The best place to spot red deer is in the meadows. They hide there while the grass is high, and even though they can be large, they are well camouflaged in the tall grasses and sometimes only their antlers show. Red deer are often best spotted around dawn and dusk, and are often seen in the meadow opposite the main Woodcroft car park entrance.
Another exciting mammal to try and spot in the evening is bats, which roost in trees around Longshaw. In the summer, they’ll be making the most of the abundant insect life here. Try a wander around the woods behind the visitor centre, where you may also be lucky enough to see a badger.
Swallows are a spectacular sight and Longshaw is a lovely place to come and watch them. Chris recommends a walk along back drive (between the tea-room and Wooden Pole car park where they can be seen zipping around catching flies and thoroughly enjoying life!
The pied flycatchers and redstarts are in Padley Gorge, and the green woodpecker can be heard yaffling (sounds like maniacal laughter), and seen in the woods and glades around the estate.