Cumbria Wildlife: Explore Nature's Wonders at the Park

2024-02-22

Cumbria is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. The wildlife in Cumbria is pretty diverse, with animals ranging from mammals and birds to rare insects and reptiles. Cumbria wildlife provides endless opportunities to connect with nature and explore the region's rich ecological tapestry you can Learn more about Cumbria's natural beauty here. Read on to learn more about remarkable species enhancing the diversity of Cumbria’s wildlife.

Unique Mammals

Muntjac Deer

The Chinese Muntjac deer stands out as a unique and charming inhabitant of Cumbria. You can spot them in the woodlands and grasslands of the region, grazing on leaves, shoots, and fallen fruits. Their endearing appearance and elusive behaviour make encountering a Muntjac deer a truly memorable experience.

Daubenton's Bat

The fast and agile Daubenton’s bats can be spotted at twilight during spring and summer. Also known as water bats, these amazing mammals are perfectly adapted to their aquatic lifestyle, skimming the surface of rivers and lakes in search of insects.

European Badger

European badgers feed on smaller animals and worms, and they can be found all throughout Cumbria. They are one of the most well-known species in the region and are distinguishable by their black and white striped faces.

Water Shrew

The water shrew, distinguished by its large size and striking appearance, is a remarkable inhabitant of Cumbria's wetland habitats. It spends the majority of its time navigating the wetlands, gliding effortlessly through the clear, cold waters.

Fascinating Birds

Black-Necked Grebe

Black-necked grebe is a captivating sight in the tranquil waters of Cumbria's lakes and ponds. It has a striking black-and-white plumage and distinctive red eyes. It is among the diving birds, and its main source of food is fish and other small sea creatures.

Hen Harrier

The hen harrier is one of the endangered birds of prey, known for their agility and hunting power. You may see hen harriers in the heath and moorlands of Cumbria. You can distinguish them by their small size, white rumps, and black wing tips.

Tawny Owl

At night, you can hear the echoes of tawny owls’ haunting calls in the parks and gardens of the region. With their mottled brown plumage and piercing eyes, these birds are always on the lookout for voles and mice to eat.

Pied Wagtail

Mostly found in towns and villages, pied wagtails are a familiar sight for residents. With its cheerful chirps and perpetual motion, the pied wagtail adds a sense of vibrancy to the everyday hustle and bustle of Cumbrian life.

Rare Insects

Butterflies

For those interested in butterflies, the meadows and moorelands of Cumbria are a perfect place to spot them. Summer is a perfect time to find them, as many of them migrate to the UK during this season. Humming-bird hawk-moth and High Brown Fritillary are only two of the butterfly species you may find there.

Bees

Bees and wasps are another important inhabitants of Cumbria’s wildlife and hugely important for the ecosystem of the place. Some of the rarest bee species are the bilberry bumblebee, the buff-tailed bumblebee, and the bee-wolf.

Dragonflies

Let’s not forget about the different species of dragonflies inhabiting the freshwater of ponds and lakes. A good example of this species is the brown hawker, which is mostly found during the summer.

Common Green Lacewing

Different species of lacewings are pretty common in the UK. Common green lacewing is usually found in gardens and can help fight pests. You can spot them through their translucent wings and lime green bodies.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Natterjack Toad

Natterjack toads are smaller than common toads and are one of the rarest species among amphibians. You will be able to spot them in shallow pools in warmer seasons, and they mostly appear at night.

Grass Snake

The grass snake has an olive-green body and distinctive yellow collar and is from 90 to 150 centimetres in length. This non-venomous reptile preys on frogs, small mammals, and birds, blending seamlessly into its surroundings as it hunts for its next meal.

Slow Worm

Despite its name, the Slow Worm is not a worm at all but rather a legless lizard, distinguished by its ability to shed its tail as a defence mechanism against predators. They are much smaller than snakes and are mostly hidden from view. Nevertheless, you may hope to find them in the heathlands and moorlands during spring and summer.

Amazing Marine Life

Harbour Porpoise

Typically found in shallow waters, harbour porpoise is an amazing marine mammal. Despite being shy, the Harbour Porpoise can often be spotted from the coastline, its characteristic dorsal fin breaking the surface in fleeting glimpses.

Grey Seal

You may spot grey seals on the seashores of Cumbria. They have a slightly larger body and head than common seals, and have parallel nostrils as opposed to the v-shaped nostrils of common seals. Despite being one of the largest seal species in the world, the Grey Seal is remarkably agile in the water, hunting for fish and crustaceans with remarkable skill and precision.

Flame Shell

The flame shell is a dazzling bivalve mollusk that adorns the seabed with its vibrant orange hues. It is considered Britain’s most beautiful bivalve and is easy to spot, having orange tentacles and being slightly agape.

Lesser Weever Fish

The lesser weever fish, like the great weever fish, is a venomous species. When in sandy waters trying to find a trace of these extraordinary creatures, you should take some precautions. Try wearing beach shoes and following the seashore codes.

Interesting Plants

Meadow Buttercup

The wildlife in Cumbria is not restricted to animals alone, with plenty of wildflowers growing in its grassland and heathland. With its yellow petals and delicate, cup-shaped flowers, meadow buttercup adds a touch of warmth and beauty to the countryside. You can find these beautiful wildflowers in meadows, gardens, and parks from April to October.

Holm Oak

Holm oak is a majestic tree that provides shelter and sustenance for a variety of Cumria’s wildlife, from birds and bats to insects and small mammals. This tall tree is an evergreen but tends to lose its leaves in extreme weather conditions. Despite its origins in the Mediterranean region, the Holm Oak thrives in the soils of Cumbria, adding a touch of exotic elegance to the landscape.

Fir Clubmoss

The fir clubmoss is a diminutive yet enchanting inhabitant of woodlands and moorlands. Famed for its needle-like leaves and creeping stems, fir clubmoss can be found in rocky places like bogs and mountains.

Great Burnet

Great burnet adorns the damp meadows and marshlands of Cumbria with its elegant spikes of crimson flowers. Despite its relatively rare status, the Great Burnet plays a vital role in the ecological health of Cumbria's wildlife wetland habitats, providing food and shelter for a variety of birds and insects.

As you plan your visit to experience the wonders of Cumbria's wildlife firsthand, we highly recommend choosing the Lovelady Shield Hotel for your stay. Lovelady Shield Hotel and Cottages offer unparalleled comfort and hospitality, providing the perfect base for your adventures in this enchanting region.

Tags:Cumbria’s Wildlife