Wildlife on the Ground | Deer, Foxes & More at Reddings Retreat

Wildlife on the Ground

Our paddocks, woodland edges, and quiet corners are home to over a dozen mammal species. In the stillness of early morning, fallow deer graze in the mist. Foxes slip silently along the hedgerows, and badgers emerge under cover of darkness. Being in the Wye Valley AONB means these habitats are protected, allowing wildlife to thrive. Whether you’re an early‑morning walker or a patient photographer, you’ll have every chance to encounter something special.

🦌 Watch: Fallow deer wandering along the drive at night — View on Instagram

Common Residents (seen year‑round)

From the paddocks to the woodland edges, the ground here is alive with movement. You might glimpse a rabbit darting into the hedgerow, a mole pushing up fresh earth, or a slow worm basking in the sun. These are some of the species most often spotted on‑site:

Fallow deer, fox, badger, rabbit, hare, grey squirrel, hedgehog, mole, field vole, bank vole, wood mouse, common shrew, slow worm, grass snake, adder (rare), otter (river), and the occasional seal travelling upriver from Chepstow.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Young deer in the paddock, fox cubs exploring, hedgehogs emerging from hibernation.

Summer: Bats hunting over the paddocks at dusk, slow worms basking, grass snakes near the pond.

Autumn: Fallow deer rutting, squirrels caching nuts, voles active in hedgerows.

Winter: Badgers foraging in frosty fields, foxes hunting in low light, deer moving in larger groups.

Beyond the Retreat — Notable Nearby Mammals

Within 10 minutes of Reddings Retreat, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean offer even more opportunities to spot:

Wild boar (Forest of Dean)
Pine marten (rare, Forest of Dean)
Otters along the River Wye
Seals occasionally seen upriver from Chepstow’s riverside quay — including Sammy the Seal, a much‑loved local character often spotted fishing in the tidal Wye.

🦭 Watch: Sammy the Seal in Chepstow

Discover everything we’ve spotted From deer in the paddock to foxes at dusk, these are just some of our wild neighbours. Visit our Spotter’s Log to see the full list of species recorded at Reddings Retreat.

Meet Our Wild Neighbours & Join the Spotter’s Log

See the full list of species spotted here over the years in our Spotter’s Log. Every entry began with someone pausing to notice — perhaps your stay will add the next one. If you capture a special moment during your visit, share your photos with Charlotte and you could be featured on our website or Instagram.

This page is just a glimpse of the wildlife that roams the fields, hedgerows, and woodland edges here. Explore our Spotter’s Log for the complete record of mammals, birds, insects, wildflowers, trees, and seasonal forage spotted at Reddings Retreat.

At Reddings Retreat Tintern, we want every guest to enjoy a truly relaxing and tranquil experience — whether that’s watching deer wander along the drive at night, spotting foxes at dusk, or catching sight of a badger on a quiet evening walk.

Enquire & Book Your Stay and step into the after‑dark world of the Wye Valley’s wild residents.