Lancashire

The vast coastal plains in the west are important feeding sites for huge numbers of wildfowl and wading birds, whilst the West Pennine Moors, in the east, provides a home for many species of birds. In fact 356 different bird species have been reliably recorded in Lancashire – out of a British total of 557.

The county contains two AONBs - the Forest of Bowland and Arnside/Silverdale.

The Forest of Bowland is internationally important as a habitat for upland birds. It has been designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the European Birds Directive.

Amazing views are to be had from the summit of Pendle Hill, which is only 165 feet short of being classed as a mountain. This is also the place where Lancashire’s first-ever Grey Squirrel was recorded, in 1954.

The North Lancashire Bridleway, for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, opened in 2004 and runs for 47km from Denny Beck near Lancaster to Chipping in the Ribble valley.