Walks around Cumbria’s forests are being promoted for the autumn season, particularly those that offer good wildlife-spotting opportunities.
Forestry England said that this summer was a challenging one for wildlife with drought, heat, and wildfire all putting forests and wildlife under pressure.
Andrew Stringer, head of ecology for Forestry England, explains one way this has affected our autumn season: “Nuts and berries are a vital food source at this time of year for many woodland animals, including dormice, hedgehogs, pine martens and many different birds.
“Normally the hedgerows and trees would be laden, but there are some signs that the scorching temperatures and prolonged dry weather has had an effect, with some fruits ripening earlier and not as plentiful.
“We support wildlife in the nation’s forests by creating habitats for a wide range of plants and animals to flourish.
“These important connected spaces will give much loved and lesser-known wildlife the best chance to not only survive but thrive in the changing climate conditions we are experiencing.
“Autumn is a very dynamic time for wildlife so keep your eyes and ears open for some of the wonderful shows nature offers.
“They include deer rutting – locking antlers in a fight for dominance, the swirling displays of starlings in a ‘murmuration’ at dusk, and the flitting of jays above the trees with a beak full of acorns ready to bury as a winter food store.”
Of such walking locations which Forestry England is promoting is Grizedale Forest, located to the east of Coniston Water and to the south of Hawkshead.
There, you can take in the views of surrounding lakes and mountains as you stroll along one of the forest’s many forest trails.
Although beautiful at any time of year, the Lake District is particularly spectacular in autumn, with a patchwork of colour making its way across the landscape.
You can head up to the highest point in Grizedale, Forest Carron Crag, for views right across to Morecombe Bay.
Another location is Whinlatter Forest in the Lakes.
There, visitors can soak up the landscape at England’s only mountain forest, the perfect place for a half-term adventure.
Youngsters can enjoy the ‘Wildplay’ and ‘Superworm’ trails.
Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 363 million visits per year.
For more information, visit forestryengland.uk.
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