Animals
The flora and fauna of the region represent that of the
landscape itself – vast and varied.
Plants representative of almost every area of the country can be
found in the Northwest and of Britain’s 58 butterfly species, 33
occur in Lancashire.
Abandoned copper mines and old quarries in the limestone areas
around Morecambe Bay are the only place other than southern England
where you can see the rare Fly Orchid, while Silverdale is home to
one of Britain’s very few Lady’s Slipper Orchids, a beautiful but
internationally endangered plant.
The Wirral’s Hilbre Islands are also among the last few places
in the country where you can see the rare and beautiful Rock
Sea-Lavender.
Internationally important species found in the region include
birds such as Golden Eagles, Ospreys, Bitterns and Hen Harriers,
and animals such as Otters, Water Voles and Red Squirrels.
It is by far the most important region in Britain for swans,
geese, ducks and wading birds from the Arctic and Europe that visit
in winter. The estuaries hold an average of 600,000 birds each
year, creating a spectacular sight for birdwatchers.
The Northwest is also home to Europe’s only wildflower
conservation centre, on Merseyside, one of only two in the
world.