Walking across Morecambe Bay is a popular way to raise money for charity but David Whiteside decided to tackle the Bay differently. He hugged the 120 miles of coastline on a seven day adventure to raise money for the RSPB as well as Diabetes UK and the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
He nervously started his journey from his home town and place of birth, Fleetwood on Saturday 15 May and walked the reverse journey of his Grandfather’s life.
David said “Ultimately this walk was all about the physical challenge, the sense of adventure and achievement and giving a bit back to the charities. I stayed in some gorgeous places, ate wonderful local food and saw 60 different types of birds - the Bay is such a great place to be!”
Along the way David met lots of local people who showed him great hospitality. On Day 3 he had a ‘brief encounter’ with staff from RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve who met him at Warton Crag as he stopped to see the ravens and peregrines there.
David continued “Being an insulin-dependent Diabetic made it even more of a challenge, but the blisters were worth it. On the last day I just didn’t want to stop walking but when I finally found myself at Foulney Island with the terns flying around it was a perfect end to an amazing week.”
Any donations for David’s collection for the RSPB would be gratefully received. Log on to www.justgiving.com/morecambebaywalker
Brand new health walks are starting at RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve in Silverdale, as part of Natural England’s national Walking for Health programme and the team are now looking for people to join them.
The Leighton Moss Health Walks are an ideal way to enjoy a healthier lifestyle, being suitable for all abilities and taking you through some beautiful countryside. They will run every Monday at 11 am to 12 noon from Monday 7th June and are free.
Jenni Thornley, Health Walk leader says: “The walks here will follow good footpaths, are easily accessible and will be led by myself and a team of friendly trained walk leaders so they are great if you come along on your own or with friends and family.”
Michala Phifer, Natural England’s Walking for Health Lead Adviser added “Walking is the perfect way to feel better and get healthier. It’s widely recognised that by taking up this simple form of exercise you can achieve a vast array of health benefits. So why not come along and give it a go.”
By taking regular physical activity you can help reduce the risk of disease such as colon and breast cancer, prevent and reduce high blood pressure which can cause strokes, almost half your risk of developing coronary heart disease, lower the risk of developing type II diabetes, maintain the health of your joints and even improve your mood and relieve depression.
By undertaking a health walk at Leighton Moss you will also get the opportunity to see some wonderful wildlife along the way and reward yourself with a healthy treat in the cafe afterwards. The reserve is 4 miles north of Carnforth and is 250m away from Silverdale Station (on the Manchester/Preston to Barrow line).
To take the first steps to a healthier lifestyle by joining Leighton Moss health walks, contact the scheme co-ordinator, Jenni Thornley by email at jenni.thornley@rspb.org.uk or phone 01524 701413.
For more general information about Natural England’s national Walking for Health programme visit the website at www.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk where you can find more information about health walks and the health benefits as well as locating your nearest group.
There’s will be some wild adventures in the June half term holidays with lots of family events.
We will be looking out for stripey insects on our Family ‘wildsquare’ guided walk on the 1st (11 am – 12.30 pm), there will be lots of fun with flowers and storytelling at our Afternoon tweets on the 2nd (drop in from 12.15 to 3.15 pm), and you can have a go at ponddipping on the 3rd (11.30 am – 1 pm or 1.30 – 3 pm).
You always feel good after spending time outdoors and getting up-close with nature. It’s lovely to see children getting so absorbed in the activities and their enthusiasm can be infectious!
For more information about these events (you need to book in advance for ponddipping) please phone 01524 701601 or see www.rspb.org.uk/leightonmoss.
These family events are an ideal way for children to enjoy and appreciate how amazing nature is. You too can help to protect our environment for future generations by signing the RSPB’s new ‘Letter to the future’ campaign during your visit to your local RSPB nature reserve or online at www.rspb.org.uk/lettertothefuture
Come along and buy a signed copy of the New ‘Birdwatching Walks in the Lake District’ Book and meet the authors John Wilson and David Hindle between 1 and 3 pm at RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve visitor centre on Bank holiday Monday 31 May.
For more information about the book see:
http://www.carnegiepublishing.com/mall/productpage.cfm/CarnegiePublishingLtd/_Birdlake/186168/Birdwatching%20walks%20in%20the%20Lake%20District
Our bearded tits are doing well....there are young now in 3 areas, a pair are re-nesting with their 2nd brood. 15 pairs have used our wigwam nestboxes in the reeds. They should start flocking together soon. (Attached image of a male bearded tit by Mike Malpass)
28 May-A sanderling was reported at the Eric Morecambe hide and a spoonbill was at Lilian's hide at 4 pm.
27 May- 2 greenshanks at Tim Jackson hide, 170 black-tailed godwits, 1 knot, 1 little egret, 1 lesser whitethroat.
26 May-An osprey was reported circling, then was mobbed by the black-headed gulls before drifting off in a north east direction (10.20-10.25 am), a whimbrel was reported on the fields on the way towards the coastal hides, 2 greenshanks.
25 May-3 bearded tits at Griesdale hide, 5 wrens, 6 long-tailed tits, 4 willow warblers, 2 avocets, 250 black-tailed godwits.
24 May-A lesser whitethroat at the Eric Morecambe hide, 2 little egrets, 12 red deer at Griesdale hide, a red kite was reported, a great crested grebe was seen again with a chick on it's back.
23 May-2 sedge warblers, 2 marsh harriers at Griesdale hide, 1 garden warbler reported early afternoon on the path to lower hide (20 m from the bend), a black tern was seen at Lilian's hide at 3.40 pm and again at public hide at 4.45 pm, red deer.