Wildlife in the Lake District
When we’re asked by visitors where to see wildlife in the Lake District, it’s often red squirrels at the top of their list. It’s perhaps the most iconic of all of the creatures that have found a sanctuary in the Lakes. But though native to the UK, its numbers have reduced significantly since the introduction of its cousin the grey squirrel.
Red Squirrels
We have been supporting the Lake District Foundation for a number of years, with your help through visitor giving here at the Cedar Manor, to help save the red squirrels. Grey squirrels carry the squirrelpox virus, which is harmless to carriers, but deadly to red squirrels. The funds raised have now been distributed to seven local squirrel groups for much needed monitoring equipment and other materials vital in the conservation of this precious Cumbrian species. The grants are being used by local volunteer groups to buy squirrel feeders, squirrel food, cleaning kit and monitoring equipment to increase the efficiency of their conservation efforts.
So where can you see them? Red squirrels are quite elusive, and although there are some populations around towns and villages, you are more likely to see them in mixed or broadleaf woodlands of the Lake District. In particular Whinlatter Forest, and Dodd Wood below Skiddaw in the northern Lakes, have large populations with feeders that tempt the small creatures out into the open.
Otters in the Wild
Otters are semi-aquatic mammals that can sometimes be seen playing on river banks in the Lake District. Despite their cute and lovable appearance, they are regarded as Britain’s top predator and are skilled at hunting on land and underwater. They are powerful animals who normally avoid humans, so we would advise viewing them from a distance if you are lucky enough to spot one. We have seen one by the River Rothay near Ambleside. Their diet is mainly birds, small mammals and frogs.
Popular locations to find otters are at Bassenthwaite Lake where there’s also a wide variety of bird life, especially at the Lake District Wildlife Park, and Derwentwater. They have also been seen in many other lakes in the local area. Look out for five-toed footprints on river banks.
Oh Deer!
The cute and not-at-all timid roe deer is native to the Lake District. They live in areas of mixed countryside that includes woodland, farmland, grassland and heathland. The roe deer is a delicate creature with short antlers and no tail. They are mostly brown in colour, turning reddish in the summer and darker grey in the winter, with a pale buff, almost white, patch around the rump. They eat buds and leaves from trees and shrubs, as well as ferns, grasses and heathers. And we have neighbours who have lost daffodils and roses thanks to bold deer who wander into semi-urban areas, usually very early in the morning.
But you don’t need to get up at the crack of dawn just in case a deer visits. Though it does help to be out and about where there's not too many other people. We know where to see wildlife in the Lake District, and that includes the majestic red deer as well as the roe. Our guests have come across roe deer on the lower slopes of Loughrigg, near Ambleside, for instance.
Red Deer in the Wild
The red deer is more elusive. This is the UK’s largest land mammal, growing up to 137cm tall and weighing around 190kg when they reach full size. The autumn is their breeding season, making it an ideal time to visit the Lakes District and try to see them. But they are exceptional and historic animals, and efforts to respect their space and keep safe should be observed.
Over in the eastern Lake District, The Nab and Rampsgill is a sanctuary for them where they can exist undisturbed, not scared by people or dogs; you can read more in Wainwright’s Guide to the The Far Eastern Fells. You should keep away from the red deer at all times, especially during calving time. This protected area may be closed between September and February for deer management and possibly at other times as required. To avoid any disappointment it is important to check that access will be available before your visit. Contact Dalemain Estate Office for permission either by email: estateadmin@dalemain.com or tel. +44 (0) 17684 86450 #2.
Herdwick Sheep
Although not wild in the truest sense, Herdwick sheep will be found roaming freely throughout the Cumbrian fells. This iconic breed is native to Cumbria and it’s thought that 99% of the population live within the county’s borders. Beatrix Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit and much more, became a highly-regarded Herdwick sheep breeder. This was part of her work to help preserve the Lake District, its people, and its way of life.
Their territorial nature enables Herdwick to be “hefted” to a particular fell. This traditional method of farming means that walls and hedges are not required. The sheep are taught to stay within the same area, while their ability to survive for long periods via foraging alone makes them an ideal animal for the harsh conditions of the Lake District fells.
The Herdwick sheep are found on farms throughout the fells with large numbers visible around Buttermere, Coniston, Wasdale, and Borrowdale.
Bownessie
And so to our local favourite wild creature, Bownessie, the monster of Windermere. We truly can’t tell you where and when she might next appear. But you’ll have a lot of fun spending time on England’s largest and loveliest lake looking for her.
The monster was first spotted by a university lecturer, Steve Burnip, back in 2006. He took some photos from the shore of Windermere at Watbarrow Point near Wray Castle and showed them to his friend who was working for the Westmorland Gazette. The editor of the Gazette came up with the clever name for the creature, ran a news story, and several weeks later there was another sighting. And then another. Crypto-zoologists were sent to scour the depths for this elusive monster. Mr Burnip described it to the Gazette at the time as being 15 to 20 feet long with a little head and two small humps following in its wake. He said it looked like a giant eel.
A few years later a French Canadian film crew, touring the world making documentaries about lake monsters, spent a day in the Lakes, filming people who had seen Bownessie. We reckon your best chance of a sighting is to go for a sail with Windermere Lake Cruises. Their skippers will alert you if they see anything suspicious in the water. But don't worry if you're going out in a small boat, or going swimming. There's no evidence that Bownessie has ever harmed a tourist!