We have recorded more than 50 different species of birds in the garden, ranging from the common garden visitors to those less frequently seen, such as tree creepers, pied flycatchers, lesser whitethroats and a visiting sparrowhawk. Nuthatches and greater spotted woodpeckers are regular visitors to the birdfeeders. There are several nest boxes in the garden, regularly used by members of the tit family, the nuthatches and spotted flycatchers. In addition to these man-made nesting facilities, the trees and hedgerow have provided natural nest sites for goldcrests and long-tailed tits, as well as chaffinches and blackbirds.

Butterflies are regular garden visitors and recorded species include peacock, painted lady, red admiral and yellow tip. The garden has also been used as a site for the recording of moth species and has yielded some interesting results, including the first recording in Cumbria of a number of moths.

The pond is home to frogs and newts, as well as providing a breeding ground for dragon flies and various other water creatures. A hedgehog helps the frogs and toads in keeping down the enormous numbers of slugs that enjoy our damp climate.

Whilst the local wildlife has given us much pleasure, it has also brought its own problems. The roe deer are wonderful when seen grazing in the adjacent field – less welcome when they began to visit the garden and eat their way through some of our prized shrubs and roses. Rabbits have also been something of a problem and we have had to resort to physical barriers. The challenge has been to make these barriers either unobtrusive or decorative.