A guide to the animals at Runway’s End
From insects and mammals to birds and reptiles, there’s so much to see. Here are just some of the things you can spot on your visit.
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Mar 7 2025
Insects
Greater stag beetle
Where to see them
Greater stag beetles prefer deciduous forests with old decaying wood, as this is where their larvae live. Greater stag beetle larvae can stay as larvae for 7 years. However, once they hatch, they live for only a few months. Wellesley Woods has several specific stag beetle habitats, which we’ve created for educational purposes. Many stag beetles’ larvae can be spotted in the decaying wood of our minibeast hunting area.
Best time to spot
Adult stag beetles are active during the evening and night from May to September.
Purple emperor butterfly
Where to see them
This rare species thrives in Wellesley Woodlands. They enjoy deciduous and mixed woodlands, especially old oak and willow trees, and can often be found high in tree canopies.
Best time to spot
See them in the warmer months of the year on very sunny days, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.
Red-tailed bumblebee
Where to see them
Red-tailed bumblebees thrive in gardens and woodland edges. They nest underground, often finding abandoned rodent burrows or under stones. We’ve seen plenty buzzing around our wildflower garden in the summer months.
Best time to spot
Early spring through to autumn, depending on which flowers are in bloom.
Reptiles and amphibians
Common lizard
Where to see them
Meadows, woodlands, marshes, swamps, heathlands – one was even spotted trying to get into Forge Lodge!
Best time to spot
Basking on rocks in the warmer months (April to October), absorbing the sun’s heat.
Grass snake
Where to see them
Wetlands and long grasses. One grass snake particularly is regularly spotted near the campfire at Runway’s End.
Best time to spot
During warmer months (April to October), as they’ll be out basking hoping to absorb the sun’s heat.
Palmate newt
Where to see them
There are plenty of palmate newts in Runway’s End’s pond. They can also be found near to most freshwater pools or watered ditches. This is especially true during breeding season, as this is when they spend the most time on land.
Best time to spot
They’re easiest to spot during their breeding season (March to June). They’re most active at night – try shining a torch into the pond to catch them doing their courtship dances.
Birds
Common kingfisher
Where to see them
Did you know that the common kingfisher is the only species of kingfisher native to the UK? Common kingfishers prefer clear, slow-moving water, just like in Basingstoke Canal.
Best time to spot
Common kingfishers are the most easily spotted in the early morning and late afternoon. They’re easiest to spot after storms and heavy rain as they come out to hunt as the fish are more active.
Common moorhen
Where to see them
Common moorhens (also known as waterhens) are often spotted hanging out in large groups at the edge of Basingstoke Canal. They like well-vegetated marshes, ponds, and other wetlands.
Best time to spot
They’re most active during the daytime year round.
Great spotted woodpecker
Where to see them
There are three woodpecker species in the UK. Great spotted woodpecker like deciduous and mixed woodlands best - just like Welleseley Woods! We often hear ours tapping on the tall oak trees in the activity area.
Best time to spot
Great spotted woodpeckers are easiest to spot in the early mornings and late afternoon year round.
Mammals
European water vole
Where to see them
Keep an eye out for them on the edges of riverbanks or, in our case, Basingstoke Canal. Signs include chewed plants and burrows in banks.
Best time to spot
Active all year, mostly during the daytime. However, in the winter they spend most of their time in their burrows.
Field mouse
Where to see them
Did you know that field mice collect and distribute leaves and branches to act as landmarks? They can be found in the woodland and hiding in log piles. You can also look for small holes in the ground about ½ - 2 inches across.
Best time to spot
Active all year (even in the winter, unless it’s freezing cold). They’re most active after dark.
Human
Where to see them
They can be seen across Runway’s End trying adventurous activities and having fun. Humans are part of the animal kingdom and are big shapers of local ecosystems too.
Best time to spot
Active all year. They’re mostly active during the day, depending on age and caffeine consumption.