Explore the wildlife of this extraordinary area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), which truly is England’s Last Wilderness with Wildlife Artist and International Wildlife Guide, Ashley Boon.
The North Pennines are home to some very special species such as the handsome Black Grouse, one of our rarest birds, along with its commoner cousin the Red Grouse. If you are up for an early start Ashley can take you to witness the spectacular courtship “Lek”, where male Blackcock show off their splendid plumage to attract the female Greyhens.
In spring the hills echo with the calls of Eurasian Curlew, our largest wader. Though nationally threatened the North Pennines are a stronghold. Also here in good numbers is our most beautiful wader the Northern Lapwing, and in spring the skies are alive with their tumbling display flights, as their liquid calls ring out over the landscape.
You can expect to see many other species on a morning out with Ashley. Oystercatchers, Common Snipe, Redshanks, maybe Golden Plover and with luck Barn or Short-eared Owls. Also possible in spring are Wheatears, Whinchats and Common Cuckoos as they return from Africa to breed.
Ashley will take you to explore the lovely local rivers to look for the only perching bird to swim, the White-bellied Dipper alongside Grey Wagtails and Common Sandpipers.
Depending on the time of year there really is a lot to see in our part of the world, game birds, waders, wildfowl, raptors, owls, many smaller birds and always the chance of Brown Hares and Roe Deer.
Ashley will organise a tailor-made excursion for you ranging from a few hours or a full day.
Hospitality Packages include hearty breakfasts, luxury lunch hampers and two to seven course menus at The Kirkstyle Inn with accompanying wines; tailored to meet you parties needs and preferences.
For more information please email experiences@theksi.co.uk
