Discover wildlife at Longshaw

Take a moment to admire the beautiful colours of the Mandarin Duck

Our volunteer photographer and Walk Leader Kev, is always up at the crack of dawn to capture incredible wildlife moments for us to share with everyone. His passion, talent and dedication shines through his work and we are proud to share these unique photos with our visitors.

The key to spotting wildlife at Longshaw requires patience, a keen eye and finding those moments to pause and take in the surroundings and our volunteer Kev has those abilities in abundance. Kev uses a long range lense so that he never has any need to get close to the wildlife, so they can carry on undisturbed and he gets a great picture in return.

The elusive Lapwing
The elusive Lapwing
The elusive Lapwing

Many of us don't have long range lenses so why not bring a pair of binoculars or zoom in with your own phone or camera - you never know you may discover a talent for photography and capture your own weird and wonderful wildlife moments.

Why not share your photos with us on our Peak Distirct social media channels or get in touch about being a volunteer photographer:  lucy.jones1@nationaltrust.org.uk

Stag at Longshaw
stag with antlers in golden morning sunlight and dewy grass and mist
Stag at Longshaw

There are some fantastic long and short walking routes for our visitors to discover, pop in to our Welcome Building in our Woodcroft car park and ask one of our friendly team members for a map or a recommended route. Map in hand, walking shoes on and you are ready to set off on your journey around Longshaw on your very own wildlife watch. Wildlife you may spot whilst out wandering can vary from red deer, lapwings, kestrals, pied flycatchers, robins, mandarin ducks and frogs to name a few.

Kev captures a paused moment for this Pied Flycatcher
Kev captures a paused moment for this Pied Flycatcher
Kev captures a paused moment for this Pied Flycatcher

Whilst out on his wildlife walks, Kev talks to visitors and helps them to learn more about the array of creatures great and small at Longshaw and in doing so (although he won't realise it) inspires them to care for and protect the wildlife and the habitats they live in. Thank you for all your continued hard work Kev, you allow us all to feel closer to the incredible wildlife that lives at Longshaw.

A magnificent Stag standing proud
A magnificent Stag standing proud
A magnificent Stag standing proud

Just like people, all wildlife needs food, water and a safe and healthy ecosystem to thrive in and our Rangers, staff, volunteers and visitors all play an important part in ensuring that we maintain this precious ecosystem so that wildlife can be sustained in this area. This year, we're asking visitors to consider how they can help to look after the habitats that our wildlife live in by supporting us via our Peak District Appeal - thank you for helping to look after all the beautiful creatures and the special places they call home.