Birdwatching

The Northwest is probably the most important region in the country for its variety of birds.

The high peaks of the Lake District, Pennines, Bowland Fells and Peak District attract Ravens, Buzzards and Peregrines, whilst Riggindale in the eastern Lakes has England’s only Golden Eagle.

The Forest of Bowland is now the most important site in England for Hen Harriers, containing up to 90% of England’s population, while St Bees Head contains the only breeding sea bird colony in the Northwest.

The wide, open plains of Lancashire and Solway in Cumbria support many nesting wildfowl during the summer and the estuaries of Lancashire are hugely important in winter.

There are a number of brilliant bird reserves to be found, including Leighton Moss near Silverdale, which is the region’s largest remaining reedbed, and Martin Mere near Ormskirk, Lancashire’s largest lake.

Every June the annual Bowland Festival celebrates the birds and wildlife of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Frodsham, Ince and Helsby Marshes in Cheshire are also of national significance for their bird populations.