Heathrow Airport offers enthusiasts chance to see birds - as well as planes - 'coming in to land'

                                                          

Look up! Enthusiasts scan the sky for passing raptors such as Red Kite

THE owners of Heathrow Airport have  unveiled a new 'Nature Traffic Control Tower' - a birdwatching hideaway right in the heart of one of its 13 local nature conservation sites.  

Designed to resemble the airport’s iconic control tower, it is free to visit as part of a bookable tour of the area. 

Says Heathrow: "The hide serves as a camouflaged lookout, allowing visitors to watch a huge range of bird species ‘coming into land’.

"Heathrow manages 170 hectares of land across the 13 biodiversity sites surrounding the airport - equating to 10 per cent of Heathrow’s overall footprint. 

"There will also be an opportunity for visitors to book a free birdwatching session and guided nature tour with one of Heathrow’s expert ecologists. 

"This will take nature enthusiasts through diverse habitats, including freshwater lakes, reedbeds, grasslands and woodlands.

"Up to 79 bird species - including Barn Owl and Kingfisher - could be sighted." 

Heathrow’s Nature Traffic Control Tower is now open for free bookings via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/heathrow-nature-tour-tickets-1341655781559