Hundreds of wildlife enthusiasts are expected to gather along UK coastlines over the next 10 days to count and record whales and dolphins.

The National Whale and Dolphin Watch, taking place from 26 July to 4 August, is hosted by the Sea Watch Foundation and aims to get volunteers to observe and record sightings of the UK’s most impressive marine mammals.

The UK is home to some of the most majestic marine wildlife such as bottlenose dolphins and fin whales. However, many of these species are vulnerable to threats such as water pollution and rising sea temperatures.

The data collected from experts and novices alike will contribute to scientific research that is monitoring trends, distributions and behaviours of the animals.