broadgate farm

Bird watching
Bleasdale was recently featured in the BBC's Wildlife Magazine.

A locally produced log cabin (pictured to the right.) from Oakenclough Buildings has been specially designed for us, two viewing windows to the north overlooking the Scrapes on the stewardship  land and two to the south overlooking a field which is used by Lapwings and Curlews in spring for nesting. The hide also has Two doors to allow easy access for the ’Tramper’.

We are very Conservation and Wildlife aware we have registered the farm on the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and Entry Level Scheme run by DEFRA. Lapwing and wadding birds are counted regularly by the RSPB. All of our outdoor projects use Ingleton blue stone as it blends in with the surroundings leaving a more natural look.

A further development on the farm is a ‘dog walk’ leading to a bird watching hide with access for a ‘Tramper’, this will also be linked to a concessionary footpath joining a public footpath. By linking it to a concessionary footpath, it will allow the pubic to come as far as the bird hide to view the wild life in the area without causing them any disruption to guests staying for a quiet holiday on the farm. It will also create an extra link to some of the many local  footpaths in the area, along with links for the ‘Tramper’ to Cobble Hey Gardens and Calder Vale,  or a circular walk round Bleasdale and back round to the main farm.

Other Places to visit include:

Bowland's farmland - and moorland attracts over 6,000 pairs of wading birds such as lapwings, snipe, curlews, Oystercatchers, and redshanks and holds 6 - 8% of the UK's breeding curlew population.Hen harriers are England’s most endangered bird of prey, the Bowland Fells, are home to 50% of the successful nests, found in England. As monitored by an English Nature and RSPB team. Hen Harriers arrive back on their breeding grounds in March and April. They indulge in spectacular, aerobatic displays to attract females.

Nicky Nook and Grizedale Valley - A firm favourite with birdwatchers looking for summer visitors such as Wood Warbler and Redstart.

Littledale - Home to a variety of special birds, including the rare hen harrier, the symbol of the Forest of Bowland.

.RSPB lancashire website

Recently constructed, our very own bird hide.

 

 


Walking

If you want a walking holiday, at Bleasdale you will have the best of all worlds nestling, against the high fells of the Forest of Bowland but looking out across the Fylde plain, whatever type of walk you would like we have on our doorstep, or a short drive away. From challenging high moorland routes to gentle strolls along leafy lanes and across meadows.

Forest of Bowland - High moorland deep dramatic wooded valleys, and splendid riverside walks plus attractive villages the Forest of Bowland has everything. With many well marked and maintained footpaths you will never be stuck for somewhere to go walking on your holiday.

Beacon Fell Country Park - The summit is 266 metres (873 feet) The Country Park consists of 110 hectares (271 acres) of woodland, moorland and farmland. If you are here for a walking holiday this would be the perfect place to start. Beacon Fell is also the start point for the Brock Valley Nature Trail a pleasant riverside circular walk through rich woodland with many interesting species of trees and plants.

Nicky Nook and Grizedale Valley - Nicky Nook is a small hill overlooking the surrounding countryside giving fine views of the Grizedale Valley and North West Water reservoirs at Barnacre. Its southern slopes are rich in insect life such as grasshoppers and tiger beetles. The semi-natural ancient woodland of Grizedale Valley is also teeming with wildlife and remains a firm favourite with birdwatchers looking for summer visitors such as Wood Warbler and Redstart

Cycling

Our corner of Lancashire is the perfect base for a cycling holiday with leisurely rides to challenging mountain biking and everything inbetween.

Beacon Fell Country Park - Locally there are quiet lanes back roads, tracks and bridle ways a aplenty. On Beacon Fell there is a short mountain bike trail which offers attractive cycling against a stunning backdrop of Fair Snape Fell and Parlick Hill.

Gisburn Forest - Gisburn Forest offers more straightforward mountain biking. Enjoy the extensive network of mountain bike trails through Gisburn Forest, an upland forest managed by Forest Enterprise, on the edge of Stocks Reservoir.

Moorland Passes - The Trough of Bowland: (on-road) a narrow pass between steep sided hills.

Hornby Road - (off-road) rough moorland track linking Slaidburn with Hornby in the Lune Valley.

Cross of Greet Pass, Lythe Fell - (on-road) from Slaidburn into the upper reaches of the Hodder Valley to the Cross of Greet, a remote moorland pass then down into Bentham, across open moors with long distance views.

Bowland Knotts Pass (on-road) - Ride up from Gisburn Forest on the most minor of minor roads to the Bowland Knotts Pass. Continue down into Clapham with views over to the Three Peaks.

Fishing

If a fishing holiday is what you need we have close by probably the finest waters in the North of England. For Fly or Coarse fishing you will find plenty of sport available in the most beautiful settings.

Barnsfold Waters - Barnsfold Waters Trout Fishery is situated in the shadow of Beacon Fell Country Park. There are two Lakes, Barns and Beacon, each approximately eleven acres. Both lakes offer excellent bank fishing. Boats are also available.Barnsfold Waters www.gamefishing.me.uk

Cleveley Mere Fishing - Cleveley Mere is a peaceful 23 acre lake and is considered one of the finest smaller Trout fly-fishing venues in the north west of England. Open all year round for fishing. www.cleveleymere.com

Bank House Fly Fishery - At 2½ acres Bank House is only a small water but it is far from just another hole in the ground. It has been carefully planned and designed with fly fishing and wildlife in mind and a total of twelve small islands are scattered over the water giving the fishing fishery a network of slow swims and pools.

Stocks Fly Fishery - Stocks Reservoir is the largest fishery in the North West of England. Situated the head of the Hodder Valley in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Stocks has a wild and unspoiled quality, the perfect place for a days fly fishing. Full and half day bank and boat fishing tickets available. Tuition and guide service available. www.stocksreservoir.com

Wyreside Lakes Fishery - The Fishery has a mixture Carp, Pike and coarse lakes offering a variety of species and size which will provide a challenge to both the professional and novice angler. www.wyresidelakes.co.uk
 
Broadgate Farm Bed  & Breakfast and Caravan Site
Bleasdale Lane, Bleasdale, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 1UR
©2007 Broadgate Farm