Forest of Bowland wildlife safari walks launched (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Forest of Bowland wildlife safari walks launched

1:00pm Sunday 5th April 2009 in News By Tyrone Marshall, Reporter

SAFARI walks are being launched in the Forest of Bowland to give people a glimpse of the rare wildlife that live in the area.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) are organising the guided walks, along with landowners United Utilities, between April and July.

Eleven events are planned as part of Festival Bowland, and they will give visitors the chance to see Bowland’s special bird of prey, the hen harrier.

Pete Wilson, RSPB Bowland project officer, said: “The aim of each event is to give people a chance to explore Bowland with a local expert, who can reveal the fascinating wildlife and heritage that is hidden in this beautiful landscape.

“Bowland’s uplands really come to life during the spring, with the arrival of thousands of migrant birds, some from as far away as Africa.

“I hope people will take the opportunity to go walking and find out what makes Bowland such a special place for wildlife.”

The hen harrier is one of the rarest birds in England, but the Forest of Bowland is their national stronghold.

Known as ‘sky dancers’ because of the spectacular aerobatics of their display flights, only ten harriers nests were formed in England last year, eight of which were in the Forest of Bowland.

The safaris will also show off other spectacular birds such as peregrines, ring ouzels and dippers.

Pete added: “A sighting of this rare bird is always a high spot on a walk. Sometimes it’s a fleeting view of a hunting harrier, but we often have close views of displaying birds as well.

“These events are also a great way to enjoy seeing and learning about more common birds, as well as exploring the various wildlife habitats and finding out about the land management being undertaken.”

Advance booking for the walks, which begin tomorrow, is essential.

For more information call Lancashire Countryside Service on 01772 534709.