Wildlife through the seasons

Herriot Country is a wildlife watcher’s delight, with red squirrels to the west, seal and puffin colonies at the coast, and in between is a whole host of wonderful wildlife to see. And we will point out this wonderful variety of wildlife as we take you on your tour. No matter what time of year you choose, there is always plenty to see. And as Herriot Country is a very agricultural area, the farm life is always changing. Sheep occupy the Dales and Doors virtually all year, and in the winter many flocks are brought down into the heart of Herriot Country to feed on fields of stubble turnips. The spring lambs always bring joy and are a sure sign of spring. You can see outdoor pigs, dairy cows, goats, and alpacas. There are pheasants, partridges, grouses, deer, hares, rabbits, and a wide range of wild birds around every corner, and you are likely to see many of the different species. The starling murmurations in the autumn and winter are something to behold, and we are blessed in the heart of Herriot Country to see these wonders on a regular basis, especially as evening approaches.

Our MPV EVs are almost silent as we drive along the quiet country roads so we don’t disturb any wildlife as we approach, and given the higher ride position, they are perfect for spotting wildlife over the drystone walls and hedges.

If you are passionate about seeing particular species, then the guide to the seasons below will give you an idea of when to visit Herriot Country to give yourselves the best opportunity to see them. And just let us know if there is something particular you want to see, and we will take you to the areas and habitats that will give you the best chance.

Spring

Springtime in the Yorkshire Dales. As the landscape awakens from its winter slumber, a delightful array of wildlife emerges. Look out for the joyful sight of lapwings tumbling through the air on the valley floors, and the vibrant yellow of newly arrived wheatears flitting among the drystone walls. Curlews and oystercatchers fill the air with their calls, and peregrine falcons soar majestically high above. Along the rivers and streams, you might glimpse the flash of a kingfisher or the industrious work of a dipper. And as dusk settles, listen for the evocative calls of owls echoing across the dales – a truly magical time to witness nature’s renewal.

Spring in the North York Moors brings a wealth of wildlife activity, from the moorlands to the coast. The distinctive calls of curlews and lapwings echo across the open moors, while skylarks ascend in song. Look out for merlins and peregrine falcons soaring above. As the woodlands awaken, look for signs of roe deer and listen to the chorus of songbirds, including willow warblers and chiffchaffs. Along the coast, seabird colonies at places like Bempton Cliffs burst into life with puffins, gannets, and guillemots returning to nest. The park’s rivers and streams may reveal glimpses of dippers and grey wagtails, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot an otter.

Summer

Summer in the Yorkshire Dales is a vibrant time for wildlife. The Dales’ wildflower meadows are in full bloom, attracting a multitude of butterflies like the Northern Brown Argus, and bumblebees buzz busily among the flowers. Birds are actively raising their young, so you might spot curlews, lapwings, and skylarks on the moorlands and peregrine falcons soaring above. Keep an eye out for dippers and kingfishers along the rivers, and in the woodlands, you could see roe deer or hear the songs of various woodland birds.

During the summer months, the North York Moors National Park comes alive with a diverse array of wildlife. Birdwatchers can observe breeding moorland birds such as curlew, lapwing, and golden plover, along with various predatory birds such as merlin, peregrine falcon, and buzzard. Along the coast, seabird colonies thrive with puffins, gannets, and guillemots, while boat trips offer chances to see dolphins, porpoises, and even minke whales. On land, keen observers might encounter roe and fallow deer, foxes, badgers, stoats, and weasels, with the elusive pine marten also present in the forests. Butterflies and dragonflies add splashes of colour, and adders and common lizards can be seen basking in the summer sunshine.

Autumn

In autumn, the Yorkshire Dales transform into a mosaic of warm hues, and the wildlife adapts to the changing season. Red squirrels are particularly active, busily gathering and caching nuts for the winter months, especially around areas like Snaizeholme. The moorlands, painted in russet tones, are where you might see red grouse. Deer can be seen during the rutting season, pheasants and partridge are in abundance, and keep an eye on the rivers as salmon make their journey upstream to spawn.

As autumn sweeps across the North York Moors National Park, a rich tapestry of wildlife activity unfolds. The vibrant purple heather moorlands give way to hues of gold and brown, providing a stunning backdrop for spotting red deer stags as they engage in their dramatic rutting displays. Observe the roe deer, which are frequently observed grazing in the early mornings or late evenings. Birdlife remains abundant, with resident species like red grouse and birds of prey such as merlins still active, while migrating birds may pass through. Along the coast, you might be lucky enough to spot seals basking on the rocks and even the occasional whale or porpoise as they follow the shoals of fish south. This season offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the raw beauty and diverse wildlife of the North York Moors as nature prepares for the cooler months.

Winter

As winter approaches, the Dales take on a quieter beauty. The lack of foliage makes it easier to spot birds like fieldfares and, if you’re lucky, waxwings, which migrate from harsher northern climates. You might also see flocks of tits and nuthatches foraging in the hedges and trees. Keep an eye out for the tracks of otters in the snow along the riverbanks, and you may catch a glimpse of roe deer in the early mornings.

In the depths of winter, the North York Moors National Park takes on a stark yet beautiful character, and while some wildlife becomes less visible, there’s still plenty to observe for the keen-eyed. You can still spot red deer and roe deer, often with greater ease against the snowy landscapes or among the bare trees. Look out for the tracks of smaller mammals such as foxes, stoats, and hares in the snow, which reveal their winter movements. Birdlife adapts to the colder conditions, with resident species like red grouse and various birds of prey, including merlins and buzzards, remaining active. Winter also brings different bird visitors, such as fieldfares and redwings, which arrive from Scandinavia to feed on berries. Along the coast, grey seals come ashore to pup during the winter months, offering a unique wildlife spectacle. While the vibrant activity of warmer months may have subsided, winter in the North York Moors presents a quieter, more subtle beauty and the chance to witness hardy wildlife surviving in a challenging environment.

Herriot Country is home to a variety of wildlife, as well as its landscape and history.

So why not come and join us on a journey to see just how many species you spot? You will be amazed!