Geltsdale RSPB reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geltsdale RSPB reserve |
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Howgill Beck and Stagsike Cottages (visitor information point for the RSPB reserve). Photo by Ian Taylor.
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| Location | Cumbria, England |
| Operator | Royal Society for the Protection of Birds |
| Website | http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/reserves-by-name/g/geltsdale/index.aspx |
The Geltsdale RSPB reserve is a special nature area in Cumbria, England. It is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). This reserve helps protect birds that live in the uplands, like the hen harrier and the black grouse.
Geltsdale is part of a larger area called Geltsdale & Glendue Fells. This area is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it has important wildlife, plants, or geology. It is also a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive. This protects wild birds and their habitats across Europe.
Contents
Birds and Their Homes
The Geltsdale reserve is home to many interesting birds. The RSPB works hard to make sure these birds have safe places to live and raise their young.
Hen Harriers: Hunters of the Moors
The hen harrier is a bird that likes open spaces. It often lives in heather moorland, which is a type of land with lots of low-growing heather plants. You can find this kind of habitat at Geltsdale.
Even though these habitats are common in England's uplands, hen harriers are quite rare. This is because they are sometimes illegally hunted. In 2013, for the first time in nearly 50 years, no hen harrier chicks successfully grew up in England.
Black Grouse: A Varied Habitat
The black grouse needs a different kind of home than the hen harrier. It prefers a mix of habitats. To help these birds, the RSPB has planted many trees at Geltsdale. This creates the varied environment the black grouse needs to thrive.
Visiting Geltsdale Reserve
Geltsdale RSPB reserve welcomes visitors who want to explore nature. It's a great place to see birds and enjoy the outdoors.
Visitor Information
There is a special visitor information point at the reserve. You can get details about the area and the birds you might see. Entry to the reserve is free for everyone.
Walking Trails
You can explore Geltsdale on foot using one of the four marked trails. These trails start from the car park at Howgill.
- The Bruthwaite trail is 1.8 miles long. It leads to a viewpoint at 1,500 feet high.
- The Stagsike Trail covers 2.8 miles.
- There are two Moorland Trails, one is 2.5 miles and the other is 5 miles.
Hen Harrier Conservation Efforts
The RSPB works hard to protect hen harriers at Geltsdale. They monitor the birds and try to ensure their safety.
Successful Chick Fledging
In 2016, a hen harrier chick successfully grew up and flew from its nest at the reserve. This chick was named Bonny. Bonny was one of only seven hen harrier chicks to fledge in England that year.
Bonny was fitted with a small satellite tag. This tag helped scientists track his movements. It was part of a project to help conserve hen harriers.
