Key Species Making a Comeback in the UK

Across the UK, there are a number of wild animals and habitats that are suffering, but all hope is not lost, as there are also a number of species that have been successfully reintroduced into our ecosystems.

With amazing conservation efforts, mammals, bird species, and amphibians have all been helped. Read on to find out more about the comebacks of British wildlife.

What is Wildlife Conservation?

Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting wild species and habitats to maintain a healthy population and restoring and enhancing natural ecosystems.

Species Reintroductions

Hazel Dormouse

Hazel Dormice were a species that was once widespread across England and Wales. As hedgerows were taken out and modern farming intensified, their population numbers began to decline. By the late 20th century, the population had mostly disappeared, and they were essentially extinct. 

Thanks to conservation efforts, such as nest box monitoring and population reintroduction, dormice are being reintroduced into woodlands. 

Eurasian Beavers (Castor Fiber) - A Keystone Species

The Eurasian Beaver was hunted to extinction in Britain more than 400 years ago. Its reintroduction is considered one of the great ones in recent decades. 

Beavers are best known for building dams and lodges, making them 'ecosystem engineers' as they help create wetland that supports birds, fish, amphibians, and plants. Their activities slow flooding, filter water, and boost biodiversity, earning them recognition as a critical keystone species.

Natterjack Toad

As one of Britain's most threatened amphibians, they are found mainly in coastal sand dunes and lowland heaths. They were once widespread, but habitat loss led to numbers plummeting. 

Through conservation initiatives such as pond creation, dune restoration, and the translocation of individuals, this species is now making a comeback.

Red Kite

At one point, the Red Kite was reduced to just a handful of pairs in mid Wales. Now, it is a major success story. For this bird, hunting and persecution drove it close to extinction in Britain. 

Reintroduction projects have allowed this bird to become a familiar sight once again. 

Water Vole

Also often recognised as 'Ratty' from The Wind in the Willows, the Water Vole is a native species that was nearly gone for good. The drainage of rivers, habitat loss, and predation by the invasive American Mink caused a major decline in this species. 

Now, through wetland restoration, riverbank planting, and active reintroduction projects, Water Voles are returning to rivers across Britain.

Adder

Once common across heaths, moors, and woodland edges, populations have suffered from disturbance and habitat fragmentation. Conservation groups are now working to protect their habitats, raise awareness, and reduce unnecessary killing.

As an important predator, adders help control small mammal populations and play a vital role in biodiversity.

Pine Marten

The Pine Marten is a really exciting comeback story. In the UK, it was once a widespread species, but hunting and deforestation pushed it to the brink of extinction. 

It survived only in the remote Highlands, but thanks to efforts from conservation charities, there are now thought to be around 4,000 Pine Martens in the UK.

Large Blue Butterfly

Declared extinct in Britain in 1979, the large blue butterfly has been successfully reintroduced thanks to world-leading conservation science. Its complex life cycle depends on wild thyme and a partnership with red ants, making habitat management critical.

After decades of research and planning, populations now thrive again in southwest England. 

European Bison

The European bison, once extinct in the wild, has been restored through ambitious breeding and reintroduction projects across Europe.

As the continent’s largest land mammal, it plays a critical role as a keystone species: grazing and trampling open up woodlands, helping plants, insects, and birds flourish.

In Britain, small herds have been introduced to enclosed reserves, such as those in Kent, where they are already helping to restore ecosystems by creating natural clearings.

Eurasian Lynx

Today, the Eurasian Lynx is at the heart of rewilding debates. As a solitary, secretive predator, the Lynx could help control deer numbers, allowing forests to regenerate naturally and supporting healthier ecosystems.

Although no release has yet taken place, feasibility studies continue, and the idea of lynx prowling Britain’s forests once again captures the public imagination about the future of reintroduction projects.

White-Tailed Eagle (Sea Eagle)

Once widespread along Britain’s coasts and cliffs, the White-Tailed Eagle – also known as the sea eagle – was driven to extinction in the UK in the early 20th century due to persecution and habitat loss. With its massive wingspan, it is the largest bird of prey in the country and an iconic symbol of wild, open landscapes.

Reintroduction projects, particularly on the Isle of Mull and along the Scottish west coast, have seen the population grow steadily. More recently, sea eagles have been reintroduced to parts of England, and they are once again becoming a dramatic and inspiring sight soaring over coastal waters.

Great Bustard

The Great Bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, was once a native of Britain’s open grasslands before hunting and agricultural change led to its extinction in the 19th century. Its striking appearance and elaborate mating displays made it a remarkable but vulnerable species.

Conservationists launched an ambitious project on Salisbury Plain, bringing eggs from Russia and Spain to re-establish a breeding population. After years of effort, Great Bustards are once again breeding in the English countryside, marking a spectacular return for this giant bird.