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Jon C
It's always a treat to have some positive news to share and no more so than in these somewhat troubled times.
As of Monday 17 May, in accordance with current government guidelines, we can have our hides open to visitors.
Please make sure you check in with the team at the welcome area for access updates and all the latest wildlife sightings!
Here’s a summary of facilities accessible to visitors:
Six hides (Lower Hide remains closed)
Skytower
The public bridleway and all reserve trails
Car parks
Shop (9.30am - 5pm)
Café (9.30am - 5pm)
Toilets
Seating in birdwatching hides is spaced out to allow for social distancing and so some windows are not in use. If you're entering as a household or bubble please sit together. Please do not stand behind or between benches occupied by others.
We ask that all visitors, except those who are exempt from doing so, please wear a face covering in hides.
Where possible we’ve put a one-way system in place for entering and exiting the hides to help with social distancing.
You'll spot that we've got maximum numbers signposted at the entrance to the hides, so please consider the amount of time you dwell in them on busy days, to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful wildlife in safety here. If you arrive at the hide and it is full then please wait outside until someone moves on or call back to it later.
Please use the hand sanitiser provided on entry to the hides.
Lower Hide will remain closed for the time being. Lower Hide fell into a rather poor state in recent years. Despite frequent repairs, sections of the wooden structure became unsafe, causing us to close areas of the hide. Successive flooding caused further damage and following Covid restrictions we were unable to reopen the hide safely with its reduced capacity. If social distancing guidelines are removed completely, we may be able to consider re-opening it. We are planning to replace Lower Hide as soon as we can.
Recent sightings
May is a fantastic month for spotting all sorts of wonderful wildlife from the hides and around the trails here. Don’t forget to let us know what you see.
In recent days our bitterns have continued to be seen regularly around the reserve along with marsh harriers, garganey, bearded tits and osprey. Over at the Eric Morecambe and Allen pools a pair of spoonbill have taken up temporary residence and birdwatchers can also look out for great white egret, Mediterranean gulls and avocets there.
A rather big surprise (quite literally) came in the form of a common crane as it celebrated the re-opening of the hides on Monday with a fly-by! Fortunately, regular visitor Richard Cousens got this photo of it during its brief appearance!
We're really looking forward to welcoming more of you back soon to enjoy the magic of Leighton Moss!
In the meantime, thank you for your support and patience. Stay safe everyone. For the latest RSPB Covid-19 updates please visit: https://bit.ly/reservesreboot
Jon