Year-round watching
Seasonal guides
When to visit the Lake District for specific wildlife, from ospreys at Haweswater to the red deer rut in Martindale.
- Peak season
Osprey Season
April/August
Ospreys return from West Africa to breed at RSPB Haweswater and Foulshaw Moss. Get there before 10am for a spot at the hide.
- October only
Red Deer Rut
October
Martindale and the eastern fells. Dawn or dusk. You'll hear the stags roaring before you see them.
- Best in morning
Red Squirrel Watching
Year-round
Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter. The visitor centre feeders. Morning is best. One of England's strongholds.
- Winter guide
Winter Wildfowl
November – February
Goldeneye, tufted duck and wigeon on Ullswater and Windermere. The big lakes hold good numbers.