Ghosts of the forest - black grouse watch

22 March to 31 May 2009

You'll recognise me easily, I'll be the one strutting around with my backside in the air.

You might think I'm dancing, but my bobbing white tail and bubbling call are part of the serious business of
mating.

Set against a stunning moorland backdrop, groups of us black grouse males meet at our display ground – or lek – to show off to the females, so the stakes are high.

Not many people get a chance to see us in action: but you can. Join a guided walk through Coed Llandegla Forest to a comfortable, purpose-built hide where we'll perform approximately 400 m away from you.

On all but three occasions last year (when fog obscured the vision), you got to see up to eight of us lekking. And we must have been doing something right, as several times a female was also seen.

While at the hide, you'll also learn about the conservation work being carried out to help us, and hear about the successful work already having a positive impact on our 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 crossbills and tree pipits.

Walks cost £5.75 per person. Booking is essential. There is a £1.50 car parking fee.

When can you see us?

You'll need to set your alarm clock. Guided walks run every Friday-Sunday, starting at 5.30 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.

What's at the site?

There are ten pairs of binoculars and three high-resolution telescopes available for you to use. And this year, speakers in the hide (attached to our microphone out on the moor) will let you hear all the interesting sounds males make as they try to woo any watching females.

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 find us

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

On 26 April and 1 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.

Still got some questions?

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. Or, why not stay on at the Oneplanet Adventure visitor centre and try out the mountain bike trails?

• Llangollen
• Oneplanet Adventure

This date has been brought to you in partnership with UPM Tilhill and Coed Llandegla.