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What to do to enjoy wildlife

The Yorkshire Dales is a great place to see wildlife. There are hay meadows in the valley bottoms, rivers and lakes and the heather moorland on the tops. From early spring through to the autumn you should be able to spot many of the birds which frequent the area such as the curlew with its evocative call, the lapwing with its drunken flight or red grouse up on the moorland.

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Farm animals

You can see farm animals at one of the open farms - Hesketh Farm Park and Holme Open Farm - roaming in the fields or unconstrained up in the hills. There are Swaledale sheep throughout the Dales, Rough Fells in the Howgills or some rarer breeds such as the Wensleydale. There is also a range of hardy cattle breeds including shaggy Highland Cattle and the distinctive Belted Galloway. Then there is Kilnsey Park where you can meet a variety of animals, many just wandering around the estate, or have a go at catching your first fish.

Red squirrels

The red squirrel is the only native species of squirrel in the country. It is now under serious threat from the larger grey squirrel. Snaizeholme near Hawes is one of 16 Red Squirrel Reserve Woodlands in the north of England. The coniferous woodland is an ideal habitat for red squirrels. The public viewing area lies in the heart of the Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve. It offers an excellent chance of getting superb views of the creatures.

Woodland walks

Grass Wood near Grassington is a Nature Reserve. The best time to see it in flower is late spring and early summer. It is a good place to see and hear woodland birds such as tree pippit, wood warbler, pied flycatcher and redstart and to see butterflies on dry, calm days. It is a short walk from the village of Grassington along the River Wharfe or via part of the Dales Way.

Freeholders' Wood at Aysgarth has a woodland trail to take you through Freeholders. The wood runs alongside the famous Aysgarth Falls.

Nature in the Dales

Find the best places to see wildlife and learn about the different species and habitats

Conserving wildlife

Learn more about how we conserve the wildlife of the National Park

Stargazing

Learn about the wonderful dark skies of the Dales.

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