There
is no reason to leave Hayling Island, ever, but should
you be forced so to do, and venture along the west
coast, then stop at Formby, where you are almost guaranteed
to see Red Squirrels, and also stop at the only recommended
service station, the Tebay Westmoreland, between junction
38 and 39 on the scenic bit of the M6. Not only voted
the best service station, with majestic views, food
and coffee cause Gordon Ramsey to salivate, but it
has a pond attracting all sorts of wildlife, and is
a convenient place to halt for the night.
Perhaps
visit Morecambe, (it does require, and is to receive,
a facelift) but it offers a spectacular view of the
mountains in the distance, and the bay itself is second
only to Norfolk for the numbers of winter birds.
Then
proceed into the lakes itself. If Hayling is the Premier
League, then the Lake District, renowned for its beauty,
is certainly First Division. Catherine lives on the
edge of the area, and with such names as Silverdale,
they are pushing their luck, but get away with it.
If you can visit, preferably before peak season, then
the reality justifies the hype.
This
is not the well known area of Lake Coniston, Windermere,
Grasmere and Keswick, but is quieter, easy to get
to, just as picturesque and superb for wildlife.
SILVERDALE AND ARNSIDE AONB
If
you travel on the M6 why not take a detour westwards,
North of Lancaster, where you will discover one of
the jewels in England’s crown, for here lies
‘An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.
Around
the village of Silverdale is to be found part of nature’s
wonderland – woodlands and fields and shoreline
all teeming with wildlife. Many sea birds and waders
can be seen around the wide expanse of Morecambe Bay.
Leighton
Moss RSPB reserve is here with its great variety of
birds and mammals. You may be lucky to hear and see
the shy bittern, bearded reedlings and marsh harriers
which have successfully raised young here for the
past few years. Also there is a small herd of red
deer and the occasional otter can be sighted.
In
Eaves Wood (National Trust) there are enticing little
paths which will lead you on to the limestone pavement
and to the Pepper Pot – a monument erected to
celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee!
From here is a glorious view across Morecambe Bay
from Heysham to Barrow-in-Furness. Another path will
lead you past Arnside Tower (an old Pele tower) and
up on to Arnside Knott where
a wonderful view of the Lakeland hills appears across
the Kent estuary.
Further
to the east is the limestone escarpment of Giant Barrow
where an abundance of alpine flowers grow among the
grykes (fissures in the rock).
Moving
southwards, a lane takes you past Wolf House and Lindeth
Tower, then Gibraltar Farm to Cow’s Mouth and
Jack Scout and then on to Jenny Browns Point. On the
seaside are lagoons fronted by hides, including the
Eric Morecambe Hide much frequented by birdwatchers.
Near to Silverdale are the villages of Yealand Conyers,
Yealand Redmayne, Yealand Storrs and also Beetham
where the fairy steps cut through the limestone, this
being the old coffin route between the surrounding
villages. There are many wild flowers in the whole
area among them a very rare orchid. On nearby Heathwaite
the rare Duke of Burgundy Butterfly.
So,
lots for the naturalist to discover in this lovely
area.
http://www.arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk/
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/leightonmoss/index.asp
Catherine
Addison - Silverdale
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So,
see you up there. Bring a map and never forget your
brolley; it is the wettest part of our island. As
you may gather, Catherine is rather partial to this
area. I now believe it imperative that an 8-lane superhighway
is built across Silverdale, to facilitate us all getting
to these beauty spots so much quicker.
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