Favourite wildlife havens named

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Cumbria is the best county for wildlife lovers to live in, a new study claims.

The survey carried out by BBC Wildlife Magazine took into account the amount of protected land and variety of habitats and species in UK counties.

The study's top wildlife spot was Montgomeryshire in Wales for its large areas of protected land.

Fergus Collins, from BBC Wildlife, said: "When it comes to variety, beauty and abundance of wildlife, Cumbria seems to have everything."

He added: "If you are a wildlife-lover and you live in Cumbria, you should count yourself very lucky indeed. It is hard to beat."

A wide variety of data was gathered and analysed during the study, according to region and specific counties.

'Fascinating study'

Other environmental factors which were taken into consideration were congestion, pollution and water quality.

Cumbria has 104 nature reserves and its mountains, moorland, wildflower meadows, river valleys, lakes and unspoilt farmland made it the number one choice with voters.

The Highlands was the winner in Scotland because of its tranquility and lack of pollution.

Mr Collins added: "This has been a really fascinating study.

"And what it has shown most is that wherever you live, even deep within a city, there are always wild havens to visit and exciting wildlife to discover."

Antrim in Northern Ireland was voted the number one county for its rugged and beautiful Causeway Coast.

The environmental study is published in February's issue of the magazine.