Winter Wildlife Watching in the Lake District

Winter is the perfect time for wildlife to rest and recover. However, if you look carefully, and know where to look, then there is certainly still plenty to enjoy. The Lake District, with its wide range of habitats is a great place to do some winter wildlife watching. Whether you are looking for migratory birds, squirrels or any of the other wonderful wildlife that can be found in the area, you’re sure to be able to find some. 

In our short guide we will take a look at some of the wildlife you might expect to see in the winter and more importantly, where you might find it. To make the most of all of the wonderful wildlife that there is to enjoy in the Lake District, you may want to consider finding a hotel for a few nights.

Where to go and what to look out for

The Lake District covers a huge area, so there is a good chance that you won’t be able to visit everywhere. However, there are plenty of places that should be at on your list to try:

Windemere

The largest lake in England, Windermere is one of the top places in Britain to see wintering birds. In fact, in the winter, it is home to over 2,500 birds. This is over double the number you might expect to see at other points in the year. Look out for:

•       Tufted duck
•       Goldeneye
•       Pochard
•       Coot
•       Red-breasted merganser

Ennerdale Water

A glacial lake, and the most western one in the Lake District, Ennerdale Water is located in a remote valley. Its remote location means that even during the height of the tourist season, the area is quiet, which is great news for those looking for wildlife in winter. Look for:

•       Otters
•       Deer
•     Red squirrels (look out for conifer cones that have been stripped, as this will indicate the presence of red squirrels in the area)
•       A wide variety of birds (there are over 100 species in the area)

Drumburgh Moss Nature Reserve

Located northwest of Carlisle, this vast expanse of nature offers a fantastic wildlife experience. The area is on the Solway coast and features a wide range of habitats with woodland, bog, wet heath and raised mire. Drumburgh Moss is a site of international importance with a diverse variety of plants and wildlife, including:

•       Exmoor ponies and longhorn cattle (both are used to manage the area through grazing)
•       Deer
•       Hen harriers
•       Short-eared owls
•       Dragonflies (particularly prevalent over boggy pools)

Whinlatter Forest

A small fell to the northwest of the Lake District and close to the Whinlatter Pass, Whinlatter Forest is a popular tourist attraction in the area with a visitors’ centre. It is also a great place to visit looking for wildlife if you have children with you. There are plenty of well-marked paths and activities for younger visitors. Look out for:

•       Red squirrels (the Squirrel Scurry trail is a great way to explore, and the trail map offers lots of squirrel information. There are also squirrel feeding stations).
•       Roe deer
•       Frogs
•       Birds of prey – Buzzards, Peregrines and at certain times of the year Osprey

Dress appropriately

The weather in the Lake District in winter can be both cold and wet, so make sure that you wrap up warmly with plenty of layers. Study footwear with a good grip is also a wise precaution against slipping on muddy ground.

Don’t get disheartened

Wildlife can be unpredictable, so whilst there is certainly plenty to see in the winter, it is worth wrapping up warm and being patient if there is something particular you are hoping to spot. Viewing platforms and bird hides are often a good place to shelter from the elements whilst enjoying the wonderful scenery and wildlife of the Lake District.