Wildlife of North East Wales: Explore Hidden Natural Gems

2024-03-05

North East Wales might be famous for its hiking trails and rich, distinctive culture, but it also boasts charming villages like Northop Hall that offer a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. The meadows and woodlands of North East Wales are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of nature. There are various species you can spot, from spectacular birds of prey and playful otters to beautiful wildflowers and shrubs that paint the landscape with vibrant colours. The region’s diverse habitats, from lush riverbanks to ancient forests, provide a sanctuary for wildlife and create unforgettable opportunities for nature exploration. Read on for some of the most remarkable wildlife you can find in North East Wales.

Butterflies and Moths

The argent & sable is a widespread species of moth in North Wales and is identified by its white wings with black markings. Most frequently active on warm summer days, these magnificent moths can be found in the moors, bogs, and woodlands of Wales.

Yellow-tail is a white moth that you may spot in gardens, parks, woodlands, and hedgerows. Its striking yellow tail, complemented by a distinctive tuft of hair-like scales at the tip of its abdomen, makes it easily recognisable.

Pale tussock is another fascinating moth to keep an eye on in Wales. It is a pretty big grey moth with hairy legs and patterned wings. Its odd-looking caterpillars are usually found from July to October, while the adult moths fly during spring and early summer.

In the tranquil marshlands and heathlands of North East Wales, the large heath butterfly reigns supreme. Although their number is lower than it was before, you may still be able to spot them where they have formed small colonies. 2Q==

The Small and Large Skippers, with their rapid, darting flight patterns, are a common sight in the meadows and grasslands of North East Wales. These amazing butterflies have russet-brown wings with orange patches and fly from June to August.

Bees and Wasps

Ashy mining bees have a greyish coat of fur and an unmistakable buzz. They are similar to honey bees in size and fly between March and July. These solitary bees are efficient pollinators and are often seen visiting a variety of wildflowers and garden blooms.

Hairy-footed flower bees add a touch of whimsy to the floral landscape. Resembling a small bumblebee in size, this bee is a frequent visitor to gardens and meadows, where it collects nectar and pollen with remarkable efficiency.

The tree bumblebee is one of those non-native species recently introduced to the Welsh countryside. Recognisable by its striking black and orange coloration, the tree bumblebee nests in a variety of locations, including bird boxes, tree cavities, and even garden sheds. 9k=

Curious Mammals

Hazel dormouse, with its ginger fur and large black eyes, is a curious inhabitant of the woodlands of North East Wales. At night, this nocturnal animal climbs the trees in search of nuts, berries, and insects to feed on.

The smallest English carnivore mammals, weasels, are masterful hunters that prowl the fields and grasslands of North East Wales in search of prey. With their slender bodies and quick reflexes, weasels are pretty widespread in Wales and can be spotted throughout the year.

Fallow deer were introduced to the region a long time ago and are now a naturalised species and an important part of the UK's ecosystem. Although rather varied in colour, most of them have spotted coats and gracefully branching antlers.

Grey squirrel is a familiar sight in Wales, although it is currently classified as an invasive species. This adaptable rodent has thrived in its adopted habitat, competing with native species such as the red squirrel for resources.

Formidable Birds

The great northern diver is a captivating sight on the lakes and reservoirs during the winter. You may spot its flocks migrating in the autumn or spring. It has a black head and neck and a white belly. It is a great swimmer and is skilled at catching fish.

The cattle egret started to appear in the UK at the start of the 20th century. With its snowy white plumage and distinctive yellow bill, this small heron adds a touch of exoticism to the rural landscape.

As a bird of prey, goshawk is a masterful hunter, capable of striking with lightning speed and precision. They can be found in large woods and forests in late winter and spring.

The peregrine falcon is a sight to behold as it hunts for prey in the open skies. It nests on tall buildings and towers in the city or on cliff edges in the countryside. The population of peregrine falcons in Wales has rebounded in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts and legal protections.

The marsh tit is a familiar sight all year and has a glossy black cap, white cheeks, and cheerful song. Despite their name, they mostly fly over woodlands, parks, and gardens, and nest in tree holes.

Trees and Shrubs

Wild privet is a common wild shrub that is also used in some suburban gardens. This shrub gives out white flowers in June, which turn into berries later. Its dark green leaves provide shelter and nesting sites for birds, while its berries offer a valuable food source for wildlife throughout the year. The berries are, however, poisonous for humans.

Large-leaved lime is a haven for wildlife, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers. This tree can reach a height of 35 metres and is usually planted in parklands and forests.

Dogwood brightens the hedgerows and woodlands of North East Wales with its vibrant red stems and clusters of white flowers. This small shrub produces black berries during autumn, when its foliage takes on hues of fiery red and orange.

Amazing Wildflowers

Biting stonecrop is also known as goldmoss because of its short stems and dense nature. This low-growing plant has star-shaped flowers, which appear in the summer.

Dyer's greenweed is part of the pea family of wild flowers and graces the grasslands and heathlands of North East Wales with its golden-yellow blossoms and dark green leaves. They are pretty common from June to August and can reach a height of around 50 centimetres.

Navelwort is a charming and distinctive wildflower that thrives in shaded, moisture-rich habitats. It has navel-shaped leaves and straw-coloured flower spikes.

Sheep’s bit carpets the grassy meadows and coastal cliffs of North East Wales with its clusters of vivid blue flowers. This fluffy-looking wildflower is well-adapted to the region's maritime climate, blooming from late spring to early autumn.

Found on rough grasslands, musk thistle is a formidable presence with thistle-like flower heads and spiny bracts. Despite its prickly exterior, musk thistle is a source of beauty and sustenance in the wild landscapes of North East Wales.

As you plan your visit to experience the wonders of North East Wales wildlife firsthand, we highly recommend choosing the Northop Hall Hotel for your stay. Located on Chester Road in Mold, it is the perfect spot to start off your exploratory journey into the wild.