Tag: The Lizard

  • The Lizard National Nature Reserve

    The Lizard is one of the finest places in the country for both landscape and wildlife. Clifftop coastal grasslands and lowland heath are arguably its biggest attractions.  Add in rare plants and insects, ponds and archaeology, plus the opportunity for quietude, and you have a rare and unique opportunity indeed. The wildlife rich habitats are in…

  • History in the landscape

    Wild it may be, but humans have played their part in creating the heathland landscapes of The Lizard, from prehistory to the Second World War buildings of Goonhilly Downs and present-day sustainable farming and grazing practices. The land has been shaped by people, and they have left traces of their passing on the land. On…

  • Birds and other animals

    The Lizard is a special place for birdwatchers. There are many resident species to see – from the iconic red-legged, red-billed Chough to soaring Skylarks. The Lizard’s southerly location on the mainland also means that passage migrants pass overhead in autumn and spring, many stopping off before the embarking on the next stage of their…

  • Blackcap

    Blackcap

    We are more used to seeing Blackcaps in the summer months, but increasing numbers now overwinter in the UK. Photo: Ron Knight (via Wikimedia Commons)

  • Birds to see on and around The Lizard in summer

    The Lizard is home to a broad selection of birds of sea, woodland, field and open moor. 

  • Conserving Marsh Fritillaries on The Lizard

    Conserving Marsh Fritillaries on The Lizard

    The Lizard is home to one of the UK’s rarest butterflies: the beautiful Marsh Fritillary.  Sadly, habitat destruction and agricultural intensification have, over the years, had serious consequences for the Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia), which was once far more widespread nationally. The Lizard is one of its remaining strongholds, and much conservation effort is being…

  • Hairy Beech Gall

    Hairy Beech Gall

    Hairy Beech Galls, induced by a parasitic gall-midge, are one of the galls found on our native Beech trees. Head to our section on invertebrates to find out more. Photo: Amanda Scott

  • Stoat

    Stoat

    Windmill Farm is a good place to see Stoats. Photo: Richard Birchett

  • Mistle Thrush

    Mistle Thrush

    This Mistle Thrush found itself some tasty rowan berries near Gweek. Photo: © Richard Birchett

  • Carrion Crow

    Carrion Crow

    Carrion Crows can be seen throughout the year. All too often maligned in popular culture, these are amazing and intelligent birds. Photo: © Natural England/Julian Dowse

  • Pale Butterwort

    Pale Butterwort

    A paler, smaller version of Common Butterwort, the Pale Butterwort is harder to find, but worth the search. Crousa Downs is a good place to look. Photo: Kate Dalziel

  • Hobby

    Hobby

    Hobbies fly with such agility and speed, they can even snatch swallows and swifts on the wing. Photo: Lilly M, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

  • Ring Ouzel

    Ring Ouzel

    This member of the thrush family is easily mistaken at a distance for its cousin, the Blackbird, but a closer look gives the game away. A passage migrant across The Lizard, you may be fortunate and spot one in spring or autumn. Photo: © Natural England/Peter Roworth

  • Cinnabar

    Cinnabar

    Cinnabar moths are on the wing from mid-May to early August, and their yellow and black banded caterpillars munch on Ragwort through the summer. Photo: Amanda Scott

  • Merlin

    Merlin

    The Merlin is our smallest bird of prey, but it makes up for its size with lots of grit and steely determination. Photo: © Richard Birchett

  • Red Campion

    Red Campion

    Red Campion is at its most vibrant from the spring into summer. Find it in woodland edges, hedgerows and roadside verges. Photo: Steve Townsend