Whinlatter is home to a wealth of wildlife that enjoy the shelter provided by its trees, the nearby waters of Bassenthwaite Lake and the open heathland habitats of the Lakeland Fells.
The forest is home to Roe deer, badger, fox, Crossbills and Siskin whilst the fells are the hunting ground for Buzzard and Merlin.
Whinlatter is a Red Squirrel reserve where Red Squirrels are actively being protected and supported. If you walk quietly you may see a red squirrel anywhere in Whinlatter.
You can see many different birds using the feeders in front of Siskins Cafe at Whinlatter or during the Osprey season below the lower open air viewpoint at nearby Dodd Wood.
The fish of Bassenthwaite lake are the favourite food of Ospreys which nest nearby each year (between April and end of August) and can be seen live from the open air viewpoints on Dodd or via the nest camera at Whinlatter Visitor Centre. In addition an otter family can sometimes be seen playing around the lake edge from the lower open air viewpoint on Dodd Wood.
