How many birds can your team spot in 24 hours either in North or South Cumbria?
This light-hearted competition will take place over 24 hours from 5.30 pm Saturday 24th January to 5.30 pm Sunday 25th January 2026.
Teams can be made up of two, three or four people. If there are two people in a team, then both must see or hear the bird; if three people, then two of three must see or hear it; if four people, then three of four must see or hear it to be able to count it. Teams cannot split up whilst birding and each must contain at least one member of Cumbria Bird Club.
Teams will search in either the north or the south of the County. North and South are split west to east from St Bees Head, with a line drawn to the top of Dunmail Raise (north of Grasmere), then extending on to the summit of Shap fell on the M6. St Bees Head and other areas along the watershed can be accessed by both teams. Southern teams can also count birds seen on the drive towards the finishing point north of the dividing line (owls for example), so they can continue birding until they reach the finish.
The race finishes at 5.30 pm at the Agricultural Inn, Penrith with a pie and pea supper. Cost £14 per person.
To confirm your entry, please contact Phil Evans via email at orcinus.phil@protonmail.com or via mobile on 07377 653342. Let him know if you are competing in the north or south race, your team name, the number in your team, and your individual meal options (meat or vegetarian). All food must be booked before Tuesday 20th January.
If the race has to be cancelled due to weather forecasts predicting unsafe driving conditions, an email will be sent out to the participants as early as possible.