The most biodiverse areas in Britain have been uncovered in a new study — and the Scottish Highlands has taken the top spot, thanks to its abundance of natural wildlife and thriving plants.

In order to uncover the research, the team at Holiday Cottages investigated the areas in the UK with the most mammals, birds, fish, insects, plants, fungi, mushrooms, and bacteria individually.

While the Highlands was crowned the winner for the most mammals, mushrooms, fungi and plants in the UK, North Norfolk was found to be home to the most birds, while Pembrokeshire has the most fish in its glorious waters.

Meanwhile, over in East Cambridgeshire, this beautiful region took the crown for the highest number of bacteria, insects and spiders.

"Many people don't know the amazing wildlife and plants we have here in the UK, and our interactive map aims to showcases Great Britain's fantastic biodiversity. We hope this map will encourage people to visit all this wonderful island has to offer," Shannon Keary, Campaigns Manager at Holiday Cottages, says.

"And if you want to see how biodiverse your area is, just type in your area on the map to see just how many different species of mammals, birds, fish, plants, and more can be found where you live."

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Gwynedd in Wales took the second spot

Take a look at the full list below...

10 most biodiverse areas in Britain

  1. Highland, Scotland
  2. Gwynedd, Wales
  3. Shropshire, England
  4. Powys, Wales
  5. Pembrokeshire, Wales
  6. Swansea, Wales
  7. Breckland, England
  8. Herefordshire, England
  9. New Forest, England
  10. East Cambridgeshire, England

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Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.