Welcome to ‘A Guide to Yorkshire Wildlife’, your ultimate resource for exploring the diverse and enchanting world of flora and fauna that thrives in the breathtaking region of Yorkshire, England. Nestled in the northern part of the country, Yorkshire boasts an extraordinary array of landscapes, from rugged moorlands to lush valleys, providing an idyllic habitat for a remarkable variety of wildlife species. Whether you are an avid nature enthusiast, a passionate photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of the natural world, this blog is your gateway to discovering the hidden treasures and captivating stories of Yorkshire’s remarkable wildlife. Join Yorkshire Escapes on this fascinating journey as we delve into the enchanting realms of Yorkshire’s wildlife, uncovering its secrets and celebrating its extraordinary diversity.
Puffins
From April to June, breeding colonies of Puffins settle on the Bempton Cliffs near Bridlington. These beloved seabirds can often be seen rearing their young, perching on outlying rocks and clumsily skipping across the water before settling on its surface. The comically endearing nature of puffins as well as their chirping communications and distinctive red beaks are what make them one of Yorkshire’s most charismatic visitors.
Red squirrels
Red squirrels are the UK’s native breed and were nearly wiped out by the Squirrel Pox Virus and the introduction of European Grey Squirrels to their habitat. Luckily, their reintroduction to select woodlands across England and Scotland means you can spot their furry ears and bushy ginger tail as they dart through the trees in Snaizeholme, Yorkshire, attempting to satisfy their fondness for hazelnuts.
Short-eared owls
Yorkshire’s coast is rife with marshes and wetlands where you might be lucky enough to see the elegant short-eared owl in flight. This majestic bird of prey has an affinity for winter weather in which its piercing yellow eyes most enjoy scanning open plaines for voles, and its pale underside disguises it against the sky.
Otters
‘God’s own county’ is proud to be home to one of England’s most adored mammals: the Eurasian otter. These short-haired bundles of energy are loved for their boundless bouncing on riverside rocks, and their sleek, speedy hunting methods.
Otters are a protected species under European law and due to conservation efforts, they are thriving gleefully in Staveley where water shrews are also in abundance. Their reintroduction to the rivers around Harrogate is such a popular project that many companies are supporting the Yorkshire Conservation Trust’s work, including the gin distillery, Harrogate Tipple.
Kingfishers
For such a dainty looking bird, the Kingfisher has an impressive hunting talent up its feathers. Combined power and speed make it the ultimate rural fish predator that can be found in nature reserves across Yorkshire including the North York Moors. If you’re looking to gawp at this striking spectacle, all you are likely to see is a flash of electric blue skimming the water, but the joy of catching even a glimpse is worth every second of the wait.
Dolphins and Whales
It’s not always appreciated that some of the world’s most spectacular sea life migrates to the English coastline every year including minke and humpback whales. Bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises also visit our native waters and Whitby Coastal Cruises are thrilled to show you these marine mammals at select times of the year.
Goshawks
Goshawks can be found in the North York Moors and Great Yorkshire Forest, choosing dense woodland as their habitat. Yorkshire is very lucky to have such forests that make the perfect hunting ground for Goshawks, and those who are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of their astonishing stealth as they weave through the trees are left awestruck.
Emperor Moth
Emperor moths are found most commonly in springtime in the tumbling fields of heather on the North York Moors and their furry black caterpillars emerge in June. A female Emperor moth can have a wingspan of up to 10cm and they can be recognised by their brown and red colours as well as the distinctive eye-like circles on their wings that disguise them from predators in the thicket.
White-Clawed Crayfish
The River Derwent that runs through the North York Moors is high in calcium making it the ideal habitat for white-clawed crayfish; Britain’s native species. White-clawed crayfish are nocturnal shellfish that hide in riverbanks during the day and have a hard case that they shed once a year before growing a new one. When they are frightened, they switch from scuttling along river beds where their prey lives to shooting through the water by flicking their meaty tails.
White-clawed crayfish are endangered and conservation efforts to protect their habitat and keep crayfish plague at bay are ongoing in Yorkshire. If you happen to discover one of these rare creatures, then fishing is not encouraged but watching them in their natural environment is just as exciting.
Water Voles
Water voles live in complex and intelligent burrows on riverbanks that commonly have 2 entrances; one on dry land and one underwater. These large rodents are semi-aquatic and can be found in the North Pennines at the course of Yorkshire’s rivers. Water Voles and their natural territory are highly protected.
Bats
The Yorkshire Dales is home to eight species of bat including the Whiskered Bat, Natterer’s Bat and Brown Long-Eared Bat. Bats prefer to nest in abandoned buildings, river bridges and old trees. They can be seen swarming in late summer when they engage in mating rituals before settling in caves and secluded spots to hibernate as a colony.
Black Grouse
During spring, Black Grouse emerge to engage in elaborate mating displays called leks. To attract the attention of a mate black grouse fan their black and white tails partnered with a bubbling sound. This rare and beautiful communal courtship ritual occurs in the depths of the Yorkshire Dales.
Flourishing Flora
Yorkshire would not be complete without its plethora of marvellous floral fields, marshes, and colourful landscapes. Due to the wide variety of soil types and climates, masses of flowers and plants are accommodated in this charming county. You could spend hours scouring the fields in our national parks to identify the species available on Yorkshire’s doorstep.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is the home of over 60 different species of animal, most of which are endangered in the wild including polar bears, tigers and bush dogs. Their animal experiences, special events and ranger talks make a wild family day out where you’ll be able to get close to some of the world’s most beloved and protected species.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park Opening Times
Monday to Friday – 9:30am-6:00pm
Saturday and Sunday – 9:00am-6:00pm
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has been protecting Yorkshire’s wildlife for over 70 years with conservation efforts. It is thanks to their efforts that much of Yorkshire’s wild world is safe and thriving.
Visit Yorkshire
Once your feet have been wetted by the wetlands in Yorkshire’s nature reserves, return to a Yorkshire Escapes luxury lodge to warm them by the fire. Don’t forget to bring your camera, binoculars and walking boots to our houses, cottages, or dog friendly properties for a chance to marvel at Yorkshire’s wildlife.
