Take a walk on the wild side

250,000 birds spend winter on the Ribble Estuary

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TAKE A WALK ON THE

WILD SIDE

With 354 recorded bird species, native mammals such as red deer andotters, and millions of creepy crawlies that include tiger moths andcommon lizards, Lancashire’s wilder side offers up some great days out.

From the rugged moorlands of Bowland to the dramatic sands of Morecambe Bay, the county’s varied coast and countryside is home to world-famous breeding grounds and attracts birdwatchers from across the globe eager for a sight of its rare species. From the hen harrier in its hillside home to the red throated diver on the shores of the Irish Sea, Lancashire is a mecca for bird lovers throughout the year.

80% of Lancashire is rural

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Grab your wellies and walking boots and head outdoors to explore Lancashire’s top nature reserves and wildlife hotspots and see what you can find. Can you spot a bird for each colour of the rainbow? Or make bird sounds like our feathered friends?

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Nr Ormskirk

Take a full day to explore the centre,including hand feeding more than 100 typesof rare and endangered water-birds, meetingthe family of otters and walking around theinspirational eco-garden. Walks and talks arealso available throughout the year.

In late September to the end of October,Martin Mere becomes home to up to thirtythousand pink-footed geese. These birdstravel over from Iceland for the wintermonths and can be witnessed, along withother unique birds, from many of the hidesdotted around the mere.

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Nr Preston

Owned by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, this250-acre reserve provides a network of trailsand hides, woodland walks and a vast lake, all ofwhich have been specially designed to attract allkinds of wildlife.

Throughout the autumn and winter monthsBrockholes host many great events, includingtheir popular night walks and stargazing, whereyou get to explore and learn more about thereserve and night sky.

In the spring time, you will find the forest floorcovered in a carpet of colour, as the flowersbloom and the wildlife comes out of hybernation.

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Wyre Estuary Country Park

Situated on the banks of the River Wyre, this award-winning Green Flag country park provides spectacular estuary and riverside views, where you will find a wide range of habitats and wildlife, including excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Rossall Point, Fleetwood

Wyre Estuary Country Park

Standing forty-two feet above the seafront, this modern observation tower has been built to look like it is leaning into the wind. Find information about the local area inside as well as two observation decks, perfect for bird watching or taking in the views over the beach to the Irish Sea and Morcambe Bay.

137 miles of coastline in Lancashire

RSPB Leighton Moss

RSPB Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay Nature Reserve, Silverdale

This popular nature reserve is home to a variety of wonderful creatures – from birds and bugs to bats and otters. If you are lucky, you may even spot their largest resident, the red deer.

In the spring months you can watch marsh harriers skydancing high above the reedbeds or close your eyes and listen to the birdsong as resisdent birds and newly arrived migrants claim their breeding territory.

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