Discover Cotswold wildlife on foot
Walking tours in the Cotswolds offer more than just stunning views and charming villages—they provide a front-row seat to some of Britain’s most fascinating wildlife. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, nature lover, or simply curious, The Cotswolds is bursting with natural treasures waiting to be explored. Join one of our guided or self-guided Cotswold walking tours and experience the beauty and biodiversity of this iconic region up close.
- Birds to Spot While Walking in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is home to a large variety of bird species:
Birds of Prey: These graceful birds of prey, with their distinctive forked tails, are often seen circling above open fields, once rare their number have been growing. Other birds of prey include Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrowhawks, Falcons and various Owls.
River and Wetland birds: Although you are only likely to see these birds in very specific places on your walks, it is worth keeping an eye out when walking close to streams/rivers for an occasional Kingfisher. You will often see Grey Herons also.
Woodland, Farmland and Grassland birds: The Cotswolds area has plenty of this terrain which means there are many of this category of bird. You might hear the distinctive tap of woodpeckers, cuckoos in Spring, Skylarks with their wonderful songs or the odd pheasant shooting out of a hedge or grass.
- Mammals: The Hidden Gems of the Cotswolds
Walking the Cotswolds gives you a chance to spot some of the UK’s most iconic mammals:
Hares: Commonly seen bounding across open fields, particularly in spring.
Deer: The absence of larger predators means there are plenty of deer and you will almost certainly see them at some point, whether it is the small Muntjac, graceful Roe Deer or herds of Fallow deer.
Badgers: While primarily nocturnal, traces of their activity can be seen in the form of tracks or burrows.
Foxes: You might see the odd fox, although they are quite shy.
Smaller mammals such as weasels, stoats, mice, voles and others are around but much harder to spot.
You will of course most likely see plenty of sheep and probably some cattle too!
- Wildflowers: Seasonal Highlights
The Cotswolds’ rich biodiversity comes alive in every season:
Spring: Bluebells and wild garlic in early spring can be a magical experience to walk through in woodland.
Summer: The limestone grasslands burst with vibrant orchids
Autumn: The landscape transforms into a tapestry of gold and orange, with berries and fungi attracting birds and animals.
Our walks take you through diverse habitats, from tranquil woods to wildflower meadows and across meadows and offer plenty of opportunities to take in the wildlife of the area!
