Upcoming Price Changes at RSPB Saltholme

Image Credit: Andy Hay, RSPB Images. 

RSPB Saltholme is a Ramsar wetland site of international importance nestled in the Tees Valley. Our status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) stems from our wetland and wet grassland habitats, which are crucial for waders and wildfowl: in the winter months, migrant wading birds such as Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Green Sandpiper rest in Saltholme’s tranquil pools and reedbeds before continuing their journeys. Other species spend the whole winter here, Long-eared Owls lurk in scrubland whilst Short-eared Owls hunt over the central meadow. Huge, shimmering flocks of Golden Plover and lapwing gather on the pool edges and grassland; wildfowl such Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall amass in their thousands around the hides.

Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images. 

Spring brings a change of shift; Lapwings perform incredible aerial displays as they begin nesting, Common Terns nest on the cockleshell-covered islands as Sand Martins and Swallows skim across the pool surfaces surrounding them. Caddisfly nymphs and Water Boatmen lurk beneath the surface, waiting to metamorphose like the iridescent dragonflies and damselflies that flit though the air have done.

Throughout the constant cycle of seasons, we work to improve the habitats at RSPB Saltholme for both wildlife and visitors. For example, this year we have been working with a range of organisations to develop the Tees Tidelands Project. This project will create new habitats for wildlife whilst simultaneously providing natural flood defences for local communities. New footpaths will be created to allow visitors and local communities to complete circular walks around our reserve and the surrounding landscape.

In addition to this project, we have continued to manage reedbed structure and water flow. Using a range of equipment, including hiring a Truxor, we have varied the reedbed structure in multiple locations at Saltholme. Two years ago, Bitterns bred on-site for the first time; we are hoping this reedbed structure work will encourage these endangered birds to continue their breeding successes here. We are also installing MOTUS on our Visitor Centre roof, this is a system that allows us to record tagged birds that fly over our reserve. This will not only add detail to our own reserve records, but feed into records for local bird clubs and for the wider county.

Image Credit: Ray Kennedy, RSPB Images. 

We have also improved Visitor Facilities for 2024. This has included increased accessibility of baby changing facilities, a greater range of children’s activities and an updated Bookcycle. Last spring, we also upgraded our playground. This is now a firm favourite with families, with accessible and wildlife-themed play.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our partners and visitors; we need to continue this important work to protect the landscape and wildlife for future generations. In the wake of rising energy costs, increased cost of living and a deepening nature and climate emergency, we need to adapt to ensure we remain at the cutting edge of conservation.

So, from 1 April 2024, we’re making some changes.

Our entry fees will be increasing for non-members. These will be as follows:

• £6.00 adult
• £3.00 child (first child and under 5s free)
• £4.00 student
• 16-24 year-olds are free (upon the production of valid ID).

A child is classed as anyone under the age of 16. The first child in any group is free (as are any under 5s).

For example, if you have two adults and one child, you would pay for the two adults and the child is free.

Entry to the shop and cafe only will still remain free.

RSPB members will continue to receive free entry as a thank you for regularly supporting our nature conservation work – why not join the RSPB today and get free entry to all RSPB nature reserves?

If you would be interested in volunteering for us at Saltholme, there are many different opportunities for you to get involved in. You can get involved by helping on our conservation work parties, welcoming visitors in our visitor centre or becoming a guide in our hides. If any of these opportunities interest you, then we’d love to hear from you: saltholme@rspb.org.uk.