Forest of Dean birding and wildlife spotting opportunities are incredible! Being situated on the edge of the vast forest and only a couple of miles from the River Severn the variety of wildlife around us is absolutely astonishing.

Annette and Paul at Dean Forest Retreats are enthusiastic and passionate about the local flora and fauna. While we don’t profess to be experts we are always learning and discovering interesting species right here in the gardens or over the fence in the Forest of Dean.

With the brook running through the property we have a variety of birds and wildlife that are drawn to this environment such as dippers, grey wagtails, grey herons, kingfishers and many more. We also have roe deer, fallow deer and muntjac in the garden from time to time.

Up in the forest and the abundance of wildlife is quite remarkable. Sit still for just a few minutes and be treated to glimpses of some of the UKs wonderful woodland birds and wildlife. We’ve recently had sigtings of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers as well as our usual Great Spotted and Green varieties. Hawfinch, Nightjar, Lesser Redpoll, Woodcock and Pied Flycatcher have all been see within mile or so of us.

The surrounding forest is also home to Wild Boar, a magnificent sight, especially when with their piglets. They usually emerge from their slumber around late afternoon to begin their bull-dozer like foraging. Tread lightly as you go and you’ll almost certainly be rewarded with a sighting of deer. They are regularly seen in the surrounding woodland and majestic to behold.

On a smaller scale we regularly see slow worms (which despite it’s name is actually a type of lizard that has no legs!), a vast array of butterflies, newts, frogs, toads and so much more.

Opposite is a list of the birds that our guests have spotted around the garden, why not see if you can add to our list during your stay.