Our May coach trip offers not one but two locations to choose from.
Choice Number One will be a visit to Natural England’s Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve near Silverdale. It is one of Britain’s most important limestone landscapes made up of a diverse mosaic of limestone and peatland habitats that are home to a rich variety of exciting and often rare wildlife. From open rock pavements to damp fen; from deep yew forest to the tranquillity of Hawes Water.
There is much to see on a visit to Gait Barrows, including many rare species of plants and animals. These include the tiny narrow-mouthed whorl snail, the Duke of Burgundy butterfly (showing at the moment) the red wood ant, the very rare moss Scorpidium turgiscens, Stinking Helleborine, Bird’s-eye primrose and a variety of different orchid
s (although it seems the Lady’s Slipper Orchid is no longer there). We may be lucky enough to be joined by a couple of people who know the area well.
We will spend around 2 hours on the limestone pavement before walking to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve. The walk will pass by Hawes Water, and go through Trowbarrow Quarry, where there are Bee Orchids. It is about five miles and we will have to walk at a reasonable pace and be at the coach pick up by 4.45 pm.
Choice Number Two is a visit to the RSPB Leighton Moss reserve. This fabulous reserve is home to the largest reed bed in north-west England. This sweeping expanse provides shelter to a spectacular range of wildlife including Otters, Bearded Tits, Bitterns, Marsh Harriers, Egrets and Red Deer. It has numerous hides, and you can wander at your leisure at your own pace. It also has a lovely café offering meals and cakes. RSPB members are Free, non-members there is a £10 charge.
Whilst Gait Barrow is a fabulous place it does have its drawbacks. There are NO facilities of any kind, and it is fairly hazardous, having uneven surfaces with deep crevices. It is very easy to get lost and it can also be quite slippery. There are also ticks present on the reserve.
If you are a birder, not at your fittest, or just like to sit and mooch in hides and cafes then we would strongly recommend you opt for choice two.
BOOKING
The trip is open to friends and family. But please remind your friends that our trips are run by our Members for Members.
Everyone joins our excursions at their own risk. (Our full statement on our liability may be read on our website Disclaimer – Rochdale Field Naturalists’ Society)
The Coach will leave at 9.00am, from Morrison’s car park in Heywood.
The cost is £20. Please pay your £20 beforehand by bank transfer : Sort code 05-07-67 Account number 60931963 and use your name as reference.
Then Click here to email rfnsbookings@gmail.com to book your place.
Please note your place is not reserved until you receive a reply to that email.
RETURN
The coach will pickup from RSPB Leighton Moss at 4.45pm