see birds...

[vivster]

anyone know any near Pooley Bridge
Penrith to see birds....i.e nature reserves...

[oncebittern]

Hi Viv.

I live in Penrith, and I have to say that I find it a difficult place. I usually end up getting in the car and taking a drive away from the area for most of my birding. That said, there are good walks all around, and there's just no telling what might turn up.

Pooley Bridge is at the top end of Ullswater, which has a big gull roost, plus the usual wildfowl.

Further down Ullswater is Aira Force - a National Trust walk up through a wooded valley to spectacular waterfalls. Often see Dipper, Nuthatch, Redpoll, and Red Squirrels.

This link gives a list of NRs in Cumbria - none near Penrith though:

http://www.visitcumbria.com/natres.htm

The only one I know nearby is Cliburn Moss NNR, which you'll find details for if you follow the English Nature link at the bottom of the link given above. Its a nice enough place for a walk round, with Red Squirrels, GSW, Goldcrests, and I've heard reports of Crossbill, though never seen one there.

Sorry there's not much good news here, but I'll be watching this thread with interest, to see if anyone else has any good spots that I don't know about.

Steve.