Ullswater “Steamers’ Float A Plan For The Birds

The Ullswater ‘Steamers’ are laying on two special RSPB-sponsored cruises, on May 9 and June 20, combining cruise with an RSPB guided choice of walk.

Passengers will also be able to talk to RSPB experts on board the boats, who will explain about local projects, as well as the work being carried out through the Haweswater Eagle and Whinlatter Osprey projects.

Each day begins with a two-hour sail from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, departing at 10am. On arrival, passengers can choose to head off on either an RSPB guided Woodland Wander, or join RSPB rangers for a River Ramble.

Woodland Wander is a moderate 1.5-mile walk, with a height climb of 350 feet. Walkers can potentially encounter species such as tree creeper, nut hatches, great tits, sparrowhawks, buzzard, spotted flycatchers, swallows, sand martins and greater spotted woodpeckers.

This walk might also lead to encounters with roe deer, red squirrels, weasels and stoats.

River Ramble is a gentler one-mile option along the River Eamont’s bank providing keen photographers with wonderful picture opportunities of wetland birds. These include mute swans, mallards, goosanders, kestrels, dippers, moorhens, kingfisher, flycatchers, and pied and grey wagtails.

Following both walks, passengers will sail back to Glenridding, perhaps participating in a bit of bird bingo en route.

Tickets cost £12 for an adult and £6 for a child. RSPB members receive a reduction and under 5s are free. Passengers need a packed lunch and should wear sensible clothing and footwear. More details are available on 017684 82229.

Fundraising activities will take place on board the boat, but the trip is very much focused on raising awareness of the need for bird protection.

Ullwater ‘Steamers’ Rachel Bell says: “These RSPB cruises have been added to our schedule as part of out on-going commitment to nature protection and appreciation within the beautiful Ullswater valley. Our programme includes Squirrel Cruises in support of ‘Save Our Squirrels’ and visitor payback schemes contributing funds to the Tourism and Conservation Partnership.”

The RSPB’s Matthew Capper says: “We are delighted to be working with Ullswater ‘Steamers’ to raise money and awareness for RSPB projects within the Lake District. People have an enormous interest in wildlife and we are trying to preserve habitats and raise awareness of some of our rarer species, which a lot of people do not realise exist in the UK.”

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ conservation work was recognised at a national level in the Virgin Holidays-sponsored Responsible Tourism Awards 2008 in which it scooped a Highly Commended. It has also won a Gold CBEN (Cumbria Business Environment Network) award and is one of three attractions short-listed in Cumbria Tourism’s 2009 awards in the category of ‘Large Visitor Attraction.’

For more information, visit Ullswater-steamers.co.uk.