Barra to take weather’s eye view of Strangford

Barra to take weather’s eye view of Strangford

2 March 2016

BRENT Geese arriving over Strangford Lough is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in our local calendar.

Every year thousands of these long distance migrants cross thousands of miles of sea from Arctic Canada to the County Down shores to spend winter feeding here before heading back to Canada.

So it’s no wonder BBC programme makers chose to feature this part of County Down in a new series about the weather.

Next Monday at 7.30pm on BBC One Northern Ireland weather presenter Barra Best gets up close to the Brent geese as he finds out how the local weather impacts on these migrating birds.

It’s part of Weather Watchers with Barra Best, which sees the well-known weatherman travel around Northern Ireland to seek out others who have reason to watch the weather, just as closely as he does. These are people who depend on wind, rain and sunshine for their livelihood and hobbies.

In the first programme, which was broadcast on Monday night, Barra took to the skies in a glider to take in the spectacular views of the north coast, above Limavady. Next week Barra reveals how County Down has more temperate weather conditions than other counties.

“People love to talk about the weather. I think everyone will be interested to know that the Strangford Lough area is possibly the driest on the whole island, although sometimes it may not feel that way.  I had a great day filming and taking in the beauty of the lough.”

Barra says he also enjoyed getting up close to the geese. “I am told, when they do come, the geese look like clouds over the lough because they fly low in groups.

“When you think about how far these birds have flown from Arctic Canada it really shows what fascinating creatures they are. Of course the weather plays a big part in making sure they arrive here safely.”

In next week’s programme Barra also visits County Armagh to see how the climate determines the apple harvest and he has a go at weather-dependent hobbies like surfing on the north coast and hot air ballooning.