The Lake District and surrounding areas are teeming with wildlife – you just need to know where to look. This makes it a perfect destination for avid wildlife fans who are looking to get in touch with the Lake District and surrounding areas are teeming with wildlife – you just need to know where to look. This makes it a perfect destination for avid wildlife fans who are looking to get in touch with nature while taking a well deserved break.
From insects to bird life, marine mammals to big cats, the Lake District is home to a plethora of animals just waiting to be discovered. So, grab your binoculars and your cameras and head out with us into the beautiful landscape of the Lakes!
Red Squirrels
First up is an animal which is close to our heart here at Holgates – the elusive red squirrel. You may remember that back in December, Holgates pledged to support Westmorland Red Squirrels for the next five years in their conservation effort.
Although it is a rare sight in other areas of the country, red squirrels are starting to thrive again in the safety of the Lake District. You will often see them scurrying through the undergrowth with cheeks full of nuts or bolting up trees as you approach.
Some of the best places to catch a glimpse of these rare beauties – and appreciate why we need to help save the red squirrel population – are:
- Skelghyll Wood near Ambleside
- Smardale Gill Nature Reserve near Kirkby Stephen
- Wreay Woods Nature Reserve near Carlisle
Northern Eurasian Lynx
Did you know that the Lakes used to be home to lynxes well over 1,000 years ago? It’s safe to say that the landscape has changed quite a bit and we don’t have to worry about wandering into an angry lynx in the wild.
However, there are two lynxes which call the Lake District their home; Elva and Cai are currently residing in the Lakes in the Lake District Wildlife Park. Although these animals were born in Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in 2011, their ancestors once roamed the Lakes and it has been 1,300 years since a lynx has roamed free in the Cumbrian landscape.
Although there have been rumours that lynxes could be reintroduced into the Lakes as soon as the end of 2016, the best place to see them now is at the Lake District Wildlife Park, which has a variety of other animals to see, too!
Porpoises
If it’s marine life you’re more interested in, don’t fret! As we’re situated on the coast, there’s plenty of reasons to keep an eye to the sea! Although we can’t guarantee that you’ll see a blue whale or even a great white shark, we can say that there is an abundance of marine wildlife that calls our coast home.
Porpoises are one of the more common marine mammal sightings that you will be able to see at various spots along the coast, including the Harbour at Heysham, right around to the Cumbrian coast. Although not a guaranteed sighting, it’s always exciting to see, especially as they are so energetic!
The Lakes and surrounding area is a haven for wildlife lovers and adventurers alike, so be sure to base yourself near the wild action by booking a stay in one of our comfortable, affordable holiday parks near the Lake District today to avoid disappointment! Feel free to contact us for more information!
