Nature at West Stow

West Stow Country Park has plenty to offer wildlife enthusiasts. There are two bird hides and a bird feeding area, as well as a lake and the River Lark with all the life that this attracts.

As you explore the country park, look out for buzzards drifting overhead and listen for nuthatches, great-spotted woodpeckers and goldcrest in the trees around the visitor centre.

In winter, the bird feeders attracts many species, including bramblings and siskins. On the heathland there are linnets and green woodpeckers and with a bit of luck you could also see a barn owl or roe deer.

In spring, look out for displaying great crested grebes and hundreds of toads in the lake.

In summer, the sounds of crickets fill the air and numerous butterflies and dragonflies are on the wing. The rare maiden pink still grows in a few areas of the park and heather is particularly spectacular in August.

Autumn sees the first winter birds arriving to feed on the numerous berries. Fungi such as fly agaric and shaggy inkcap can be seen and listen out for roaring of red deer stags and muntjac barking.