Nature Reserves
The Lake District has some of the best wildlife sites in England, from RSPB osprey reserves to ancient woodland. Here's where to go and what to see.
RSPB · Free entry · Haweswater
RSPB Haweswater Reserve
Ospreys, pied flycatchers and red squirrels. The flagship Lake District wildlife site. Get there before 10am for a spot at the osprey hide.
Forestry England · Free entry · Grizedale
Grizedale Forest
Red squirrels, red deer, red kites. The visitor centre has feeders. One of the best places in England to see red squirrels.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust · Free entry · Grange-over-Sands
Foulshaw Moss
Osprey viewing platform. Nest visible from the hide. Foulshaw is one of the Lake District's osprey reintroduction success stories.
RSPB · Entry charge · Silverdale
Leighton Moss RSPB
Bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit. The largest reedbed in north-west England. A proper day out.
Overview
Ullswater
Red deer, goldeneye, the Martindale valley. The second largest lake in the Lake District. Wildlife and landscape.
Guide
Birdwatching guide
Best spots, seasons and kit for the Lake District.
Guide
Seasonal guides
Ospreys, red deer rut, red squirrels and what to see when.