Cumbria Wildlife: Explore Nature's Wonders at the Park

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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.