EcoEscapes
EcoEscapes is new initiative sponsored by Lancashire County Council to promote eco-friendly tourism in two of Lancashire’s most beautiful places - the Forest of Bowland and Arnside & Silverdale AONBs. Check out their website to find out more and plan your visit.
NaturesGems was invited to be involved and here’s how they promoted us…..
Owned and operated by practising environment consultant Gemma Wren, NaturesGems Tours offers immersive wildlife experiences in some of the county’s most nature-rich environments.
Most of Gemma’s tours take place within the Arnside and Silverdale AONB or Lake District National Park, exploring coastal, woodland and upland environments and observing the species which live there.
Your itinerary could include RSPB Leighton Moss, Foulshaw Moss, Whitbarrow Scar and Gaitbarrows. A picnic lunch of wholesome local produce is provided by local business Baba Ganoush, who use eco-friendly packaging and local ingredients for their tasty vegetarian lunches.
Everyone with an interest in nature is welcome, from beginners to the more experienced.
“One of the beauties of the AONB is the sheer variety of species you find here in the AONB,” said Gemma. “We’re right on the intersection between the northern boundary of many southern species and the southern boundary of northern species and this part of Morecambe Bay has a sort of microclimate where all these species can co-exist.
“This unique environment – along with the huge seasonal changes which sweep across the Bay as the year unfolds – mean that no two trips are quite the same and there are usually one or two surprises along the way.”
Gemma has dedicated her career to conservation and sustainable landscape management for organisations like the National Trust and divides her time between advising a range of clients on environment and nature recovery projects and running nature tours.
Gemma sees sustainable tourism as an opportunity for growth in the local economy, providing good quality jobs, opportunities for enterprise and funds for conservation.
“I’d like to be a catalyst for sustainable nature tourism around Morecambe Bay,” said Gemma. “By working closely with other local businesses, I want to build a range of nature experiences and associated local jobs to showcase this amazing place we call home.”
“Whilst I’m working on bringing other local businesses on board with my vision, I can start by making NaturesGems as sustainable and environmentally friendly a business as possible. That’s why 5% of all fees from NaturesGems tours go directly back to these sites to help support this hugely valuable work.”
Read our Green Policy
Want to know more? Book a NaturesGems tour!
