We had a trip out to the south side of the Solway Firth yesterday while staying with friends in Cumbria and spent a few hours at Campfield Marsh RSPB which turned out to be a smashing reserve.While we may not have timed our visit right to catch the incoming tide and the movement of birds up the estuary there was plenty to see inland on the wetlands.The newly opened information building was very impressive and had brew up facilities for our use .and some impressive displays including felt models of local wildlife.The surrounding wetlands held plenty of interest including Marsh Harrier,Common Buzzards and Kestrel for us raptor fans and Skylark singing so close we could almost touch them.The volunteers we met were a great bunch and rightly proud of "their reserve,it is a spot we will be back to visit soon and certainly a winter visit is on the cards to see the wintering geese.
In some way it reminded us of Mersehead reserve just over the water in Dumfries and Galloway,a little bit like some of the older reserves used to be,no fancy shop or cafe (although we enjoy them as well) just good birds in an interesting area,drop in if you are in the area,you will be sure of a good welcome and it is quieter than the Lakes just down the road.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can