Imagine relaxing in your home, looking out on your garden and the glorious woods beyond, when suddenly a little roe deer walks up to the window to say hello…
That’s exactly what happened when this photo was taken from one of our villas recently, and it made us realise just how lucky we are to be surrounded by so much wildlife.
Literally on our doorstep.
Cumbria and The Lake District are abundant with beautiful, sometimes rare, species, with many nature reserves managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
We are fortunate enough to be situated right next to one of these reserves - Wreay Woods.
Rich with wildlife
The River Petteril winds its way through and it wouldn’t be unusual to spot a variety of stunning birds, depending on the time of year.
You might see a kingfisher darting past - a flash of blue - or dippers, grey wagtails, nuthatches, treecreepers, woodpeckers, jays, blackcaps, chiffchaffs or long-tailed tits.
As well as our roe deer friend, we are fortunate enough to live close to the rarely seen red squirrels. Pockets of Cumbria are the last UK stronghold of the beautiful creatures, including the trees next to Scalesceugh Hall & Villas.
If you’re very lucky, you might also spot an otter along the riverbank.
Native species
Wreay Woods is believed to have been established hundreds of years ago, and despite new planting over time, there is still an abundance of native ash, oak and birch.
The flowers in the woods and surrounding fields are spectacular.
We have named some of our villas after the Cumbrian poet Wordsworth, who enthused about witnessing fields of golden daffodils, fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Aptly, we can also enjoy seeing a host of golden daffodils in springtime, from the homes bearing his name.
Wreay Woods nature reserve also has carpets of bluebell, yellow iris, marsh marigold, meadowsweet, wood anemone and many more colourful varieties.
Of course, there is a wealth of other flora and fauna making up the ecosystem of the reserve, from bats to invertebrates and colourful fungi.
We are very fortunate to live here and we know that Scalesceugh homeowners feel the same sense of joy to be so close to nature.
Read more about Scalesceugh Villas here.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust maintains many reserves and walks in the county. Find out where here.
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