Latest news with #Kingfishers
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Delight as photographers capture majestic bird spotted in Bolton
Keen photographers have captured stunning pictures of the majestic Kingfisher in Bolton, which is home to the aptly named Kingfisher trail. Although Kingfishers are widespread and can be found on almost any river bank or canal, they are, according to The Wildlife Trusts, 'surprisingly tricky to spot'. Members of The Bolton News Camera Club have caught the river bird in Smithills. Kingfishers, with their stunning colours. fly rapidly, low over water, and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water's surface. This beautiful photo captures a Kingfisher in Smithills. (Image: Lisa Rayner) The above photograph by Lisa Rayner show a fledged Kingfisher, which was captured in Smithills. Smithills ward Cllr Sue Priest said: 'We are very lucky to have such a wealth of green spaces in Smithills. READ MORE: 'I know that we have had a number of sightings around the area, including at the Doffcocker Lodge and around Smithills Hall Estate too. This Kingfisher was also spotted in Bolton. (Image: Ewa Heska) 'The Smithills Community Alliance have been working tirelessly to rehabilitate wildlife in the area, such as putting newts back into the ponds and restoring walkways. 'Our local groups have made a brilliant difference to out green spaces here at Smithills.' Chair of the community group, Friends of Longsight Park, home of the Kingfisher Trail, Jane Wilcock said: 'Kingfishers are distinctive fish feeding birds. 'There have been plenty of sightings around the borough. I know that they have been spotted down Bradshaw Valley, Jumbles Reservoir, Longsight Park and of course the famous Kingfisher trail.' Bolton's famous Kingfisher Trail consists of a scenic 14-mile route connecting the rural West Pennine Moors to the centres of Bury, Bolton and Salford. Bolton's 14-mile Kingfisher trail. (Image: Nick Haworth) The trail connects sites including Ringley Woods, Philips Park, Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal, Moses Gate Country Park, Leverhulme Park and Upper Bradshaw Valley Nature Reserve. The trail was originally set up by the Croal-Irwell Valley Ranger Service in the early 1990s to highlight the incredible abundance of wildlife reclaiming a once industrial valley. Sights on the King Fisher Trail include Bradshaw Hall, Rock Hall Firwood Fold Meccano Bridge, The Kingfisher Trail is home to a wide range of wildlife species and provides a recreation resource which is important for the region's people, wildlife and heritage. Jane added: 'Kingfishers usually have more muted markings when they are younger, these become brighter with age. 'People usually only see a flash of a blue arrow; they can be quite speedy! 'Although the birds have always been seen around the Bolton borough, I would say that sightings are becoming more frequent – although I'm not sure if this is because people are remembering to keep an eye out for them!' Secretary of the Bradshaw Brook Fly Fishing Club John Frazer: 'The group has been undergoing insect monitoring since last year, which can to monitor the health of the river. 'A healthy insect population would indicate a healthy fish population, which therefore means that Kingfishers will have an abundance of food.'
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
Four of the best scenic walks in the West Midlands
AS the winter weather begins to brighten up and spring starts rolling in, now is the perfect time to get back in touch with nature and explore some of the region's beautiful scenery. The West Midlands is home to many beauty spots, perfect for everything from a peaceful stroll to a more ambitious hike. Residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting immersed in nature and Visit Birmingham and the West Midlands has curated a handy list of some of the best walks in the region you can embark on next. Here are four of the region's best walks for scenery and nature, according to Visit Birmingham and the West Midlands: Forge Mill Circular Trail This popular 3.2km trail set in Sandwell Valley takes you from the RSPB reserve, past Forge Mill Farm's animals and around Forge Mill Lake. You can explore a small woodland, enjoy views of the River Tame and maybe catch a glimpse animals such a birds and deer. Cannon Hill Park This Green Flag status park in Moseley offers stunning scenery including lakes, flowerbeds and a conservation area home to a five acre woodland known as the 'RSPB Centenary Plantation' and a wildflower meadow. Visit Birmingham describes it as an 'easy, accessible walk with scenic views, peaceful lakes, and ample space for outdoor activities'. Coombe Abbey Country Park Located in Warwickshire, Coombe Abbey Park is home to 500 acres of natural beauty, with beautiful woodlands full of native English trees and a large, glistening lake. You can take a stroll past artistic wooden sculptures dotted throughout the park and see if you can spot any birds such as Grey Herons, Kingfishers and Mute Swans, in this 'birdwatching haven'. Walsall Arboretum Walsall might not be best known for its nature offerings, however, Walsall Arboretum is a spot perfect for spotting wildlife in both Hatherton Lake and its surrounding woodland. With a boating lake, beautiful spots for a picnic, tennis courts and acres of open playing fields, it is a fantastic place to get the whole family enjoying the outdoors. Visit Birmingham and the West Midlands suggested a number of other trails and walks, for the history and culture lovers out there and for those who are looking for a walk that is a little bit different. To see their full list, visit their website.
