With half term upon us here in Lancashire, we've got lots on for nature-loving families to enjoy while visiting the reserve! As if the sheer sound of booming bitterns, soaring marsh harriers, emerging dragonflies, blooming wildflowers and splashing otters isn't enough we also have some great activities to further occupy any younger wildlife explorers.
This week sees the launch of the RSPB's Big Picnic Adventure - where we're encouraging families to get out and enjoy the wonderful outdoors. Bring your own lunch to enjoy at our picnic tables in the garden or build your own delicious picnic from items in our cafe! Then head out with a Big Picnic Adventure activity pack (£3.50 from our Welcome Team) which includes lots of fun nature-themed activities and a special food-themed 'Wild Detective' quiz trail to explore!
You can also hire a fantastic pond-dipping kit and go off in search of what lurks in the depths of our pools... it's a terrific time of year to seek out aquatic wildlife - what will you find?
For those seeking the late spring / early summer specialities on the reserve, this is a peak time for activity. The bitterns continue to put on prolonged aerial displays several times a day while the marsh harriers are frantically hunting to feed their growing and demanding broods. Ospreys continue to pay daily visits and our regular otter pair have been wowing visitors with frequent appearances!
There are lots of young birds around too with pochard ducklings, little grebe 'grebelets', mute swan cygnets and greylag goose goslings all on show. The black-headed gulls too have plenty of little fluffy chicks to feed and they can be seen at close-quarters from Lilian's Hide and the Allen Hide, where you may also see avocet chicks.
(Cygnets pic by Jo Taylor)
We have lots of great guided walks coming up for those who'd like to learn more about Leighton Moss and its wild inhabitants. Numbers are strictly limited and pre-booking is essential for these popular activities. Here's a selection of what we have coming up...
Botany on the Bay Saturday 4 June
Birdsong for Beginners Sunday 5 June
Meander on the Moss Wednesday 8 June
Women's Walk: Morning on the Moss Saturday 11 June
Bumblebee Conservation Trust Identification Workshop Sunday 3 July
For details of all events and activities, click here