5 Brilliant Books to Help You Discover UK Wildlife (For Kids and Grown-Ups!)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from spending time outdoors with the boys, it’s that exploring nature becomes so much more exciting when you actually know what you’re looking at. Whether it’s spotting a fox track on a muddy footpath or trying to work out which bird is making that funny call in the garden, having a good UK wildlife book on hand turns everyday walks into mini-adventures.

These are our top 5 UK wildlife books that are absolutely ideal for families who want to learn more about native plants, animals, tracks, and everything in between. They’re beginner-friendly, beautifully illustrated, and brilliant for encouraging both children and adults to connect with the natural world.

Fast Track Your Wildlife Book Search

Want the best British wildlife book recommendations without all the reading? Here’s a quick rundown of the UK wildlife books I’ve listed in this article:

1. Collins Complete Guide to British Wildlife

If you only buy one British wildlife book from this post, make it this one. It’s packed with clear photos and quick British wildlife ID notes, covering everything from mammals and birds to fungi and insects. Despite how detailed it is, it’s incredibly easy for children to use and is ideal for keeping in your backpack on walks or using at home when someone inevitably asks, “What’s that?”

We absolutely swear by this nature book in our home, and I have spent hours browsing through the pages. It even has sections on the types of seaweed that can be found on the UK’s shores. If you buy one book today, make it the Collins Complete Guide to British Wildlife!

Why we love it:

Simple layout for fast identification
Brilliant for families just starting their wildlife journey
Covers hundreds of species in one book
Beautifully clear photos of wildlife

You may also like: Helping Your Local Wildlife During Winter

2. RSPB First Book of… (Series)

This series is a huge hit with kids. Each RSPB First Book Of… book focuses on a different group – birds, bugs, mammals, trees, and more. The pages are bright, friendly, and full of facts without being overwhelming, making them fantastic nature books for kids. They’re perfect for younger children who are curious but still love picture-led learning. But I have to admit, I have also spent quite some time leafing through the pages with my boys! Our favourite from the series is the RSPB First Book of Mammals.

Why we love it:

Ideal for early readers and school-aged children
Encourages kids to notice wildlife close to home
Great for building a small nature library
An excellent children’s wildlife book, as well as being one of best wildlife books for families

3. The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris

Let me introduce you to the most beautifully illustrated book you will ever see. This wildlife book is definitely more of a magical, poetic love letter to British nature than a factual identification guide. Although it may not be a field guide in the traditional sense, it is a fantastic book for inspiring children (and parents!) to slow down and reconnect with natural words, names, and meanings. The illustrations are stunning – I mean, seriously, there are pages you’ll want to frame! The Lost Words is a truly beautiful book and prompts conversations about the wildlife all around us. It truly is one of the most beautiful children’s books about British wildlife on the market.

Why we love it:

Inspires wonder and imagination
Gorgeous illustrations that adults and kids adore
Perfect for bedtime reading or quiet moments
Conveys all the whimsy and magic of nature in one book

4. Collins Gem: British Birds

Bird spotting is one of the easiest ways to connect with nature year-round, and this pocket-sized book is a little superhero. It’s lightweight, cheap, and packed with useful info – basically, it does exactly what it says on the tin. Children love being able to carry around the Collins Gem: British Birds book themselves due to its pocket size.

Why we love it:

Small enough to take everywhere
Brilliant for beginners of all ages
Great companion for bird-watching in the UK all year round

5. Mammal Tracks & Signs (Field Studies Council)

This fold-out guide is a fantastic companion for families who love woodland walks, muddy paths, and discovering what’s been roaming around when no one’s looking. The Mammal Tracks and Signs guide is packed with clear illustrations of footprints, droppings, burrows, feeding signs, and trails; all the little clues animals leave behind. Kids absolutely love using it to become “nature detectives,” and it’s lightweight enough to tuck into a backpack or coat pocket.

Why we love it:

Brilliant for learning how to track UK mammals
Easy, visual layout that children can follow
Perfect for winter walks when footprints are everywhere
Use this animal tracking book UK with our free printable wildlife tracking guide for beginners: Free Nature Printables For Kids | British Wildlife Tracks Worksheets

Ready to Explore?

Whether you’re heading out on a winter walk, exploring your garden, or planning a nature scavenger hunt, these books are perfect companions for deepening your connection with the world around you. They also make brilliant gifts, especially for children who love being outside or adults who want to learn more alongside them.

If you’ve got a favourite UK wildlife book that your family loves, pop it in the comments! I’m always looking to add new gems to our nature shelf.