We are delighted to announce that after carrying out some essential work, we have re-opened Lower Hide!
As many of you know, Lower Hide is the oldest standing viewing structure on the reserve and following some severe flooding incidents in recent years it had deteriorated somewhat. We were able, pre-pandemic, to keep the central section of the hide open but once social distancing became an essential consideration there simply wasn't enough space to safely allow the hide to remain open. We are very happy to be able to say that we have now opened up more of the interior and with the further relaxations in Covid restrictions the hide can be once again made available to visitors.
As you can see from the pic (left) our team have been out cutting the reeds in front of Lower Hide to make sure that visitors get a great view! Our hard-working wardening team have been toiling away in the hot sun, cutting areas across the reserve to improve both the habitat for wildlife and viewing potential for visitors!
Please note that this is the only hide on the site that is not fully accessible; it has steps and no ramp. Plans are under way to replace this hide in due course, after which it will be fully accessible.
As with all our other hides and indoor spaces we are recommending that visitors (unless exempt) continue to wear face coverings while in Lower Hide. This is for the comfort and consideration of other visitors as well as our staff and volunteers. Thanks!
With the continued hot, sunny weather water levels have dropped a fair bit in some areas and of course this is perfect for passing waders. As increasing numbers of wading birds head south we will see more and more appear on the Eric Morecambe and Allen pools as well as at Grisedale.
Typical coastal species such as redshank, knot and dunlin will become predominant at the saltmarsh pools while the freshwater sites should be checked for passage green and wood sandpipers. Black-tailed godwits and lapwings may favour either habitats and can turn up anywhere. As the post-breeding wader numbers continue to build look out for unusual but regular visitors such as ruff, spotted redshank and greenshank. And of course it's always worth keeping an open mind as Leighton Moss has hosted plenty of rarities over the years!
On the main site, bitterns and marsh harriers remain the focus of many peoples visits. At least seven young harriers have now fledged, with possibly another couple to come. Bitterns are still being seen regularly all around the reserve along with increasing great white egrets. Ospreys have been dropping by to fish and hobbies have been making brief and sporadic appearances as they pursue their dragonfly prey over the meres and reedbeds. Meanwhile the single spoonbill remains loyal to the Eric Morecambe Pool, pleasing many a visitor.
If you are coming to visit with children, why not pick up one of our Big Wild Summer activity bags (£3.50 from the welcome area) - it's filled with great ideas to enhance any youngster's day out at Leighton Moss! And ask about hiring a pond dipping kit too, guaranteed to fascinate the whole family!
Don't forget to keep up to date with news and sightings on our Facebook and Twitter pages and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Jon
Thanks for the update and great to hear Lower Hide is now open with a new replacement hide planned for the future, well done Jon to all the team for their continued hard work. especially during the recent heatwave when cut back would have been gruelling. Looking forward to catching up again soon.