SAFARIS are not just about sunshine and the plains of Africa.

Experts from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birdsand United Utilities are to lead a series of winter bird safari walks -- in the Forest of Bowland.

Walks around Stocks Reservoir, near Slaidburn, will begin on January 14.

Organisers hope walkers will spot the short-eared owl, a variety of winter wildfowl and Bowland's elusive hen harriers.

RSPB conservation officer Pete Wilson said: "Bowland is a fantastic place for a whole range of birds and on these walks we hope to see many of the species which make the area so important for wildlife.

"The Forest of Bowland is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and walk leaders will be explaining how the area is managed for birds, for farming and for the quality of the water that comes through the tap."

Walks will be held on January, 14, February 7, and March 10.

Each walk starts at 10am and lasts around six hours. It costs £5 which will benefit Bowland schools' environmental work.

To book call 01484 861148.