NATURE lovers in the North-East have been invited to witness the courtship ritual of the goshawk.

The Forestry Commission has organised a three-hour trek through Kielder Forest from 10am on Sunday, March 21, led by ornithologist Martin Davison.

The goshawk is one of the UK's most threatened birds of prey, but at Kielder it has found a safe haven under the watchful gaze of conservationists and wildlife rangers.

Generally, it keeps its head down and is virtually impossible to spot. But during the mating season it throws caution to the wind and engages in trilling aerial displays, plunging through the air with its tail feathers fanned out in a bid to enrapture females.

Mr Davison said: "It really is the most fantastic display and we get people from across the country coming to witness the event.

"I'll be taking walkers to where we hope the action will take place. The bird likes a good strong wind to perform in as it seems to get them even more excited."

Young goshawk chicks fledge in June and adult females then quit the forest in October for lower ground. But the males stay put throughout the year.

The walk starts from Kielder Castle. Bring stout footwear, warm clothing and binoculars. The cost is £3 and £2 concessions. For details, call (01434) 250209.