The UK has some of the most diverse environments for its size. The video below shows a range of these environments.

The physical geography of the UK was formed through geological, fluvial, glacial, erosional and tectonic processes.

The majority of the UK’s upland areas are located in the north and west of the country. These areas are mainly formed from igneous (volcanic) and metamorphic rock. Lowlands are typically found around the coast and in the south and east. These areas are mainly made up of sedimentary rock.

A map to show the physical geography of the UK and Ireland

The UK consists of a number of river basins. These are large areas of land drained by a river and its tributaries. At 220 miles the longest river in the UK is the River Severn.

A map to show the main river basin regions in the UK – source gov.uk

Main drainage basins (areas drained by a river and its tributaries) in the UK – source – unknown