Cumbria: RSPB Geltsdale (Day Trip)

Summary

Geltsdale is situated in the north-west corner of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is internationally important for its breeding upland birds. This is a wonderful landscape with primeval bogs, traditional hay meadows, and a mixture of woodland and cleared pastures. The Kings Forest of Geltsdale dates to the 1300s as a renowned site for boar hunting. Sadly, no boars remain but the variety of habitats supports a wonderful array of wildlife.

On the moors one can commonly see Red Grouse, Kestrel and Buzzard but other birds of prey are found here too, including the dashing Merlin and Short-eared Owls, while the ethereal sight of a hunting Hen Harrier is always a possibility.

The edge of the moor and the developing Bruthwaite Wood Pasture are perfect sites for Black Grouse, whose numbers are slowly expanding. The woodland area is also home to various warblers, tits and finches, while the rocky cleughs hold the ‘Mountain Blackbird’ or Ring Ouzel.

At a lower level the restored stream meanders have created meadows perfect for Snipe, Curlew, Redshank and Lapwing, which fly and display among the hardy blue-grey cattle – a perfect cross between Galloways and White Shorthorns.

Our day will involve around six miles or more of walking which will include some uphill stretches. As with all upland areas it can be exposed and so good footwear and waterproof clothing will be essential. There is a small information centre with toilets where we will take a break during the day.

• Lapwing, Curlew, Snipe and Redshank in lowland wetland grazed by blue-grey cattle
• A moorland trail with possibilities of Short-eared Owl, Merlin and even Hen Harrier
• Ring Ouzels breed in the rocky, wooded cleughs
• Upland wood pasture supports Black Grouse, Willow Warblers and other passerines