North Hill has a diverse population of wildlife. Look out for the Stonechats, they like to perch on top of gorse bushes and can be recognized by their very distinct 'chatting' and the Sky Larks hovering above with their 'trilling' notes. Buzzards are frequently circling high above the moor and you may also see a Kestrel hovering above and quickly diving into the vegetation below. Other birds that frequent the moor are the Green Woodpecker, Wheatear, Meadow Pipits, summer visitors the Swallows & Swifts, winter visitors the Field Fares & Redwings and many more. You may also see many types of butterfly including the Heath Fritillary.
Exmoor Ponies & a herd of Belted Galloway Cattle can be seen grazing on the open moorland. You may see a Slow Worm, which is a type of Lizard & other types of Lizards as they scurry into the vegetation, although rarely seen, there could even be an Adder enjoying the sun at the side of a path.
During the evenings, especially at dusk during the summer months, you may hear a Nightjar. It has a very distinct sound like a two stroke motorcycle engine, and may be seen flying low over the gorse and heather catching insects. Also later in the day Badgers, Foxes, Rabbits and the Red Deer will be active.
This cache has been placed with kind permission from The Exmoor National Park Authority