Ghosts of the forest - black grouse watch

29 March to 31 May

Witness the fascinating, elaborate and somewhat comical wildlife spectacle of a black grouse mating display or 'lek'.

Join our guided walk through Coed Llandegla Forest to a comfortable, purpose-built hide where you'll get close to the action as black grouse perform approximately 350 m away from you.

Set against a stunning moorland backdrop, watch males mock charge as they look to impress the watching females.

On all but four occasions in 2007, we saw a minimum of six and a maximum of eight black grouse lekking. Several times a female was also seen, attracted to the lek by the males strange bubbling and screeching calls that can be heard up to two miles away.

While at the hide learn about the conservation work being carried out to help black grouse, and hear about the successful work already having a positive impact on black grouse numbers in Wales.

On the walk back to the Oneplanet Adventure visitor centre you'll see many common woodland species, and might even be lucky enough to see crossbill and tree pipit.

This is a free event, but booking is essential. There is a £1.50 car parking fee.

Opening times

Guided walks run every Thursday-Sunday, starting at 5.15 am. We spend approximately one hour at the hide.

It takes half an hour to walk to the hide from the visitor centre. The walk is often quite steep and uneven in a few places so should only be attempted if you are a confident walker and in moderate health.

Facilities

There are ten pairs of binoculars and three high-resolution telescopes available for you to use. New for 2008, a camera will beam live images of the lek back to the hide for an even closer view of the action.

When you return from your guided walk pop into the visitor centre for hot drinks and a freshly cooked breakfast - Oneplanet Adventure won the best bacon butty in Wales 2006 award. At all other times, the centre is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

How to get there

All details, including directions, will be posted to those who book on a walk.

On 16 and 23 May, a free bus service will take you from the visitor centre to within 400 m of the hide. This service is for those who are unable to walk the half hour forest walk. Please note that numbers are limited for this service.

What should I bring?

A suggested list of equipment and clothing is sent with the confirmation document to those who book on a walk.

Enquiries

Telephone: To book your place on a walk, please call 029 2035 3008

Why not make a day of it?

Llangollen town is 20 minutes away in the car and has many visitor attractions including the steam railway, Plas Newydd house and gardens, walks along the canal, horse-drawn canal boat trips and canal boat trips.

• Llangollen

The ghosts of the forest - black grouse watch is a partnership project between the RSPB, UPM Tilhill and Coed Llandegla.