Winter Wildlife at Cragside

As the leaves have fallen from the trees and the shrubs are bare for the winter, now is a great time to spot some of the resident wildlife on the estate. Cragside is home to Red Squirrels, Roe Deer and migrating Whooper Swans. What will you spot on your next visit?

A Roe Deer on the Cragside Estate
Cragside   Northumberland

Roe Deer

These timid animals can often be seen as the estate opens to visitors, meandering through the rock garden into the woodland. If you are exploring Cragside on foot and see a shadow amongst the trees; stay quiet and still, and see if you can spot one nibbling on saplings and small branches.

Go deer spotting on a walk at Cragside
A red squirrel at Cragside
Cragside   Northumberland

Red Squirrels

If you hear a rustle amongst the fallen leaves on a walk through the woodland, make sure you scan your eyes across the ground, you may spot one of the resident Red Squirrels out and about collecting food for the winter. But be quick, they’re quite shy and quick on their feet.

Top places to spot red squirrels
Whooper Swans on Nelly's Moss at Cragside
Cragside   Northumberland

Whooper Swans

Every winter Whooper Swans who have migrated from the north take up residence on the lakes at Cragside including Nelly’s Moss. During milder winters the swans have been known to stay all season before flying back to Iceland and Scandinavian regions.

Look out for swans on a walk around Nelly's Moss
Look out for buzzards circling high above the trees
Cragside   Northumberland

Birds of Prey

Don’t forget to look up on your visit. Northumberland is home to predatory birds including Barn and Tawny Owls, Buzzards and Kestrels. Look out for Buzzards spiraling above the treetops while Kestrels hover over fields looking for small rodents to feast upon. As the sun sets, Barn and Tawny Owls come out from the trees to hunt. See if you can hear the hoots of the Barn Owl and the shrieks of Tawny Owl before heading home.

Birds of Prey