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For details of the wildlife you can see on the farm see our farm wildlife page ...
Clougha (SSSI) and Birk Bank
Above and a short walk from the cottages is Clougha (SSSI) and access land a mosaic of upland habitats dominated by heather moorland and blanket bog. Also close by are Calf Hill Woods a Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserves and Birk Bank both contain old sessile oak woodland. You can only view Calf Hill Woods from the road but there is a car park and network of paths at Birk Bank. There is also good access from here to Clougha (SSSI).
Crook o Lune Caton
Wooded river banks walks, bluebell woods. Wooded river banks walks. One footpath skirts Aughton Woods SSSI LWT nature reserve.
Brock Valley.
The nature trail alongside river Brock is beautiful at any time of the year though the spectacular displays of Bluebells and Wild Garlic in the spring are well worth making the trip for, the combined scent is very heady!. It's a great place to see dippers and wagtails and a little later dragonflies.
Beacon Fell Country Park.
This popular Country Park consists of 110 hectares (271 acres) of mixed woodland, moorland and farmland. The summit is 266 metres (873 feet) above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay. On a clear day it is even possible to see the Isle of Man. There is plenty of wildlife for those who are prepared to be observant. Look out for rabbits, hares, grey squirrels and if you are very lucky Roe deer. Stoats and weasels can be seen running across the road or clambering over the dry stone walls. In spring the wildlife ponds are full to bursting with amorous frogs and as many as 11 species of dragonflies and damselflies may be seen around the ponds during the summer months. Visitor centre and cafe. More information Beacon Fell Country Park
Rossall Promenade and Point.
Rossall Point forms the southern boundary of Morecambe Bay, and the whole area provides year round interest for the birdwatcher. Access is from the promenade or follow the footpath along the edge of Fleetwood Golf Course. Note - please do not stray onto the golf course which is private. Ample parking is available at car parks, opposite Rossall Hospital, north end of Fleetwood Golf Course and Marine Hall, Fleetwood. Especially good place to see rare migrants in winter.
Cockerham and Winmarleigh Mosses.
Winmarleigh Moss is the largest surviving area of uncultivated peat mossland in the county.
Leighton Moss.
Leighton Moss is the largest reedbed in north-west England, and home to some really special birds such as breeding bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers. In summer watch the Marsh Harriers passing food to each other while flying. Deer often graze around the pools, and there are lots of butterflies and dragonflies in summer. Choose from a selection of trails and hides, most of which are suitable for wheelchairs, and get right to the heart of the reedbed. Or take the nature trail alongside two coastal lagoons to see lots of wading and water birds (ask in the visitor centre for more details). Enjoy a home-made meal and a drink in the tea room and browse in the RSPB shop.
RSPB Reserve Leighton Moss Website
Martin Mere.
Martin Mere is best known for the thousands of pink-footed geese it attracts each winter and for its internationally important numbers of migrant whooper swans and Bewick’s swans. But there’s no need to wait for cold weather to visit – the nature reserve teems with free-living wildlife all year round. More than half of Martin Mere’s 214 hectares are designated for their scientific interest and biodiversity. The best way to start exploring is follow the Nature Trail to the series of nine hides which overlook the Mere, many smaller pools, the duck marshes and flower rich meadows. WWT Reserve Martin Mere Website
The Lune Valley
This is a great place to see riverside birds like dippers, yellow wagtails, kingfishers and sand martins.
Birding in Bowland Leaflet (PDF 5.5mb)
More Wildlife Hot Spots
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