Wildlife

Wildlife on Bodmin Moor

What you might see

Buzzard — year-round across the whole moor
Curlew — spring breeding on wet moorland
Brown hare — open ground, March–April
Peregrine — rocky tors and open sky
Wheatear — spring and summer visitor
Bog plants — sundew, bog asphodel in summer

Best time to visit

springCurlews arrive to breed — their bubbling call is Bodmin at its most atmospheric.

summerWheatears and other summer migrants. Bog plants at their best. Long evenings on open moor.

autumnQuieter. Raptors more active. Migrating birds pass through. Fungi in sheltered areas.

winterThe remotest the moor ever feels. Hen harrier and merlin possible on open heath.

Wildlife to look out for

Species highlights

Buzzard

Bird· Common across all parts of the moor

Curlew

Bird· Breeding bird of the wet bogs

Peregrine

Bird· Tors and open sky hunting

Brown Hare

Mammal· Open ground — best in March

Wheatear

Bird· Summer visitor, perches on rocks

Sundew

Plant· Carnivorous bog plant — wet flushes

Merlin

Bird· Winter visitor, open heath

Bog Asphodel

Plant· Yellow spikes on wet ground in July

On the ground

Good areas for wildlife

Rough Tor

Second highest point on Bodmin. Open plateau excellent for raptors and distant views.

Brown Willy

Highest point on Bodmin Moor. Wheatears and pipits in summer.

Dozmary Pool

Natural moorland lake. Wildfowl, gulls, and occasional winter raptors.

Bodmin Moor bogs

Wet flushes between the tors — look for sundew, bog asphodel, and breeding curlew.

St Breward common

Open common grazing. Buzzards regular. Good general walking and wildlife.

Crowdy Reservoir

Water in a remote setting. Wildfowl and waders through the year.

Plan your visit

Wildlife through the year

Spring

Curlew
Returns to breed from March. Bubbling call carries far across the bog.
Wheatear
Arrives late March from Africa. Bobs on rocks and walls.
Brown Hare
'Mad March hares' — best chance of seeing hares boxing.

Summer

Bog plants
Sundew, bog asphodel, and cottongrass on wet moorland flushes.
Skylark
Singing over open ground through June and July.
Dragonflies
Around Dozmary Pool and the wetter areas from June.

Autumn

Migrating raptors
Kestrel, merlin and occasionally hobby pass through September–October.
Fungi
Sheltered areas around the tor edges from October.
Fieldfares
Arrive in flocks from Scandinavia — look in open rough grassland.

Winter

Hen Harrier
Rare but recorded wintering. Quartering low over open heath at dusk.
Merlin
Regular winter visitor. Fast, direct flight close to the ground.
Golden Plover
Large flocks on open farmland around the moor edge.

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