We are not too far away from the edge of the woodland here, so there is a range of wildlife to be found that is as comfortable under cover of the trees as it as out in more open grassland. Take a look around and see what you can find nearby!
Red Admiral
Keep an eye out for the Red Admiral, a vibrant butterfly gracing meadows, gardens and woodlands around the Lake District. Its black wings splashed with bold red and a dash of white make it a real eye-catcher. This strong flyer migrates from Europe, arriving in Cumbria during summer. Spot them basking in the sun or fluttering between flowers like thistles and buddleia, sipping sweet nectar. The Red Admiral plays a vital role by pollinating plants as it feeds, ensuring a colourful future for the Lake District’s flora and keeping the environment around Skelwith Fold healthy!
Oak Tree
The oak tree, with its sturdy branches and vast canopy, is a familiar sight in the Lake District and Cumbria. These long-lived giants have shaped the landscape for centuries. Look for ancient oaks around the woods here at Skelwith Fold, as well as in parks, and even lone specimens in fields across Cumbria. Here are some more things you should know about Oaks:
- Wildlife Havens: Their bark, leaves, and acorns support countless creatures – birds, insects, and even fungi! They are some of the most important trees in our ecosystem.
- Cultural Icons: Oaks feature in local folklore and inspired famous Lake District poets like Wordsworth.
- Landscape Shapers: Oaks provide shade and shelter, influencing the plants and animals that thrive around them.
Kestrel
Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent Kestrel, a common sight in the Lake District and Cumbria. This small falcon is known for its hovering flight, as it scans the ground for prey like voles and mice. Look for its rusty-brown back, spotted underparts, and pointed wings. You might find kestrels hunting over open fields, grasslands, and along roadsides – as well as along the edge of the woodland here at Skelwith Fold.
Their presence is a sign of healthy ecosystems, as they help control rodent populations. So keep a lookout for this thrilling aerial hunter!
Roe Deer
Keep your eyes peeled for the shy Roe Deer, Cumbria’s most common native deer species. These graceful creatures favour the fringes of woodlands, grasslands, and even heathlands found throughout the Lake District.
Spotting Tips:
- Look for their reddish-brown coat in summer, turning greyer in winter.
- Watch for their distinctive white rump patch that flashes as they flee.
- They’re most active at dawn and dusk, so plan your wildlife watching accordingly.
Roe Deer play an important role:
- They browse on leaves, shrubs, and grasses, helping control plant growth.
- They’re a vital food source for foxes and birds of prey.
Enjoy a silent vigil and see if you can catch a glimpse of these beautiful and vital members of the Lake District’s ecosystem.