Wildlife & Flora of the Quantock Hills: A Nature Lover’s Guide from Lydeard Farm
- Sarah Spottiswoode
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lydeard Farm Bush Camp & Lodges offers guests a front-row seat to some of Somerset’s most inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re wandering woodland paths, relaxing by your lodge, or enjoying a quiet morning coffee outdoors, nature is never far away here.
In this blog, we’ll share some of the wildlife and flora you might spot during your group accommodation stay in Somerset — plus tips on where and when to look.
History of the Quantock Hills
Let's start with some local history.
The Quantock Hills is a narrow, gently 19-km ridge, that run north west from the Vale of Taunton to the Bristol Channel. Standing out above the agricultural plain, the ridge looks far more imposing than its actual height of 300m and is famous for its views that stretch over nine counties.
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🌿 Woodland & Hedgerow Life
The ancient hedgerows and mixed woodland around Lydeard Farm provide shelter for a rich variety of birds and mammals.
Look out for:
• Buzzards and kestrels circling overhead
• Great spotted woodpeckers tapping in nearby trees
• Rabbits, hedgehogs and foxes at dawn and dusk
In Spring and early Summer, woodland floors come alive with bluebells, wild garlic, primroses and wood anemones, creating carpets of colour and scent along shaded paths.⸻
🦌 Deer, Livestock & Larger Mammals
The Quantocks are well known for their resident red and roe deer, often seen grazing quietly at first light or crossing open hillsides in the evening. With patience and quiet footsteps, guests may spot them from footpaths or field edges near the farm.
Local farmland also supports:
• Badgers, usually active after dark
• Field voles and hares in open grassland
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🐦 Birdlife Across the Hills
Birdwatchers are spoilt for choice here, from farmland species to woodland songbirds.
Common sightings include:
• Skylarks singing above open fields
• Nuthatches and treecreepers on mature trunks
• Swallows and house martins around farm buildings in summer
During Autumn and Winter, migrating birds bring seasonal variety — making every visit a little different.
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🌼 Wildflowers & Seasonal Colour
The Quantock Hills are particularly special in spring and summer when wildflowers blanket meadows and verges.
You may spot:
• Foxgloves, knapweed and oxeye daisies
• Bluebells and snowdrops in grazed pasture
• Heather and gorse flowering across open heathland, especially in late summer
These plants support thriving insect life, including bees, butterflies and dragonflies — perfect for photography or relaxed nature watching.
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🦋 Butterflies, Bees & Other Small Wonders
Warm days bring out an abundance of pollinators. Look closely at sunny hedgerows and wildflower patches for:
• Red admirals, peacocks and meadow browns
• Bumblebees and solitary bees
• Glow worms on quiet lanes in early summer evenings (with luck!)
These small encounters often become favourite memories for families staying at the farm.
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👣 Best Places to Explore Nearby
Some excellent nature-rich walking areas close to Lydeard Farm include:
Fyne Court — woodland walks and wildflower meadows
Local footpaths and bridleways directly from the farm.
Cothlestone Hill - Look out for the wild ponies.
Many trails are suitable for gentle strolls, making them perfect for families, photographers, or anyone wanting a peaceful escape outdoors.
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🔎 Tips for Wildlife Spotting
• Go early or late — dawn and dusk are best for mammals and birds
• Move slowly and quietly
• Wear natural colours and be 'Tick Aware' covering arms and legs
• Bring binoculars if you have them
• Stick to paths and respect wildlife habitats
Most importantly, enjoy the moment — sometimes simply sitting still and listening brings the best encounters. For more information visit Somerset Wildlife Trust.
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🌲 Experience Nature First-Hand at Lydeard Farm Bush Camp & Lodges
Whether you’re visiting for a group stay, school trip, or peaceful countryside break, Lydeard Farm Bush Camp and Lodges offers a rare chance to slow down and reconnect with nature. From birdsong mornings to starry skies and woodland walks, the Quantocks provide something special in every season.
Included in all bookings
Exclusive use - your group is the only group here.
Cooking facilities in the Bush Camp Kitchen including a 5-ring gas cooker with large oven, basic kitchen utensils and cutlery. Toasters, electric kettles, small microwave, 1 large fridge, small deepfreeze.
Exclusive use of the Bush Camp Shelter indoor space with tables and wood burner.
Outside BBQ & camp fire (basic implements) with bag of charcoal and box of firelighters.£25.00 worth of logs for the fires.
Cleaning sprays, mop and bucket, broom for sweeping, squeegee for the lodge bathrooms; paper towels and toilet paper.
Re-cycling of all waste.
Grass Football/ Games pitch with footballs.
Car Parking.
Free games subject to a small deposit (indoor skittles and large jenga) outdoor rounders kit.
Book your stay today and discover Somerset’s wildlife on your doorstep.
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