It's been a week since we re-opened parts of the reserve here at Leighton Moss and it's been great to welcome visitors back to our wonderful site.
Due to access restrictions based on government guidelines we have had to consider which areas would offer visitors an enjoyable experience while considering their well-being and safety, along with that of RSPB staff. So, one of the first things we did was reduce the number of car parking spaces, ensuring that we don't get too busy for people to be able to comfortably make their way around on the paths. With the visitor centre closed, we are welcoming visitors by the garden at the rear of the building. Here members of the team will meet you and explain the routes and areas currently accessible to visitors.
It's been quite a week for sightings too - ospreys, hobbies, marsh harriers, red kite and what was almost certainly a white-tailed eagle have all graced the reserve's skies with their presence. There have been multiple reports of bitterns, primarily of birds in flight from the Causeway, while one particularly vocal male continues to boom on and off throughout the day! A little gull has been frequenting the reserve for around a week, allowing local birders to add this dainty and unseasonal visitor to their lists.
On sunny days, dragonflies and damselflies have been out in force while keen eyed plant fans may find common spotted orchids in bloom along the path edges.
We're operating slightly different hours to usual; the reserve pathways and car park are open from 9.30am-5pm only. Please note that there are currently no public toilet facilities available and all hides remain closed.
We look forward to welcoming visitors both familiar and new to Leighton Moss in the coming days and weeks, though we do urge you to stay close to home and to enjoy the green spaces where you live, wherever possible.