Wildlife to look out for in the Forest of Bowland this winter

Winters can be long and harsh in the Forest of Bowland and it’s all too easy to fall into a state of suspended animation during January and February, with only the hardiest types venturing out into the icy uplands. But look more closely and you can see some of the region’s hardy winter specialists flourishing in the big chill.

Flocks of snow bunting are often spotted near the summits of the higher hills of Bowland and when the winds turn north-easterly and cold weather descends from the arctic, waxwings occasionally appear in the most unexpected places to gorge on any remaining berries.

• Large flocks of ducks gather to overwinter on Stocks Reservoir, where they can be viewed from the hides that are easily accessible from the car park on School Lane.

• Badgers are especially active when they emerge from hibernation in Feburary – look out for them in the woodlands at dusk when they may emerge for some ‘spring cleaning’ of the sett.

• Snowdrops are a welcome precursor to the arrival of the first spring flowers and huge drifts are visible at Newton in Bowland and Hornby Castle near Wray, where the grounds are open to the public for an annual Snowdrop Weekend in mid-February.

• Deep winter is your best chance to have a surprise encounter with two of Bowland’s most elusive waders – the snipe and the woodcock. Thousands of these tawny tourists fly in from Scandinavia to escape the cold and they are most active at dawn and dusk. On a frosty morning, you’re likely to almost trip over them in meadows and woodland as they wait until the very last minute before using up valuable energy to flee.

• Listen out for curlew ‘clearing their throats’ when they return to the uplands in late February. They will keep a low profile for another month or so, but you may notice the occasional half-hearted call as they begin the search for suitable nesting sights.

• Get ready for the Big Garden Birdwatch by stocking up on feeders and putting out water, so you’re firmly established on your feathered friends’ feeding flightpath in time for the big day (January 24-26, 2025).

WINTER WALKS

Bowland is a wonderful place to wander in the depths of winter when the clear skies and fabulous scenery take on new characters as the temperature’s plummet.

With the peat frozen hard, walking becomes easier on the exposed uplands, opening up new possibilities for hardy winter walkers.

You can find and download some of the best winter walks via the Forest of Bowland’s OutdoorActive Walks Collection, but please do stay safe out on the hills in winter. The Bowland Fells are largely safe for walkers in winter, but some steep, north-facing paths – such as the Ouster Rake in the Brennand Valley – can be treacherous in snow and ice.

Large parts of Bowland have only patchy mobile phone reception, so relying solely on a phone signal to call for help is not an option. Ensure you have the appropriate clothing, footwear, waterproof and emergency equipment.

In winter, this means spare clothing, warm drinks, additional food, a torch with spare batteries and a whistle to attract attention. A powerpack to recharge mobile phones is also a good idea.

Let someone know where you’re headed and what time you expect to be back. If you do need to call out Mountain Rescue: dial 999 or 112 and ask for ‘Police’ then ‘Mountain Rescue’.

• Click to explore our Winter Walks in the Forest of Bowland.

Posted
16th December 2024
in News