Wildlife and bio-diversity is encouraged at Brackenrigg.  High Rigg & Brackenrigg Barn have been awarded with a Natural England sponsored Biodiversity Award. Brackenrigg is a case study in Natural England's influential 'Natural Economy' Report

Brackenrigg is fortunate to have a number of birds, mammals, insects, spiders and amphibians visitors here and do our best to provide them with the habitats they need.

Red Squirrels: there are 4 red squirrels that visit usually daily – two with bushy light brown tails and two with almost bronze coloured tails. There are 4 feeders close to the cottages so you can watch from your windows. We liaise with Save Our Squirrels to watch out for greys in the area.

Brackenrigg's badgers are particularly active in the early autumn – and come into the gardens regularly at this time. They have several large sets in the woods – shy and nocturnal, you need to be out at dusk and very quiet to see them!

Roe Deer are regularly seen in the wood – and there is one large Red Deer with wonderful antlers that sometimes comes into the field at twilight mainly in the Spring and Autumn.

There are pipistrel bats in the roof of our own house – You’may see them at twilight, and children may hear them, through the summer months catching insects on the wing.

The owls – both tawny and barn – are testament to the abundance of small mammals here. You’may hear both owls at night, and often if you’re back late in the evening you’ll surprise the owls into swooping across the drive-way. You may see buzzards and kestrels during the day.