Cumbria

Birding Cumbria
Cumbria is one of the most sparsely populated counties in the United Kingdom, with 73.4 people per km2. It is the third largest county in England by area, and is bounded to the north by the Scottish council areas of Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders, to the west by the Irish Sea, to the south by Lancashire, to the southeast by North Yorkshire, and to the east by County Durham and Northumberland.It is the most north westerly county of England, and was created by the merging of the old counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland, along with parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Cumbria is, perhaps, best known for being the home of the Lake District National Park. It has a mainly rurally based economy, with few large population centres. So far as birdwatching is concerned, Cumbria is probably under observed.
The landscape owes its character to glaciation, with the Lake District displaying a radiating system of valleys and ridges, lakes and rivers. Much of Cumbria is high ground of over 400metres, with the area around Carlisle and the Eden valley at lower elevation. The Lancaster Canal runs from Preston into South Cumbria and is partly in use. The Ulverston Canal which once reached to Morecambe Bay is maintained although it was closed in 1945. The Solway Coast and Arnside and Silverdale Areas of Outstanding Natural beauty lie in the lowland areas of the county, to the north and south respectively.
The county has an extensive coastline, with the south Cumbrian coast being the northern containment of Morecambe Bay, an area of international importance for migrating and wintering waders. The northern coast is the south shore of the Solway Firth, again an important area for wintering wildfowl. The west coast boasts a small range of sandstone cliffs at St. Bees, which provide nesting sites for auks, kittiwakes and fulmars.
-
Campfield Marsh
WebpageSatellite Viewis an RSPB reserve on the south shore if the Solway, offering large roosts of waders. The area is important for geese in winter. Further east, Herdhill Scar provides a useful point to watch the Solway Skua passage. -
Foulney Island
WebpageSatellite ViewFoulney Island, accessible on foot from the causeway between Roa Island and Rampside, is also managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. In the summer, this island hosts a little and arctic tern colony as well as ringed plover and oystercatcher nests, and excellent views of our second rarest seabird – little tern – can be easily obtained. Cut off for around an hour either side of high tide, bleak in the winter, check weather and tides before you set out. -
Foulshaw Moss
WebpageSatellite ViewJust off the A590 at Witherslack, Foulshaw Moss is a raised bog of international importance. A series of boardwalks and viewing platforms allow excellent views of a nesting pair of Ospreys in the spring and early summer. -
Haweswater
WebpageSatellite ViewThe RSPB administered watch-point in Riggindale was England's only breeding site for Golden Eagle - although there has been no sucesful breeding for a year or two. The watch-point, and the walk from the car park at the south end of Haweswater offer the chance of other mountain specialities such as Raven and Ring Ousel, as well as Wheatear, Peregrine and Buzzard. The small copses along the road along Haweswater contain Redstart, Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warblers. -
Hodbarrow
WebpageSatellite Viewis a derelict industrial site whose main feature is a large area of fresh water, apparently the result of old mine workings. This area is now shared by water skiers and breeding Common, Sandwich and Little terns, but interest at Hodbarrow is not restricted to terns. Divers, Grebes, and Ducks on the water, waders on the scrape and beach, and passerines in the surrounding bushes and grassland provide lots of other interest. -
St. Bees
WebpageSatellite ViewThe only sea cliffs in Cumbria support nesting Kittiwakes and Fulmars. Auks also nest, with plenty of Guillemots and Razorbills, a few Puffins and even fewer Black Guillemots. The coastal path along the cliffs from St. Bee's village is good for Chats and Pipits, and Peregrine is regular. -
Walney Island
WebsiteSatellite ViewWalney Island is one of Cumbria’s hidden birding gems, with two large nature reserves at either end. The island is covered by Walney Bird Observatory, which is based at South Walney but reports on sightings across the island. -
Walney Island - North Walney NNR
WebpageSatellite ViewNorth Walney NNR is a Natural England nature reserve, a beautiful sand dune system with heaths, dune slacks and home to rare natterjack toads. The ponds near the southern end of the reserve often throw up some birds of interest, particularly great egrets and spoonbills. -
Walney Island - South Walney Nature Reserve
WebpageSatellite ViewSouth Walney Nature Reserve is run by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, noted for a large colony of herring, lesser-black back and great black back gull in the summer as well as breeding eider ducks and about two dozen other nesting species. Thousands of waders spend winter here, and several hides around the reserve provide the only sheltered sea-watching on the island.
-
Allerdale & Copeland - Nick Franklin
01228 810413
-
Barrow & South Lakeland - Ronnie Irving
24 Birchwood Close, Kendal, LA9 5BJ
01539 727523
-
County - Chris Hind
2 Old School House, Hallbankgate, Brampton CA8 2NW
01697 746379
-
Best Birdwatching Sites: The Solway Cumbria/Dumfries and Galloway
| By John Miles | Buckingham Press | 2010 | Paperback | 240 pages, maps | ISBN: 9780955033933 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birdwatching Walks in Cumbria
| By Tim Dean & Jeremy Roberts | Carnegie Publishing | 2002 | Paperback | 120 pages, maps | ISBN: 9781859361238 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Breeding Birds of Cumbria - A Tetrad Atlas 1997-2001
| By Malcolm Stott | Cumbria Bird Club | 2002 | Hardback | 391 pages, B/w illustrations, tabs, maps | ISBN: 9780954324902 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Where to Watch Birds in Northwest England & Isle of Man
| By Allan Conlin, Dr J P Cullen, Pete Marsh, Tristan Reid, Chris Sharpe, Judith Smith & Stephen Williams | Christopher Helm | 2008 | Paperback | 287 pages, 30 line illustrations, 50 maps | ISBN: 9780713664218 Buy this book from NHBS.com
-
Walney Bird Observatory
Observatory WebsiteSatellite ViewSecretary: keith Parkes, 176 Harrogate Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA 14 5NA 01229 824219 mailto:keith.parkes5@btopenworld.com
-
Tullie House Museum
WebsiteTullie House Museum collects and preserves objects and information concerning the wildlife and geology of Cumbria…
-
Cumbria Bird Club
WebsiteCumbria is a big county, with birdwatching sites ranging from estuaries and sea-cliffs, through lakes and reedbeds to oak woodland and open felltops. Our club brings together people from all over the county to share their experiences and love of birding. We try to help newcomers learn more about birding, we contribute to the research needed to preserve both local and national birdlife, and above all we try to have fun in the process! We hope these pages help you get a little more out of your birdwatching in the county -
Cumbria Wildlife Trust
WebsiteCumbria Wildlife Trust is a charity which was established in 1962. Today it has about 4000 members and manages around 40 nature reserves. These reserves vary in size from one to 2800 acres and cover a wide variety of habitats. Cumbria Wildlife Trust works in partnership with landowners, local authorities, other conservation organisations and businesses to conserve wildlife everywhere in Cumbria… -
Lancaster & District Birdwatching Society
WebsiteCovers part of South Cumbria -
RSPB North Cumbria Local Group
Webpage -
Wildlife Crime
WebsiteThere is a trade in illegally caught wild birds, both in the UK and internationally. With few exceptions it is an offence to be in possession of a British wild bird unless it has been bred in captivity, in which case it will wear a special ring -
World Owl Trust
WebsiteThe Trust's Owl Centre is based in the beautiful wooded grounds of historic Muncaster Castle and every year we welcome over 70,000 visitors to see one of the most comprehensive owl collections in existence. Here you will see over 100 owls from over 50 different species and sub-species (some not commonly found in other collections) ranging from the biggest owl in the world - the European Eagle Owl - to the tiny Pygmy and Scops Owls
-
CWT Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve
WebpageSatellite ViewFoulshaw Moss Nature Reserve is a lowland raised peatbog of international importance, where a pair of ospreys breed during the summer months. Although work to install boardwalk is ongoing, visitors can still see these majestic birds of prey from a viewpoint. Visitors can now explore even more of this important wildlife site, following the opening of a boardwalk extension and the installation of new visitor information. -
CWT South Walney Nature Reserve
WebpageSatellite ViewThe south end of Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness, was established as a nature reserve in 1963. It contains the largest mixed ground-nesting of herring and lesser black-back gulls in Europe (about 17,000 pairs altogether) and the most southerly eider duck-breeding colony in Britain (700 breeding pairs). Other breeding species of birds include greater black-back gull, common tern, little tern, oyster-catcher, ringed plover, shelduck, mallard and moorhen. All the eggs of wild birds on Walney Island are protected by a special Home Office Order… -
Crossbank Nature Reserve
WebpageSatellite ViewCrossbank Nature Reserve is situated to the rear of the Fat Lamb Hotel and is open to the general public. There is an area of land with open access and a purpose built hide giving a good overall view of the site, plus footpaths leading down to viewing points within the reserve itself. All are welcome to come and enjoy a glimpse of nature in this beautiful setting… -
Cumbria Bird and Nature Reserves
WebsiteSatellite ViewA list with visitor details… -
Lake District National Park
WebsiteSatellite ViewCoastal habitats are also to be found in a small section of the Lake District National Park. For example, the sand dunes at Ravenglass estuary are a breeding ground for natterjack toads and the sand dunes at Drigg Nature Reserve support one of the country's largest breeding colonies of black-headed gulls. -
RSPB Reserve Campfield Marsh
WebpageSatellite ViewRSPB info… -
RSPB Reserve Haweswater
WebpageSatellite ViewRSPB Info… -
RSPB Reserve Hodbarrow
WebsiteSatellite ViewRSPB Info… -
RSPB St Bees Head
WebpageSatellite View
-
Birding Cumbria
Mailing GroupBirding Cumbria is a Yahoo Group set up for the sharing of bird news within Cumbria. News of both common and rare birds is welcomed. This forum also welcomes discussion on the identification of 'current' birds in Cumbria and any relevent Cumbrian birding issues! -
Latest Sightings - Cumbria Bird Club
To report a latest sighting, please contact us selecting category latest sighting. This won't be an official record, so please note it in BirdTrack or to us. -
cumbriabirds - Sightings of birds in Cumbria
@cumbriabirds
-
Lancashire and Lakeland Outback Adventure Wildlife Safaris
Tour OperatorHi all and welcome to Lancashire and Lakeland Outback Adventure Wildlife Safaris - Thanks for looking in on us -
North West Birds
Tour OperatorThe famous RSPB Reserve of Leighton Moss is only 2 miles away and holds 4 of the UK`s total of 16 male Bitterns - a rare and endangered species, plus Bearded Tits, Water Rails and Otters. Morecambe Bay is the second most important estuary in the UK for wading birds, with totals of nearly 200,000. Short or longer breaks are on a full board basis, including meals and transport,excluding only out of pocket expenses and Reserve entry fees. Mike Robinson, Barn Close, Beetham, Cumbria, LA7 7AL, UK Tel: 015395 63191 e-mail: mike@nwbirds.co.uk
Click on WAND to see Fatbirder’s Trip Report Repository…
-
2007 [04 April] - Nick Mason – Cumbria and the North Pennines
Report… we headed back into the South Tyne valley, walking through mixed woodland onto Lambley Viaduct, which now is part of a recreational trail crossing the South Tyne river. As the sun started to warm the air, we got excellent views of Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard as they crossed the valley. Nuthatch, Goosander and Dipper were also viewed on the river and fringing trees below the viaduct… -
2008 [05 May] – Nick Mason – Cumbria and the North Pennines
ReportA cold and misty 6am start found us watching Black Grouse displaying at two different sites. We were able to watch the first lek from the vehicle and there were five male grouse in attendance. The intensity of their display varied over the 30 minutes we watched them, but the bubbling and spitting calls and hops, skips and jumps of the birds produced a wonderful atmosphere… -
2015 [04 April] North Cumbria (the coast, Pennines and lakes)
Report PDFThis report covers a short trip made to north Cumbria with the intention to connect with a number of local specialities, in particular Black Grouse and Black Guillemot. The trip was made with mypartner and was far from a full birding weekend, bar an
Click on WAND to see Fatbirder’s Trip Report Repository…
-
Apartment in Kendal
AccommodationLuxurious holiday apartment on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal, Cumbria. The property enjoys a riverside balcony where you can sit and observe everything from cormorants to kingfishers. It is also perfectly situated between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, within a short drive of the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss, as well as the RSPB golden eagle observation point at Haweswater -
Appleby Manor Country House Hotel
AccommodationAppleby Manor has an unrivalled position amid the rolling Pennine Hills, in the Eden Valley on the edge of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Perfectly located for exploring some of the most spectacular scenery and a perfect location for avid bird watchers. Relax amid the friendly peaceful atmosphere in the garden or the lounge. Enjoy excellent food. Children welcome and pets accepted by arrangement. -
Beetham
AccommodationWe are just 3 miles from Leighton Moss RSPB, 4 miles off M6 and on the Lancs/Cumbria border. Anne Robinson, Barn Close, Beetham, Cumbria LA7 7AL - 015395-63191 anne@nwbirds.co.uk -
Cedar Manor Hotel & Restaurant
AccommodationCedar Manor Hotel and Restaurant, Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District. Built in 1854 as a private country house retreat -
Dale Head Hall Lakeside Hotel
WebsiteThis 16th Century Lake District Hotel sits alone on the tranquil shores of Thirlmere; the peak of Helvellyn majestically rising in the distance behind. Comprising of mature gardens and woodland, Dale Head Hall is a tranquil treasure with an abundance of wildlife - providing the ideal starting point for your exploration of the beautiful North Lakes. -
Damson Dene Hotel
AccommodationSituated in one of the prettiest and most tranquil settings in the Lake District with spectacular views to the Lakeland fells and only a short drive from Windermere. Offers good value accommodation with leisure facilities. ideally situated for exploring the Lake District -
Eltermere Country House Hotel
AccommodationWelcome to Eltermere Country House Hotel in the heart of the English Lake District. This website contains information on the hotel together with information on the surrounding area. If you have any queries please feel free to call us on (015394) 37207 fax us on (015394) 37540. -
Heart of the Lakes Cottages
AccommodationThe Lake District`s premier holiday cottage letting agency. For the best selection of self-catering holiday homes in the very heart of England`s beautiful Lake District explore Heart of the Lakes & Cottage Life`s extensive on-line brochure. We are a small family business offering a wide range of self-catering holiday accommodation, cottages, flats and houses, some old, some modern and something for every taste, but all within central Lakeland and therefore in the heart of one of Britain`s loveliest corners. -
Hidden River Cabins
AccommodationHere at our luxury log cabins we have many birds that visit the area and the river Lyne. Most of the birds can be seen going about their day from your cabin. Common residents on the river are the several varieties of ducks, the main one being the popular Mallard made easy to identify with their bright purple feather under the wing. Goosander's are also frequently seen on the river. A frequent visitor to the river are the small black/brown and white Dippers. Often seen walking along the rocks and under water in search of food. They mainly feed on insect larvae and freshwater shrimps so they are not a threat to fishing on the river Lyne. -
Hollow Creek Cottage
AccommodationA Grade II listed farmworkers cottage, built in 1760, set in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country and the Solway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, yet within easy reach of the Lakes, the Scottish Borders and the bustling, historic city of Carlisle. The village is close to the Solway Firth, with numerous nature reserves and birdlife sanctuaries in the area and 7 acres of land to roam adjoining the property -
Lakeland Hideaways
AccommodationWe have a wide range of Self catering holiday cottages, all situated in the Lake District around the village of Hawkshead and Esthwaite Water -
Lakelovers - Lake District Cottages
WebsiteAs the Lake District’s oldest and most prestigious holiday letting agency with a fine selection of Lake District cottages. We have over 460 self catering properties in our portfolio, Lakelovers are experts in our field with properties spread through the North, Central and South Lakes, in all the most popular areas; such as Ambleside, Windermere, Grasmere and Ullswater to name just a few; we offer a wide selection of unique, hand-picked properties, with something to suit everyone. -
Mirefoot Cottages
AccommodationCottages 5 Star Self Catering in The Lake District -
Muncaster Castle
AccommodationMuncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria. CA18 1RQ. Tel 01229 717614 We have in the grounds of the castle 8 twin/double en-suite rooms We are situated in a stunning part of the country, close to the gull sanctuary at Drigg and the gardens of the castle extend to 70 acres with many marvelous walks and teeming with wild life. The whole set up is very peaceful and beautiful with the most stunning views and countryside around us. Muncaster is also home to the World Owl Trust which is a major organisation in conservation and the enviroment. -
Newby Bridge Hotel
AccommodationPerfectly located overlooking the southern tip of Lake Windermere, the hotel is perfectly situated for exploring the Lake District. Offering good value accommodation and good food using locally grown produce -
Riverside Hotel
AccommodationSituated on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal with lovely views to Kendal Castle. Only a short walk to the famous market town centre of Kendal. Conveniently situated for all the Lake District attractions and only a short drive from Lake Windermere -
Royal Oak
AccommodationOnce an 18th Century farmhouse, our hotel has been accommodating visitors and walkers for over one hundred years, and is still the perfect base from which to explore the beauty of the northern Lake District. -
Sally's Lake District Cottages
WebsiteSally's Lake District Cottages is a local family run holiday cottage letting agency with over 300 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria - call us for advice on 017687 80571 - our bookings office in Keswick is open seven days a week from 8.30am until 9pm. -
The Fat Lamb
AccommodationThe Fat Lamb Hotel, Ravenstonedale, between the towns of Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen, offers bed and breakfast accommodation midway between the Lakes and Dales. Situated between the National Parks of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales -
The Lakeland Cottage Company
AccommodationA choice of 90 luxury Lake District cottages including many with 4 and 5 star Gold Awards -
The Roundhouse Kelkerwell
AccommodationWith stunning views, your own private space and a wood-fired hot tub, we aim to give guests a unique and sustainable roundhouse glamping experience that rests, relaxes and inspires. -
Wateredge Hotel - Ambleside
AccommodationLakeland Hotel of the Year 1999 by the Good Hotel Guide. Cesar Award. The Wateredge Hotel is situated in an unrivalled position at the very tip of Lake Windermere, on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Ambleside, at the heart of the English Lake District.
-
A Guide to Cumbria Wildlife
WebpageIn terms of wildlife Cumbria really does have it all – natural woodlands, beaches, fells, parks and gardens to name but a few... -
Birdwatching on the Solway Firth
WebsiteThe glories of the Solway are manyfold - but the reason most birders (and it still really is undiscovered) come here is for winter watching of geese, barnacles particularly, and its wildfowl -
Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre
WebsiteNot my sort of thing but some people do use such facilities to learn more about behaviour and ID. In the demonstration you will see different birds doing what comes naturally. There is a commentary on their ecology and wild behaviour, so you can learn about the habitat, conservation, lifestyle and traits of each bird. -
Cumbrian Osprey live webcam
WebsiteThis webcam has no sound and is available to UK users only -
Lake District Osprey Project
WebsiteFor the second time in 150 years, the wild Ospreys overlooking Bassenthwaite produced chicks in 2002 and for the first time they had twins. All the preparations for the 203 season are complete and we are now waiting to welcome the two ospreys back to north Cumbria for what we hope will be another successful year in 2003. Update - 14th April 2003- The male adult has arrived back and is again holding his territory awaiting the return of his mate. He arrived back last Tuesday the 8th April. The Dodd view point is now open -
Poltross Wild Bird Foods
WebsitePoltross Wild Bird Foods is a small family business, operated by father and son team Jos
-
Cain Scrimgeour - Holywell Birding
BLOGLast updated 2015 - The natural world is in my blood, I have the 'gene' some people may say, there is no better feeling than being in the wilderness and knowing what exists within it, whether it is within a garden, stretch of green belt, or the remoter parts of Scotland, I hope, one day, to become truly part of the wild. Living in West Monkseaton has put me on the doorstep of some amazing places within Northumberland, particulary Holywell Pond, Dene, and the Deleval estate… -
Gordon Williams - Birding, Kyfer, Misty & Me
BLOGMainly Birding, but anything I see on my wanderings, sometimes with the Westies… -
James Common
BLOGHello, and welcome to Common By Nature – my humble blog, journal and sightings board. It’s name derived from a half-hearted witticism involving my surname and personal interests that, over the years, appears to have stuck. I quite like it, despite how cheesy it sounds. -
Pete Woodruff - Birds2Blog
BLOG -
Tristan Reid - The Inked Naturalist
Twitter FeedMy name is Tristan Reid I am a fairly obsessive birder; driven by the enjoyment of seeing rare and scarce birds in both Britain & Ireland. I have an interest in plants, butterflies, dragonflies, crickets …well pretty much anything wildlife related really! Binocularface.co.uk logs my adventures…