Lancashire in Autumn

Join us from a charming base on the Lancashire coast to experience the wonder of the autumn migration and the exceptional birdwatching it brings.

Join expert naturalist Mike Dilger on an in-depth exploration of some of the finest birdwatching sites in Lancashire. Based at a lovely family-run hotel in the historical village of Silverdale, we’re just a stone’s throw from Morecambe Bay. This is one of Europe’s most important intertidal wetlands and as autumn rolls in, bird populations in the bay’s vast mudflats explode. The landscape offers a productive habitat for both resident and migratory birds and is known for its impressive autumn gatherings of pink-footed geese, whooper swans and waders. We also explore the nearby Ribble Estuary, another migration hotspot renowned for its sheer abundance of birds.

We visit Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve, which offers an outstanding wildlife diversity. This stunning wetland is a mosaic of ponds, grasslands and woodland, along with the largest expanse of reedbeds in the north-west of England (which is one of the best locations to see bearded tit in the UK). A host of other species can also be found here, with starling murmurations, bitterns, otters and red deer preparing for the autumn rut all possibilities if we’re lucky.

We also visit WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Marshside RSPB Nature Reserve, which offer the chance to observe vast gatherings of wildfowl and waders, along with a chance of iconic raptors hunting above us, including peregrine falcon, merlin, marsh harrier and hen harrier. Quiet woodland walks may even reveal the rare willow tit, and lively flocks of tree sparrows at home in thick hedgerows.

With a cosy base right next to wildlife hotspots, varied landscapes and wildlife around every corner, this tour promises a memorable few days of autumn birding in Lancashire.

Please note: Whilst we will endeavour to visit all the reserves mentioned, the itinerary may be altered by the tour leader according to local conditions.