Andrew Chick Ecology

Ravens are early breeders, typically starting their nesting season in late February to March, making them one of the earliest nesting birds in the UK. Highly adaptable, they thrive in various habitats but are particularly associated with rugged, remote areas such as coastal cliffs, moorlands, and mountainous regions.

Some of the best places to find ravens in the UK include Dartmoor and Exmoor in Devon, where the open moorland and rocky outcrops provide ideal nesting sites. Coastal areas in Cornwall, such as Land’s End and The Lizard, also offer excellent opportunities to spot them. In Wales, Snowdonia National Park in the north and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park are known strongholds, with mountainous terrain and coastal cliffs providing perfect habitats. Scotland’s remote landscapes, including the Highlands, the islands of Skye and Islay, and Cairngorms National Park, are also prime locations. In Northern England, the Lake District National Park, the North York Moors, and the Yorkshire Dales support healthy raven populations. Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast and the Mourne Mountains are also known for their resident ravens.

Spotting ravens can be easier if you listen for their deep, croaking calls, look for their large, bulky nests on cliffs or in tall trees, and observe their acrobatic flight displays, especially during the breeding season. As highly intelligent and social birds, ravens are fascinating to watch, and with patience and the right location, you stand a good chance of encountering them in the wild.