SPECIAL events are under way at one of England’s largest and highest nature reserves in the North Pennine hills.

The Moor House reserve, near Langdon Beck, in Upper Teesdale, has experts on hand to tell visitors about the North Pennines landscape and wildlife.

On Saturday May 16 Green Guide volunteers Angie and Chris Gillings are exploring the remains of Middleton-in-Teesdale lead mines from 10am to 4pm. Children over eight are welcome.

On Monday May 18, from 10am to 2pm, Peter Lowes leads a birdwatching walk in the Langdon Beck area, following a route where more than 30 species were spotted last year.

Both events are free but places must be booked, call 0833-622374.

Natural England and local farmers and landowners manage the reserve where migrant birds including ring ouzel and wheatear are nesting and wading birds such as redshank, curlew and lapwing have hatched chicks.

Spring gentian and bird’s eye primrose are already flowering