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Wildlife Gallery
Browse wildlife photography and editorial profiles from across the three moors. Filter by species, habitat, season or location to explore what you might see.
Use the filters below to explore wildlife across Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor.
The three moors of the South West are among England's best places to watch wildlife. This gallery brings together editorial wildlife profiles from across Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor — from rutting red deer at dawn to peregrines over the high tors. Each entry tells you where to look, when to visit, and links through to the full species guide.
ExmoorFeaturedOften seen around quiet valleys, woodland edges and open moorland, especially early or late in the day. The autumn rut brings stags into the open as they roar and spar across the high ground.
DartmoorFeaturedSmall herds roam freely across the high moor year-round. Haytor and the surrounding moorland is one of the best places to encounter them — they're especially striking in low winter light.
DartmoorThe cascading song of the skylark is the defining soundtrack of a Dartmoor spring morning. Look up and you may spot the tiny bird climbing almost vertically above the heather.
DartmoorBuzzards are the most commonly seen large raptor on Dartmoor. Watch for them circling on thermals above wooded valleys, often mewing loudly as they climb.
DartmoorOtters have made a remarkable comeback on Dartmoor's rivers. Dawn on a quiet river bank is your best chance — look for a sleek dark shape moving upstream or the V-shaped wake of a swimming otter.
DartmoorRavens are loyal to the tors. A pair often nests on the same rocky outcrop for years. Listen for the deep cronking call before you see them — they're frequently among the first birds up at dawn.
DartmoorBritain's only venomous snake, the adder is a shy and beautiful moorland resident. Look for them basking on south-facing heather slopes in early spring — they rarely move unless disturbed.
ExmoorIn August the moorland turns purple as heather comes into bloom. It's one of the great seasonal spectacles of the South West — stretching across the high ground as far as the eye can see.
Bodmin MoorThe kestrel's stationary hover is one of the most recognisable sights on any moorland road or open field edge. On Bodmin Moor they're frequently seen above rough grass margins and road verges.
