Adur Estuary
Open as normal.
See website for details.
We are delighted to be able to see you at our wonderful nature reserves across the UK. Despite everything that happened, the past two years have proved to be a brilliant time for wildlife on RSPB nature reserves with many threatened species having a successful season. So much amazing nature and wildlife. More than 18,000 species at the latest count and we want you to enjoy all this with us.
But it’s a joint effort. We really couldn’t do what we do for nature without you, our members and supporters. It’s been a challenging time for all of us but thanks to your continued support, our work restoring, and reviving nature’s fortunes continues.
Thank you (and see you soon)
As government advice changes in your area, and may differ between UK countries, please check our individual nature reserve webpages prior to your visit.
Respect, Protect, Enjoy
If you are looking for a place to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air and rediscover our natural world then why not plan a visit to an RSPB site?
These five simple steps will help you to respect, protect and enjoy the places you love most.
With some restrictions still in place, that may differ between UK countries, we also ask you to please scroll down and check the map for the latest information on which nature reserves and facilities are available.
You may also meet our team away from our nature reserves as we return to face-to-face fundraising. This is an important way for us to talk to the public about wildlife, nature and the work of the RSPB . All of our face-to-face teams have been trained in how to keep the public safe, including the option of a contact free joining method for those wanting to support the RSPB’s work. We hope to see you out and about.
You don’t currently need to pre-book your visit, but please be aware that some of our sites have limited car parking, so can quickly become full. Be mindful of this before you set off and consider visiting at a less busy time or having an alternative destination if needed when you get there.
We want to let you know how we are responding to the changing Covid-19 situation. Our priority is to keep you and our teams safe and ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. When you visit, you’ll notice we’ve made some changes.
When it comes to which facilities are open on reserves, each site has been considered on an individual basis. We have looked at what it is possible to keep open across the UK, within the different country-specific Government guidance, the layout of facilities, and the staffing we have available to manage the site safely.
We also take precautions to protect our special wildlife.
Hand sanitiser is available on some reserves, but we advise you to bring your own too.
We ask that all visitors continue to wear a face covering in our indoor spaces, including hides, unless exempt from doing so. Our teams will be doing the same.
Thank you for your co-operation to help keep everyone safe.
Please adhere to all guidance on social distancing both indoors and outdoors on our nature reserves, in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Although under Government guidance for England, there is no longer a legal social distancing requirement, we encourage our visitors to follow government recommendations and limit close contact with those you do not usually live with. We are therefore asking that all visitors please continue to be mindful of other people’s space, particularly indoors and on narrow sections of our paths.
On several sites, we have introduced one-way systems or created more passing places along our trails where necessary to allow for social/physical distancing. Please follow the signage in place.
For nature reserves in England, there is now no legal obligation to provide details via Test and Trace. However, many of our nature reserves will continue to display the QR code for visitors to use it.
In Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland where we charge for entry, and those reserves where we sell refreshments that are consumed on-site, you will be asked to check-in to the national Test and Trace app. In situations where it is not possible to use the app, our welcome teams will ask you to provide some basic written details instead.
This is to enable national NHS Test and Trace systems to get in touch should they need to. It also now means that if you feel unable or unwilling to check-in with the app or provide written details, we may, unfortunately, have to refuse entry or service as a result.
We are following strict data protection guidelines so your personal details will be held securely and confidentially by us in accordance with the country data protection requirements.
We will only release the data to the relevant country NHS if absolutely necessary, will not use it for any other purpose and will securely destroy it after 21 days as required.
Thank you for following this legal requirement and helping to keep everyone safe.
For further Government information, see England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.
Toilets are open on many of our nature reserves and we have implemented enhanced cleaning regimes. Where it isn’t possible to have our toilets open, this may be due to country-specific or local restrictions, the layout of our facilities, or the staffing we have available to manage them safely. Please see the map below for facilities available at individual reserves.
The majority of our hides are open for your visit. Where it isn’t possible for a hide to be open, this can be due to the size of the hide or the routes to it not allowing for social distancing, or limited staffing available to manage them safely.
When using our hides, so that you and others can safely enjoy your experience, we ask that all visitors, except those who are exempt from doing so, please wear a face-covering when inside. We may also have had to fix hide windows open or closed to reduce the number of touchpoints.
You'll spot that we've got maximum numbers signposted at the entrance to some hides too; please adhere to these and consider the amount of time you dwell in hides on busy days, to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful wildlife in safety.
Please use hand sanitiser where provided, observe social/physical distancing, and follow all signage in the hide.
In line with UK government guidelines, our cafes are open for take-away options in Scotland and Wales. In England indoor seating is also now available, with some socially distanced seating should you wish to distance from others.
Please see the map below for facilities available at individual reserves.
You’re welcome to bring a picnic along with you.
Please be mindful of other people’s space and take your litter home.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering others and wildlife. They are not permitted on our nature reserves in England, Wales or Northern Ireland at any time.
In Scotland, we ask that you refer to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the relevant National Park Authority guidelines when considering lighting a fire or a stove on a reserve. Never light an open fire during prolonged dry periods or in areas such as forests, woods, farmland or on peaty ground and follow all advice at times of high risk.
Many of our nature reserves are operating their normal opening hours. However, staffing shortages or other factors may mean that sometimes these differ.
Please see the map below for individual nature reserves and links to their own website for details.
Access to sites or facilities located within areas subject to additional country or local area restrictions may be reduced or closed to comply with specific laws or guidance. Rules may be different in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and between areas.
Under country or local restrictions, face coverings, group sizes, social/physical distancing and other requirements may differ from site to site, even within the same country. Please check individual site information for additional restrictions that may apply before planning a visit.
The visitor centre is open everyday 10am - 5pm, except Tuesdays. Hides 1 and 2 are open daily.
Belfasts Window on WildlifeNature reserve and hide: open as normal.
The Lookout facilities: closed.
See website for details.
Nature reserve open as normal.
The parking lay-by off Swinecote Road (B6034) is temporarily closed from 10 January 2022 for approximately 12 weeks. Alternative parking is available at Sherwood Forest.
See website for details.
RSPB shop: open daily, 11am-5pm.
Other facilities: please check site-owner Severn Trent Water's website for opening times of other facilities at Carsington Water.
Festive opening times vary - see website for details.
Nature reserve, car park and toilets open as normal.
Visitor centre closed.
See website for details.
Open as normal.
See website for details.
Open as normal.
Festive opening times vary.
See website for details.
Open as normal.
See website for details.
Open as normal.
Festive opening times vary.
See website for details.
Open as normal.
Festive opening times vary.
See website for details.
Open seasonally: 12 April-1 November
Closed: 2 November-11 March other than for special events.
See website for details.
Trails, car park and viewing hide open. Visitor Centre and toilets open Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm.
ForsinardAccess to this nature reserve is via boat on pre-booked trips and events only. Please see opening times and events details on website
Havergate IslandNature reserve: open at all times.
Car park: open weekends and Bank Holidays April-September, 10am-4pm only.
Loch Garten Nature Centre and toilets open on Friday 1 April. Nature trails are open all year round.
Loch GartenCar park, toilet, shop, trails and hides are open daily. Cafe open Wednesday - Sunday 10am - last orders 3pm.
Loch LevenTrails and car park open (8am - 8pm). Please check sign in the car park for hide opening information.
Loch RuthvenThe car park, hides, visitor centre, trails and toilets are open.
Loch of StrathbegCar park and trails open. Any other facilities closed.
Mawddach Valley - Arthog BogCar park and trails open. Any other facilities closed.
Mawddach Valley - Coed Garth GellCar park, trails, toilet, hides and play area open. The Visitor Centre's viewing area is open but refreshments not available.
MerseheadTrails and hide are open. Access to this reserve is reliant on ferry services from mainland Orkney.
Mill DamCar park and reserve: open daily dawn-dusk
Visitor centre and toilets: open weekends and Bank Holidays, 10am-4pm only.
Hides: Lower Hide open, Campbell Hide closed
Reserve open, with some restrictions to shop and cafe opening times. See main reserve page for details.
Newport WetlandsTrails are open. Please note access to this reserve relies on ferry or air travel from mainland Orkney.
North HillNature reserve: open.
Car park: open daily, 10am-4pm.
Toilets and Cherry Orchard: closed.
Open as normal.
See website for details.
Trails open. Access to this reserve relies on ferry travel from mainland Orkney.
Noup CliffsNature reserve: open at all times.
Car park: open, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Closed outside of these hours.
All trails open. Please note that access to this reserve relies on ferry travel from mainland Orkney. Local restrictions may apply.
OnziebustVisitor centre, toilets, Welches Dam and Rickwood hides: open.
The rest of the hides remain closed whilst the Environment Agency continues work on the river embankment.
Open as normal.
Festive opening times vary.
See website for details.
Nature reserve: open at all times.
Council run pay and display car park.
Visitor centre, toilets and refreshments: open Friday and Saturday only, 10am-4pm.
Car park and trails open. All visitor facilities are open as usual.
South stack cliffsDue to staffing, our visitor centre will be closed on weekdays 31 January-Easter, open on weekends. The reserve, car park and toilets are open daily as normal. See opening times on website for full details.
St Aidan’sTrails, toilets and car park open. Sumburgh Head Visitor Centre and Lighthouse now open.
Sumburgh HeadFeeding sessions held 2pm Thursday - Sunday. No booking required, cash payments only. Places are limited and will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. Toilet available during feeding sessions. Visitor Centre closed. Car park open.
Tollie Red KitesTrails are open. Access to the reserve relies on ferry travel from mainland Orkney. Local restrictions may apply.
TrumlandAccess to this nature reserve is by pre-advertised events only.
See website for details.
Car Park – Open (dawn – dusk)
Toilets – Open (9.30-5pm)
Trails – Open (dawn – dusk)
Reception/Visitor Centre – Open (9.30-4.30pm)
Café Lite Take Out – Open (9.30-4.30pm)
Hides – Closed
We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and patience. It really means a great deal to us. Our work on nature reserves and across the RSPB is only possible thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters like you.
We look forward to seeing you soon.