Exploring Nature on Scafell Pike: Wildlife & Seasons
Scafell Pike may be most famous as England’s highest peak, but it’s also one of the country’s best spots for wildlife spotting. Whether you’re a keen bird-watcher or want to see a rare red squirrel, Scafell Pike and the Lake District is the place to be. If you want to experience the mountain’s wilder side, we recommend doing so in the company of one of our qualified mountain leaders (and local experts) on a Climb Scafell Pike Guided Walk. They’ll provide a wealth of local insight that will help you make the most of the experience.
Until then, here’s our quick guide to the animals you might encounter while exploring the mountain.
Birds of prey
The majestic birds of prey that soar high in the skies over Scafell Pike are one of the region’s biggest attractions. Pay attention, and you have a good chance of seeing buzzards, kestrels and peregrines flying overhead in search of prey. Binoculars are a great idea if you’re looking to get a good view, as you’re most likely to spot them from a distance.
Other birds
While the local birds of prey are often the centre of attention and certainly put on an impressive show, there are plenty of other birds to watch out for. In the winter months, the knocking of woodpeckers reverberates around the area’s forested lower slopes, while the cuckoo call can be heard in spring. Wickedly intelligent and surprisingly large ravens prowl the skies and starlings fly in close formation as they wheel around in striking murmurations.
Mammals
The Lake District’s iconic red deer are a big attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, especially when the stags are showing off during the rutting season. Herdwick sheep can be found across the hillsides, as can big, burly and fast hares. Down by the rivers, you can often spot otters splashing around, too.
Rodents
Threatened by their disease-carrying grey cousins, the red squirrel is an endangered species in the UK. However, it does have a foothold in a few areas. And the Lake District is one of them. While you can see red squirrels across the Lake District, we recommend heading to Whinlatter Forest for the best chance of catching a glimpse of the colourful critters.
Reptiles
Finally, a word for an animal that many walkers hope not to see while out walking but plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Scafell Pike and the Lake District, like many regions in the UK, are home to a decently sized population of adders. The only poisonous snake native to this isle, the adder can often be seen in spring sunbathing on warm rocks. However, you’ll need good eyes, as they are very well camouflaged. Don’t let a potential snake presence put you off visiting Scafell Pike. They’re extremely nervous animals that typically flee long before you reach them.
Wildlife throughout the year
No matter what time of year you’re in the Lake District or heading to the summit of Scafell Pike, there’s always plenty of wildlife to keep your eyes open for. It’s just a matter of knowing what to look for and when. So here’s a quick guide to the seasonal highlights.
- • Spring – a time of renewal and rebirth, spring brings new blooms, with wildflowers popping up all over the place. The birds that summer in the area start to return and this is the season to hear the cuckoo’s call. Of course, it’s also lambing season and the farmers will be busy.
- • Summer – long days and warmer weather mean an increase in wildlife activity and you’re likely to see plenty of birds and butterflies too. Keep an eye out for the incredibly well-camouflaged green hairstreak – bonus points if you spot this sensationally beautiful butterfly.
- • Autumn – with the leaves burning red and yellow and the landscape taking on that spectacular golden hue, autumn is just as much about the flora as it is the fauna. However, there’s plenty going on with the local wildlife. See if you can hear the local red deer stags bellowing – it is the rutting season after all.
- • Winter – we often think of winter as a quiet time for wildlife but, despite many animals hibernating or migrating, there’s still a lot to see. We recommend trying to catch a glimpse of a local red squirrel and keeping your ears open for busy woodpeckers.
Conservation and the importance of respecting our mountain environments
Scafell Pike (and the Lake District as a whole) are incredibly precious natural ecosystems that need protecting and looking after. As users of these environments, we have a responsibility to preserve them, keeping them beautiful and biodiverse for future generations.
- • Stay on marked paths – wherever possible, stay on marked paths to prevent erosion and protect the flora that grows across the landscape. Heavy footfall can have a significant impact on local plants and, by extension, the wildlife, too.
- • Be responsible dog owners – Scafell Pike is home to a fair few species of ground-nesting birds. There’s also a fair amount of livestock around. If you’re walking with your dog, make sure you put them on the lead if there’s a possibility they may disrupt or disturb local wildlife.
- • Take rubbish home – we believe in pack-in, pack-out principles. Whatever you take into natural environments, you should also take out – even if it’s biodegradable. Things like food waste can be harmful to animals, so don’t just chuck that banana peel in the bushes!
- • Observe from a distance – disturbing wildlife can cause unnecessary distress and energy expenditure. With this in mind, we always recommend using binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to get a view while keeping your distance.
Guided Walks with Climb Scafell Pike
With Climb Scafell Pike Guided Walks, your group is led by a fully qualified mountain leader and local Scafell Pike expert. With an intimate knowledge of the area, they’re perfectly positioned to help you pick out wildlife highlights and ensure you experience the best of the region’s flora and fauna. The groups are all kept small (a maximum of ten people), so you have a great chance of spotting all kinds of animals and we run dates throughout the year. If you’re a wildlife lover, come and join us!