One of the oldest and most beautiful forests in the UK, the Forest of Dean is packed full of creatures of all shapes and sizes. From deer, squirrels and badgers to mice, rabbits, and wild boar, the forest is home to a large number of fascinating furry friends.
If you’re planning a trip to the Forest of Dean this summer, there’s a good chance you’ll spot some of these creatures as you explore the woodland.
The best time to spot wildlife
June, July and August are some of the best months for animal watching in the Forest of Dean. Most animals have had their young by the mid summer and so will be out and about searching for food and having fun.
However, because of the summer heat, many creatures only come out early in the morning and late in the afternoon, with the midday sun driving most animals to seek some cooling shade. This means that, if you want to boost your chances of spotting a deer, wild boar, rabbit, or mouse, you need to get your timing just right.
Luckily, early mornings and late afternoons are the perfect times to get out and about in the Forest of Dean. Cooler temperatures make walking and biking more pleasant and the long shadows and quiet pathways give the area a truly magical feel. Make sure you pack a camera so that you can snap photos of any furry friends you come across.
If you really want to experience the unique wildlife of the Forest of Dean, stay up after dark and listen to the sounds of the night time forest and its nocturnal animals.
Wildlife walks in the Forest of Dean
Thanks to the abundance of wildlife found in the Forest of Dean, any walk through the woodland is likely to bring you into close contact with at least a few of the furry creatures that live there.
To boost your chances of seeing a variety of animals, choose the paths less travelled for your wildlife walk. Look for routes that are off the beaten track and choose days and times when there will be fewer people around.
If you don’t have your heart set on seeing the forest’s more rare animals, head to one of the more popular walking routes. These routes are often the most beautiful and give you the chance to see the best of the forest. One of the most popular places for a walk is Puzzlewood.
As @cotswoldlife says, “Puzzlewood’s paths follow deep ravines of moss-covered rocks, over wooden bridges and through fantastic tree and rock formations.” As you explore the woodland, you’re likely to see a variety of animals, so keep your eyes peeled.
If you want to find out more about wildlife in the Forest of Dean, or if you want to start planning your trip to the area, we can help. Explore our site or get in touch with a member of our expert team to find out more.
