Home / Country Escapes / Birdwatching

Birdwatching

With rare wildlife, protected landscapes and the largest reed bed in the North West, Lancashire is the perfect destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Areas and Attractions for Birdwatching

Forest of Bowland AONB, including Pendle Hill, and Arnside & Silverdale AONB are nationally protected landscapes and internationally important for their moorland, blanket bogs and rare birds.

For more information on the landscape and wildlife of the Forest of Bowland AONB Click here

To download the leaflet Treading Carefully about the wildlife of the Forest of Bowland click here

To download the leaflet Birding in Bowland click here

The Bowland Festival is held every June to celebrate the birds, wildlife, landscape and rural life of the Forest of Bowland AONB. A variety of events demonstrate the Forest of Bowland's exceptional birds and wildlife, explore its heritage and landscape and give the opportunity to find out more about conservation from the people that live and work in the area. For further information on the Bowland Festival click here

Arnside & Silverdale AONB is also home to a rare species of orchid and its location in Morecambe Bay makes it an important feeding site for wildfowl. For more information on Arnside & Silverdale Click here

Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve situated within Arnside & Silverdale, is home to North West England's largest reed bed and is located in an attractive wooded valley below limestone hills. 5 bird-watching hides, RSPB Visitor Centre, shop and tea room. Extensive programmes of events and guided walks throughout the year.... more about leighton moss

The Wyre Estuary and surrounding saltmarshes offer a unique and rich habitat for breeding birds. Morecambe Bay and the Ribble Estuary are two of the most important sites in the UK for the wintering and passage of waders and wildfowl.

The Wyre Estuary Country Park is the perfect place to enjoy this natural environment.The river and saltmarshes support internationally important numbers of birds with species including Pink Footed Geese, Oystercatchers and Shellduck. Year-round events include ranger lead walks, natural environment activities and workshops.. more about Wyre Estuary Country Park

Wildfowl & Wetland Trust Martin Mere
this 50 acre landscaped waterfowl gardens in west Lancashire gives you the opportunity to feed the world's largest and endangered species straight from your hand. Special events and exhibitions, cafe, visitor centre and gift shop.Also a popular haunt of BBC AutumnWatch.... more about WWT Martin Mere