Wildlife and Bird Watching

Bird watching
Bleasdale was recently featured in the BBC's Wildlife Magazine.

Birding in Bowland Leaflet (PDF 5.5mb)

A locally produced log cabin (pictured to the right.) from Oakenclough Buildings has been specially designed for us, two viewing windows to the north overlooking the Scrapes on the stewardship land and two to the south overlooking a field which is used by Lapwings and Curlews in spring for nesting. The hide also has Two doors to allow easy access for the ’Tramper’.

We are very Conservation and Wildlife aware we have registered the farm on the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and Entry Level Scheme run by DEFRA. Lapwing and wadding birds are counted regularly by the RSPB. All of our outdoor projects use Ingleton blue stone as it blends in with the surroundings leaving a more natural look.

A further development on the farm is a ‘dog walk’ leading to a bird watching hide with access for a ‘Tramper’, this will also be linked to a concessionary footpath joining a public footpath. By linking it to a concessionary footpath, it will allow the pubic to come as far as the bird hide to view the wild life in the area without causing them any disruption to guests staying for a quiet holiday on the farm. It will also create an extra link to some of the many local footpaths in the area, along with links for the ‘Tramper’ to Cobble Hey Gardens and Calder Vale, or a circular walk round Bleasdale and back round to the main farm.

Other Places to visit include:

Bowland's farmland - and moorland attracts over 6,000 pairs of wading birds such as lapwings, snipe, curlews, Oystercatchers, and redshanks and holds 6 - 8% of the UK's breeding curlew population.Hen harriers are England’s most endangered bird of prey, the Bowland Fells, are home to 50% of the successful nests, found in England. As monitored by an English Nature and RSPB team. Hen Harriers arrive back on their breeding grounds in March and April. They indulge in spectacular, aerobatic displays to attract females.

Nicky Nook and Grizedale Valley - A firm favourite with birdwatchers looking for summer visitors such as Wood Warbler and Redstart.

Littledale - Home to a variety of special birds, including the rare hen harrier, the symbol of the Forest of Bowland.

GTBS member the Bowland Wild Boar Park for a very good family day out with a natural history theme.

RSPB lancashire website

Recently constructed, our very own bird hide.

Watch the Lapwings and from the hide.
(B.P.Tyrer)

Young Dipper, Brock Valley. (B.P.Tyrer)

Spring flowers, Caldervale. ( B.P.Tyrer)