Wildlife You Can Spot in the Lake District

Anytime you visit the Lake District, you are almost guaranteed to be blessed by views with some amazing scenery – great walks and hikes, unique wildlife, wonderful vistas, and relaxing trips by boat across the lakes. Add into that some of the best food in the world, cooked by top chefs, and it is no wonder so many people visit the region each year.

Lake District Cottage Holidays

As one of our most treasured national parks, the Lake District is also home to some brilliant wildlife. Keep your eyes open and you can expect to see everything from kestrels and ospreys to red squirrels and even a deer or two. Whether you are actively looking for wildlife on your outdoor adventures or just watching the birds in your cottage garden, you will find a host of animals very close to you in this beautiful national park. It is no wonder Beatrix Potter was so inspired!

Here we take a closer look at the type of wildlife you might typically expect to see when you book a holiday cottage in the Coniston area of the Lake District.

Red Squirrels – The red squirrel is coming back to the UK after being forced out by its more aggressive cousin the grey squirrel over the last 100 years. There are various locations around the lakes where you can spot a red squirrel or two, chomping on nuts and scurrying around the trees.

Red Deer – Deer are also known to roam across the fells and can be found in nearby woodland. While they are extremely nervous, you may come across a few here and there, especially towards dusk, while you’re out on a hike or driving along.

One of the best times to see them in the wild is during the Autumn mating season. There are several Trust and reserve areas around the lakes where you can sit and watch.

Birds of Prey – As with the rest of the UK, reintroducing and protecting species of birds of prey has been a top priority over the last twenty years or so and the Lake District is no different.

Now you can see ospreys, owls and buzzards silhouetted against the sky. If you look closely enough, you may even see the last remaining golden eagle in the country out near Haweswater.

Butterflies – It’s not just large creatures that can be seen aplenty in the Lake District. During the late spring and summer, many areas come alive with beautiful dragonflies, exotic insects and wonderful butterflies. The best place to see a splash of colour with our winged friends are the many public gardens and nature reserves dotted around the region.

Otters – Full of lakes and rivers as well as out of the way brooks and waterfalls, you might expect to also see an otter here or there popping its head above the water.

It used to be a rare event to see an otter in the wild in the Lake District, but they are starting to make a comeback big time. While the chances of seeing one still aren’t too high, keep your eyes open and you may be surprised.

Wildlife in the Lake District

Like any country area, the Lake District is home to some amazing wildlife. You are just as likely to spot a hawfinch or kittiwake as you are a red deer or otter when you hike through the woodland and parks that make up the this beautiful part of England.