National Trust walks on the wild side
05/06/2007
Leading wildlife organisation, the National Trust, has published eleven free wildlife walks on its website
From Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, the oldest nature reserve in the UK, to the Stackpole Estate in Pembrokeshire, with its beautiful coastline and woods rich in wildlife, these walks are the ideal way to get close to nature.
David Bullock, Head of Nature Conservation at the National Trust, says "All of these walks have been chosen personally by our team of nature conservation advisers as places where you can see the best of wildlife from bugs to butterflies and birds. Every season will offer the walker something new and the chance to get closer to the wonderful wildlife that can be found in the countryside and on the coast."
The wildlife walks on the National Trust website include:
Arnside Knott on the Lancashire/Cumbrian border - a 2 mile walk looking over Morecambe Bay on one side and the Lake District on the other. Listen for the loud 'pichoo' call of the marsh tit in the woodland and be on the look out for rare butterflies.
Ashridge in Hertfordshire - this 2 mile route is perfect for families along the Chilterns Ridge in an area famed for its wildflowers and butterflies. Look out for gliding red kites above and the striking six-spot burnet moth. Pop into the visitor centre before you set off for an I-spy Ashridge leaflet.
Brockhampton in Herefordshire - as you follow this 1.5 mile route through beautiful woodland you'll come across sculptures created by local schools. Listen out for the deep croaking call of ravens and woodpeckers drumming on tree trunks.
Brownsea Island in Dorset - 1 mile walk cutting through mixed and pine woodland where there are over 60 different types of tree. Along the way there are excellent opportunities to see the endangered red squirrel.
Calke Park in Derbyshire - a 1.5 mile peaceful walk away from roads in this National Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes open for signs of badgers in the woodland and the darting colours of dragonflies beside the ponds. If you are lucky, you might spot a little owl, which are known to appear during the day.
Crom in Northern Ireland - this 3.5 mile route follows the shores of the Upper Lough Erne through a tranquil landscape of islands, woodlands and historic ruins. Marvel at the ancient trees, wading birds, bats and keep your eyes open for the elusive pine marten.
Cubert in Cornwall - a 6 mile route taking in a stunning stretch of coastline. Enjoy the outstanding displays of corn marigold, poppies and other rare wildflowers, and look out for grey seals hauling out of the water on rocks off-shore.
Harting Down in West Sussex - a 2 mile walk with views across the Weald to the North Downs. The hillsides are strewn with countless anthills and if you are really lucky you might spy dancing male adders or hear the song of the nightingale
Stackpole in Pembrokeshire - either 3.5 miles one way or 6 mile circular walk set in the beautiful Pembrokeshire National Park. Look out for otters, the rare chough and explore two stunning beaches en-route.
Upper Wharfedale in Yorkshire - a 6 mile walk in the glorious Yorkshire Dales. Discover an exciting landscape of limestone pavement, glaciated valleys and flower-rich hay meadows. Underfoot the limestone pavement is home to a number of unusual plants.
Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire - this 2.75 mile route takes you through one of the last remaining fens in England and Britain's oldest nature reserve. An area rich in plants, birds and insects. Look out for the rare Konik pony which grazes the fen and keeps the woodland away.