RSPB’s Exciting Renovation: Replacing Lower Hide at Leighton Moss

UPDATE 25/10/2024

Work began in October, with the old hide dismantled fairly quickly. Needless to say there is now no access to Lower Hide itself, the access path is closed, but the path from the top of the Causeway towards Lower Hide is still open.

We're now waiting for the screw pile foundations to be installed. The depth of peat at Leighton Moss means these screw piles need to be over 10m long, so the contractors carrying out the work are currently sourcing long enough screw piles.  Once the screw pile foundations are installed the hide structure can be built on top of them. We'll update when this work progresses.

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For more than thirty years, Lower Hide at RSPB Leighton Moss has stood as a cherished lookout for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike, offering a unique vantage point over the Lower Pool. Throughout its lifetime it has enabled countless visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, undisturbed and close to the thriving wildlife which makes the reserve their home. However, the passage of time has left its mark, with the structure now compromised by wear and tear. Whilst we have continued to maintain the hide with repairs, it has now come to the end of its life.  

We have recently submitted a planning application to replace the existing hide. The new hide will be much more accessible with a ramp replacing the steps at the entrance.  The overall feel of the hide will be much lighter than it is currently as the windows will be bigger, like other hides on site.   The view will remain close to the wildlife and will also include an outdoor veranda on the back. Below are some drawings to give an idea of what the hide will look like when it's finished. The images show the maintenance platform in front of the hide, which will allow the warden team access to carry out maintenance work, this won't be open to visitors.

The project is earmarked to start in September 2024, with a completion date sometime in November 2024. During the anticipated 12-week period of construction, access to Lower Hide will be temporarily unavailable. However, the rest of the reserve will remain open to the public as usual. Updates regarding any changes to access or restrictions along the main pathways will be on our social media channels and website. Click links to access Facebook, @RSPBLeightonM / X and www.rspb.org.uk/leightonmoss please check these for updates before your visit. Our visitor centre team will also advise on any potential disruption on arrival to the reserve.   

Alongside funding from the Lancashire Environmental Fund we also received several substantial donations from individuals and various RSPB Local Groups which make this exciting and much needed project possible. 

We have chosen Roundwood Design as contractors to build the hide, they specialise in producing precise, strong and durable timber structures of all shapes and sizes and have several bird hides in their portfolio.  Being as sustainable as possible is of priority to the company, which aligns with our aims as a conservation charity.  Roundwood Design go straight from the raw material to finished structure, matching timber pieces for purpose in the building.   Waste and transport are kept to an absolute minimum. 

We have waited until September before beginning construction as this is the most suitable time of year for undertaking such works.  The breeding season will have concluded, and the overwintering waders and wildfowl will not yet have arrived.  The construction process will be as inconspicuous as possible, minimising any potential disturbances to the wildlife.  

This project marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Leighton Moss's story. It is a step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and accessible nature reserve.  Through this we hope to inspire a continued commitment to the protection and appreciation of nature and wildlife, ensuring that Leighton Moss remains a cherished place for all who visit.