfish, water voles, lampreys and colonies of bats. Its limestone plateau also offers refuge for the water crowfoot and great crested newt.

The White Peak is a popular area for outdoor recreation such as cycling, horse riding and cave climbing.

2. The Lake District, Cumbria

Perched on the northwest coast of England, the Lake District National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Due to its range of varied topography, the district is home to a great variety of wildlife, accommodating the largest population of red squirrels out of the estimated 140 000 red squirrels in the UK. England’s only nesting pair of golden eagles can also be spotted, as well as other bird species including ospreys, red kites, buzzards, and the ring ouzel bird.

Ecology aside, the scenery in the district — long celebrated for its historic literary associations — is a tourist favourite. With 16 lakes across the whole national park, the district is the perfect place for a foray into glacial lakes and rugged mountains. 

3. The Jurassic Coast, Southern England

As the only wholly natural World Heritage Site in England, the Jurassic Coast stretches over 150 km from East Devon to Old Harry Rocks, Dorset, and is of outstanding geological value for its rocks, fossils and landforms. Apart from preserving important sources of Jurassic reptile fossils, the UNESCO-protected coastline is populated by a wealth of plants and animals — most notably seabirds, including guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars. The ocean is home to harbour porpoises, short-beaked common dolphins and various species of whales. Furthermore, the flora in the meadows of Dorset is a delight, which include burnt-tip orchids, cowslip, autumn gentian and bellflowers.

4. The Wash, East Anglia

Covering almost 8 800 hectares, the Wash is the biggest national nature reserve (NNR) in England. The wetland features a vast expanse of saltmarsh, sandbanks, mudflats and tidal creeks which provide a vital habitat for large flocks of migrating birds. In winter, for instance, the saltmarsh grass attracts pink-footed geese from Iceland and Greenland, brent geese, wigeons and shelduck. Waders and seabirds are also frequent visitors to the Wash, and common seals breed there often. Apart from that, intertidal mudflats support an abundance of fish, notably plaice, sole, cod, shrimps and other small crustaceans.

You might also like: 10 Nature Reserves and Natural Landmarks in Hong Kong

5. Walthamstow Wetlands, London

If you’re looking for an urban nature reserve that’s more accessible, Walthamstow Wetlands is your ideal destination. Located in the heart of Lee Valley, just 15 minutes from central London, the 211-hectare site comprises ten working reservoirs that supply drinking water to the city. Currently managed by London Wildlife Trust, the reservoir complex is recognised for its migrating, wintering and breeding wetland birds, such as pochards, grey herons, cormorants and heronry.

6. RSPB Saltholme, Cleveland

Saltholme Nature Reserve is a wetland reserve on the site of a former salt works in the Tees Valley. The shallow pools, wet grassland and reedbeds at Saltholme offer a great sanctuary for wildlife, supporting aquatic habitats for otters and water voles. In summer, it’s easy to spot common terns, sand martins and yellow wagtail nesting in the banks of creeks; whilst in winter, waders and ducks from Siberia are prevalent.

7. Insh Marshes, Scottish Highlands

Nestled in the north of Scotland is the picturesque Insh Marshes in Scottish Highlands — an 11-kilometre floodplain of River Spey where you can marvel at the landscape and observe varied habitats. Rare plant species, birds and invertebrates roam the area, such as lapwings, redshanks, curlews, roe deer and foxes. It is also dominated by flowering and sedge plants like awlwort and cowbane. During winter, the marshes flood, welcoming swans, geese and waders to the area.

Since 1973, seven kilometres of the marshes have been managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Till now, the region serves as one of the largest areas of fen vegetation in Scotland.

8. The Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim

The Giant’s Causeway is arguably one of Ireland’s best-known landmarks. Also a World Heritage Site (as well as an NNR), the coastline features approximately 40 000 interlocking basalt columns, formed as a result of a volcanic fissure eruption 60 million years ago. Geology aside, its ecology is spectacular, with various types of seabirds worthy of close inspection, including peregrine falcons and choughs. The weathered rock formations also host numerous unusual plants, such as sea spleenwort, vernal squill, sea fescue and frog orchid.

9. Gilfach, Radnorshire

Formerly a traditional hill farm, Gilfach is a nature reserve tucked away in rural Mid Wales and managed by Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. The site accommodates up to 413 species of lichen, 55 breeding birds, and six species of bat. Pied flycatchers, dippers and redstarts all spend time at Gilfach, not to mention leaping Atlantic salmon with the River Marteg running through.

10. Parc Slip, Bridgend

Further south in Wales sits Parc Slip Nature Reserve, a 300-acre area of mixed habitats restored in the 1980s from its former status as an opencast coal mine. Currently run by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, the site is a must-go for wildlife enthusiasts. Fields are ablaze with colourful wildflowers like oxeye daisy, ragged robin, fleabane and red bartsia. Open water ponds provide habitat for teal and lapwing. Acid soils attract great crested newts and the nationally rare Irish damselflies, whereas the woodland is home to grass snakes, green woodpecker, and tawny owls.

Parc Slip has a four-kilometre cycle track and several footpaths for dog walking. Family activities such as pond dipping, bug hunting and bird box making are also available at the Visitor Centre.

These UK nature reserves and natural landmarks are just some of the natural beauty that the UK has to offer. Getting a regular dose of nature is always a top priority; not only does the recharge keep you healthy, but you also get to enjoy some of the most glorious wildlife spectacles and nature reserves in the UK and find tranquillity outside of the hustle and bustle.

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