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Pete Short

Following the latest government advice we have made the difficult decision to close the reserve as at end of play today 18/03/2020. This is to prioritise the health and welfare of our staff, volunteers, supporters and members of the public.

Its been a difficult decision for us as we know how much people enjoy visiting and seeing the fantastic birds and wildlife we have in Spring, it was not taken lightly.

However, we do not feel that on our reserve it would be safe to keep it open to the public at this point. Other RSPB nature reserves though do remain open at no cost where it is safe to do so, and other great nature conservation organisations have also announced that their reserves remain open to the public, so if you are looking to get outside and immerse yourself in nature, please visit other local nature reserve’s social media pages for updates.

 If you don’t have an open nature reserve close to you, or are staying indoors, we want to do everything we can to help people and our local community safely experience nature at this time, which is why we will be here providing updates, news, photos, blogs and more, to help you keep connected with nature over the coming weeks.  Remember you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook and on our blog which we will endeavour to keep as updated as we can

Our staff and volunteers will be continuing to work tirelessly to save nature on our reserves and through conservation projects and campaigns.  More than ever, your support for nature is vital, and greatly appreciated.

You can find the RSPB’s latest response to coronavirus on our website here. 

And the latest government information and advice on coronavirus can be found on the Department for Health and Social Care’s website. 

Most importantly, keep safe and look out for one another.

Take care, Pete and the RSPB Blacktoft team.

We will be back!

  • in reply to Steven Coates

    Steve, the reserve is most definatly closed. This is because viewing is from the hides, which means if we are busy people are in close proximity which is against government guidelines. Those reserves that are open have trails that allow people to keep a distance that prevents cross infection. Let's be clear, we need if possible to stop the spread of the virus so we can all get back to viewing nature as we used to. Also thanks for the offer of help, just keep up your support and finish off the house so you can come and volunteer!

    1. Pete could you just confirm that Blacktoft reserve is closed to all visitors. I know this seems to be completely clear in your remarks but then when you go to the RSPB link and on the email I have received from the RSPB it clearly states that ‘Coronavirus update: RSPB nature reserves are open’ which is obviously a complete contradiction. Otherwise take care and let me know when I may be of service again, yours Steve.