Under-threat songbird making a comeback in Cornwall

February 18, 2010

One of Britain”s most threatened songbirds is continuing its fightback from the brink of extinction in Cornwall.

This is according to a new survey conducted by the RSPB and Natural England, which showed that numbers of the cirl bunting have increased by 25 per cent since 2003, with 862 breeding pairs spotted during 2009.

However, the fact that the species is still confined to Devon and Cornwall means birdwatchers wanting to catch a glimpse of the cirl bunting in its native habitat may find booking a Cornwall holiday cottage and packing their binoculars is the way to go.

Director of conservation for the RSPB Mark Avery described the results as "fantastic news".

"We are all very excited that these fascinating birds are starting to make a comeback," he remarked.

A Biodiversity Action Plan focusing on preserving the cirl bunting was established by the government in 1998, with the aim being to raise the UK population to 1.050 by 2010, a target that has already been passed.

Posted by Toby LawrenceADNFCR-2558-ID-19619638-ADNFCR


New publication is ”the definitive guide to the Lakes”

February 18, 2010

If you live in the north of England, chances are a new guide that is set to drop through your letterbox soon will make you want to book a Lake District holiday cottage.

The Events 2010 Guide, which has been jointly produced by the Lake District National Park and Cumbria Tourism, covers around 600 events and activities that are due to take place in the area from this month right up until Boxing Day, making it the definitive guide to what”s happening.

Those wanting to explore the area and possibly shed a few pounds at the same time will also be able to read up on the guided walks held across the Lakes, of which there are over 300.

"If you intend spending any time in the Lake District this year, this is the must-have guide. Nowhere else is there such a comprehensive listing of things to see and do," remarked Andrea Runkee of Cumbria Tourism.

A visit to the Lake District wouldn”t be complete without checking out Windermere, which, at 10.5 miles long and 219 feet deep – is the largest lake in England.

Posted by David SollbergerADNFCR-2558-ID-19611322-ADNFCR


Lake District expansion to move to the next stage

February 18, 2010

The next stage in a consultation on expanding the Lake District is due to take place later this month.

Members of the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) are to hold a meeting on February 24th, where they will discuss whether or not to approve a consultation from Natural England about adding two new areas to the Lakes.

And they are being asked to support the recommendation, meaning those who head to stay in Lake District holiday cottages on a regular basis could have new landscape to explore in the future.

If the move goes ahead, the boundaries of the Lake District will be extended to encompass Helsington Barrows to Sizergh Fell in the south and from Birkbeck Fell to Whinfell in the east.

Chris Greenwood of the LDNPA said that the proposed sites must "have sufficient natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation", which suggests that those who visit will not be short of things to check out in the areas.

A public consultation on the expansion is currently underway and people have until March 17th to voice their opinions.

Posted by David SollbergerADNFCR-2558-ID-19614162-ADNFCR


Volunteers needed for Lake District tree planting

February 18, 2010

If you”re heading off on a Lake District holiday this month and are on the search for the perfect family bonding activity, then a new scheme being run by Bassenthwaite Reflections might be just the ticket.

The organisation is looking for volunteers to help plant hundreds of oak saplings in Whinlatter”s Masmill Forest and a family tree-planting activity is planned for February 20th.

Planting will take place from 10:00 GMT until 15:00 GMT and project leader Rachel Graham said that people of all ages are welcome to join in, with children set to get certificates for their efforts.

"A marked trail will be set out from Noble Knott car park to the planting area," she remarked, adding that people who want to take part will need to bring suitable gear, including waterproofs and either "sturdy boots or wellingtons".

Bassenthwaite Reflections recently announced it is distributing a newsletter to houses and businesses across the Lake District in order to update people on projects that are underway in the area.ADNFCR-2558-ID-19611311-ADNFCR


National Trust to open up Cornwall attractions

February 18, 2010

Visitors planning to stay in a Cornwall holiday cottages next month may want to plan their trip around a new incentive being offered by the National Trust.

The organisation is offering everyone in the country free access to its hundreds of sites during the weekend of March 20th and 21st as part of its Bonus Time initiative.

And Cornwall is certainly not short of National Trust attractions to check out, as the area is home to some of the country”s most spectacular sites, such as St Michael”s Mount, an island upon which stands a church and castle.

Or if that doesn”t tickle your fancy, there”s always Glendurgan Garden near Falmouth, which features a laurel maze dating back to the 1830s.

"You are never more than 40 minutes away from a place looked after by the National Trust, wherever you are in the country," observed director general of the National Trust Fiona Reynolds, adding that this is a "perfect excuse" to explore the trust”s venues.

Posted by Andrew HillADNFCR-2558-ID-19616996-ADNFCR


Lake District set for “invaluable” lakes meeting

February 18, 2010

Changes could be made to the way the 20 lakes found inside the Lake District National Park are managed depending on the outcome of a meeting taking place later this month.

Some of the key figures in preserving the area”s aquatic attractions are to converge on the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole, Windermere on February 26th to discuss ways that quality can be improved.

Issues such as improving water purity and the management of the lakes from a recreational viewpoint will all be discussed and lakes manager John Pinter said that the meeting would be "invaluable".

"It is vital we all work together in the Lake District, where our waters are of the highest importance for their ecological, aesthetic, recreational and cultural values," he remarked.

The area is home to Windermere – England”s largest lake – which offers a variety of attractions to visitors staying in Lake District holiday cottages, including Bowness on the eastern shore, which is home to a number of shops, restaurants and cafes.

Posted by David SollbergerADNFCR-2558-ID-19619628-ADNFCR


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