BIRD lovers will be in their element with a new evening course starting next week.

Local birdwatcher and walks leader Anne Shaw is tutor for the Glossop Workers’ Educational Association course beginning on Wednesday.

She said Glossop folk are in an ideal location to pursue birdwatching, given that the town is the gateway to the Peak.

"The Peak District is an interesting place for birdwatching, situated just where the Pennine Moors meets the Midlands Plain. There’s a really rich mix of birdlife, both familiar and rare in the woods, reservoirs and limestone dales," said Anne.

"In the spring and summer birds return to breed on the high moorland, like the polver, donlin and peewit – we’re at the southern extremity of their breeding grounds.

"And woodland around Shire Hill has some interesting birds in spring time which come back from Africa, like warblers, although woodpeckers can be seen all year round.

"The pied flycatcher, which used to be protected in Derbyshire because some people took their eggs, likes the hills and woodland, but is not common in lowland Cheshire.

"Some reservoirs in the Longdendale Valley are also interesting for birds of prey. Heather moorlands above Chunal are good for grouse, curlew and skylark."

Anne, who was born in Worcestershire and has lived in the Glossop area for 18 years, added that ‘twitching’ is an interesting pastime accessible to virtually anyone.

"I’ve not got a car but you don’t have to have one to watch birds — you can use your bus pass to get about!

"It’s relaxing and a good way to meet people."

Her course – Birds In the Peak District – will make use of slides, tapes and maps to illuminate the subject.

Anne is also offering free field visits to sites of interest for folk who sign up for the course on several Saturday and weekday evenings until the end of June.

The course takes place over six weeks on Wednesdays, from 7.30-9.30pm at Bradbury House on Market Street, Glossop.

It costs £30 with concessions available for some benefit recipients.