Join us on the Lancashire coast as we explore some of the most rewarding wildlife sites that the county has to offer. Each will be alive with migrant birds during spring as well as hosting special flora, insects and other highlights.
Join expert naturalist Mike Dilger for a springtime tour to the beautiful Lancashire coast, where migration is in full swing and the county becomes home to an incredible diversity of birdlife. We're based at a charming, family-run hotel just steps from Morecambe Bay, one of the UK’s most wildlife-rich and internationally important landscapes. The bay’s vast sandflats and saltmarshes provide vital feeding grounds for a quarter of a million wetland birds, and spring sees a diverse mix of residents and migrants congregate together.
We explore the coastal paths right on our doorstep and wander through the characterful and historical village of Silverdale. From this base, we visit some of the region’s most diverse wildlife reserves, including the beautiful reedbeds and wetlands of Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve, where we hope to find some sought-after species including marsh harrier, bittern, bearded tit and Cetti’s warbler. Otters are also known to inhabit the waterways, and we could also find red deer and a fantastic cast of insects.
We explore the sweeping heather-clad hills and forested valleys of the stunning Forest of Bowland, home to ring ouzel, pied and spotted flycatcher, hen harrier and dipper. As a contrast, a visit to Foulshaw Moss offers flocks of charismatic tree sparrow, along with lesser redpoll and specialist plants and insects of the raised bog. We even have a chance of encountering African migrants such as tree pipit and, with luck, the iconic osprey.
Visiting a rich variety of habitats and offering encounters with exciting wildlife at a relaxed pace, this tour offers a memorable spring wildlife experience in the beautiful county of Lancashire.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrive at hotel in Silverdale
Make your own way to The Silverdale Hotel, in the village of Silverdale just north of Lancaster (rail travellers can be met at Lancaster station between 4pm and 5pm).
In the evening there will be a presentation of the local area.
Accommodation: The Silverdale Hotel, 3-nights
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Days 2-3
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Birdwatching excursions around Lancashire
During our two full spring days in Lancashire we will visit a variety of nature reserves whose wetlands come alive with the sound of birdsong.
Visits will include Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve to view a variety of waders and wildfowl. Weather permitting, a morning visit to the Forest of Bowland will be made to in the hope of seeing birds such as ring ouzel, dipper, stonechat and, with a bit of luck, raptors such as peregrine, merlin, or view osprey passing through on their way to their breeding grounds. We also plan to visit Foulshaw Moss, a rare and an internationally significant lowland raised peatbog where ospreys breed along with tree pipits and redpoll.
We will also visit areas around Morecambe Bay, a feeding ground to more than a quarter of a million wading birds, duck and geese.
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Day 4:
Morning birding excursion; depart for home
Our final morning will be used to spend more time exploring the estuaries around Morecambe Bay before the tour concludes after lunch.
For travellers departing from Lancaster railway station, a drop off at the station will be made at 2.30pm.
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.
