The landscapes and habitats of the Northwest are home to an abundance of animals, birds and other wildlife, many of which are nationally or internationally important, endangered, or can be found nowhere else in the UK.

Of Britain’s 58 butterfly species, 33 occur in Lancashire, while 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 also 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.