Native creatures, ahoy!

Arthur (or me, anyhow) are fans of British wildlife, and this is a round up i wrote for The Guardian a while back.

Wild Boar at Chipping, near Preston

Wild boars, fluffy chicks and tractor rides for a pound a go, plus plenty of related edibles too. Wild Boar Park, 10.30am to 4pm daily, £4.50 adults, £3.50 child, £14 family. Chipping, Preston (Call 01995 61554)

Shire Horses at Cotebrook, Cheshire

A working stable packed with Shires, Clydesdales and rolling acoutrements. Horsing about guaranteed.Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, 10am to 5pm daily, £5.95 adult, £3.95 child (under 5s are free), £18.50 family, Cotebrook, near Tarporley, Cheshire (call 01829 760506 or visit http://www.cotebrookshirehorses.co.uk/)

Seals in Gweek, Cornwall

A rescue centre for the lost and poorly seals of the south, with sea lions and otters to add to the fun. The National Seal Sanctuary, from 10am daily, £10.95 adults, £7.95 child (3 to 14), Gweek, near Helston, Cornwall (call 0871 423 2110)

Shrew in Herne Bay, Kent

A forest park crammed with small and often endangered creatures like pool frogs, harvest mice and water shrew. Wildwood, 10am to 4pm daily, £9.50 adult, £7.50 child (3 and over) Wildwood Trust, Herne Common, Herne Bay, Kent (call 0871 7820081)

Kingussie Hooper swans in the Highlands

Home to over 100 of the Nordic charmers right now, as well as the odd Golden Eagle, Scottish Cross Bill and Black Grouse. Insh Marshes RSPB Reserve, open at all times, free, Kingussie, Highland (Call 01540 661518)