Rare Forest of Bowland birds of prey star in their own TV show

Thousands of visitors are watching the birds story unfold on a big screen at the Bowland Visitor Centre.

A hidden camera has been set up to allow people to watch unedited footage of the hen harriers and their chicks live.

Nick Osborne, from Lancashire Countryside Services, said the action was “fascinating” to watch.

“This is so exciting, especially as hen harriers are so rare,” he said. “Everyone is really enthusiastic about sharing this experience.

“It is fascinating to watch what is going on at the nest and I find it incredibly addictive. You just can’t take your eyes off the big screen in case you miss something.”

The hen harriers on camera are part of a very small population in England. Last year only ten pairsnested successfully in England, with eight of these nests in the Forest of Bowland, making the area the most important site for hen harriers in England.

Pete Wilson, the RSPB’s Bowland officer, said: “The hen harriers in Bowland are an excellent example of conservation organisations, landowners and gamekeepers working together to ensure they have a future.

“We want to see this successful partnership replicated elsewhere and are actively asking other landowners and land managers to help us increase the number of hen harriers in England to 40 breeding pairs by 2010.”

Caroline Holden, United Utilities acting Bowland estate manager, added: “As a major landowner in Bowland, United Utilities takes its conservation responsibilities very seriously.

“We’ve worked with the RSPB for many years and it is hugely rewarding to see such tangible evidence of hen harrier success on this estate.”

Continuous footage of the hen harriers on camera can be viewed seven days a week at the Bowland Visitor Centre in Beacon Fell Country Park, Goosnargh. Viewing is possible from 10am to 5pm every day.

You can also find out the latest from the nest by reading the hen harrier’s blog at the address below.