It might be a bit blustery out there, but the sun is shining, so it is the ideal day to come for a stroll round Leighton Moss. There's lots to see - large numbers of teals, wigeons and some shovelers are gathered at Tim Jackson hide, as well as a flock of redshanks and a lone dunlin on the bank. At Grisedale hide you'll see more lovely ducks and possibly catch sight of a majestic red deer stag or two!
Blow the cobwebs away with a trip up the Skytower, our 9 metre elevated viewing platform. You may catch sight of a marsh harrier cruising low over the reeds on the look out for a tasty treat. From up there you get a real sense of the size of Leighton Moss - the largest reedbed in North West England, as well as views across the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and over Morecambe Bay.
If you head to the Causeway, you can take a brand new route! Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and master craftsmanship from Gilleard Bros Ltd, we are excited to have just opened a new boardwalk! This means the Causeway is much more accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The trail takes you along the edge of the reedbed, giving you a better glimpse into the world of our wildlife. A barn owl was seen from there yesterday afternoon, so watch out for its ghostly figure as you walk along. I can't wait until the warblers start arriving in the spring - the birdsong from there is going to be mega!
Brand new boardwalk by Annabel Rushton
When you get to Causeway hide, keep an eye out for otters, as a couple of them are being spotted regularly fishing there. There's also lots of tufted ducks diving for food. If you carry on to Lower hide, be sure to stop to look up and down the main dyke as otter sightings have been good there too. On the path to Lower hide, siskins are flitting about the trees finding food. Once at Lower hide, keep your eyes peeled for an elusive bittern as there have been sporadic views of one flying out.
Down on the saltmarsh, you'll be treated to huge flocks of lapwings swirling around the sky, viewed from Allen and Eric Morecambe hides. There's also lots of redshanks and some oystercatchers, as well as beautiful pintails. Keep an eye out for a flash of blue from a kingfisher, as one often perches in front of the hides on the fence posts. You may also catch sight of a merlin too, hunting across the marsh. On the path to the hides we have a feeding area where reed buntings, siskins and linnets are popping out most days.
Whatever the weather, there is always something wonderful to see at Leighton Moss, and once you've been out on the reserve, you can head back in for a warming brew and choice of delicious cakes in our café. See you soon!