L M Gorthand
Your guide to autumn adventures in Cumbria
Nature reserves to visit in autumn
Discover autumn wildlife
Autumn is a time of slowing down, when nature starts to complete its annual cycle of bloom and decay.
Some creatures begin to prepare for the cold weather ahead, while others avoid it altogether by entering a period of dormancy, like hibernation. For many birds, it’s about arrivals and departures, some flying south in pursuit of food and warmth, while others arrive from the Arctic for a mellower winter.
Red deer decide that this is the moment to get dramatic about breeding, while all around them summer's lush greens become browns and oranges, punctuated by colourful berries – and, of course, our fascinating fungi.
Waders primarily Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus being pushed on an incoming tide The Wash Snettisham Norfolk autumn © David Tipling/2020VISION
Bird migration
From avian visitors arriving in autumn to spend the winter in Cumbria, to passage migrants stopping over on their long journey north or south, bird migration is one of the UK’s most impressive natural events.
Conkers from a horse chestnut tree © Gillian Day
Wonderful woodlands
Whether its hunting for conkers or kicking through drifts of leaves, Autumn is a magical time of year to experience woodlands. Try places like Staveley Woodlands, Brown Robin or Argill Woods.
Grey seal © Melanie Shears
Red squirrel at Smardale © Andrew Walter
Red squirrel spotting
Our reds are busy collecting and storing nuts to see them through the winter.
Fabulous fungi
Autumn is the best time to go in search of fungi – woodlands are a great place to look!
Help wildlife at home this autumn
Take action in your garden, yard or local area.
Download our species spotter sheets
...then head to a nature reserve to see what you can see!
Make that difference for the wildlife you love
- Free entry to our nature reserves.
- Free nature reserve guide.
- Cumbrian Wildlife magazine three times a year with accompanying 'What's On' guide.
- Plus more! From just £3.50 a month/£42 a year (based on Individual membership)