Days out
Leighton Moss
SIlverdaleOpenSee opening timesHear the reeds rustling in the breeze as you walk around the largest reedbed in north-west England. Will you spot an Otter, marvel at a Marsh Harrier or revel at a Red Deer? Recharge with an ice cream at Nestbox - our outdoor café.
About
⚠ Lower Hide – What’s Happening?
We’re excited to announce that we’re replacing Lower Hide with a new structure. The hide is now closed and work is due to finish by the end of 2024 – weather permitting. The new hide is being designed and built to give our visitors a better experience at RSPB Leighton Moss. For more details read our blog here.
The hide will not be accessible whilst the work is carried out. We apologise for any inconvenience to visitors. Please take a look at our social media channels Facebook, @RSPBLeightonM / X where we’ll post regular progress updates. We’ll update this message with any significant news, including when the hide is open again. ⚠
Leighton Moss is home to the largest reed bed in north-west England. This sweeping expanse provides shelter to a spectacular range of wildlife including Otters, Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers, egrets and Red Deer. Why not come and see for yourself?
Set against the shores of the nearby Morecambe Bay, this Lancashire nature reserve is a wetland paradise where wild creatures roam reedbeds, mudflats, coastal marsh and saltwater lagoons. Explore a bit further and you will also find pockets of woodland and limestone grasslands.
The team at Leighton Moss works to make sure the different habitats are places where nature can thrive. The reedbeds need to be extensively cut back in summer and winter to create ideal conditions for Bearded Tits, Otters, Bitterns and wintering wildfowl. We also monitor and manage the water levels all year round.
We have increased the size of the reedbeds in recent years, adding a further 200 hectares. Our inner marshes are grazed by cattle to create suitable conditions for these birds throughout the year.
The limestone grassland and woodland is managed by putting cattle out to graze and rotating when we cut back trees, to provide a mix of established trees and new growth.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
At a glance
Please note, there is no parking at the top of the Causeway as it blocks the road and resident access. 90 spaces. 7 Blue Badge spaces. Allen and Eric Morecambe car park is a mile from the visitor centre. Drop-off point outside the visitor centre. Hard surfaces throughout with some slight gradients.
No lighting. 2m height restriction to the Allen and Eric Morecambe car park. No overnight parking or camping. No coach parking available, groups using coaches please arrange for drop off and pick up. Bicycle racks available in the accessible car park.
It is located on the ground floor at the rear of the visitor centre. Level access entry. An emergency alarm pull cord. Well lit.
Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet on the ground floor, at the rear of the visitor centre.
The pathways around the reserve are level and well-maintained making it the perfect place for a stroll in nature with a pushchair.
Tramper route. Flat and undulating trails. The lower trail has a gate at one end.
They are located on the ground floor of the visitor centre.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted here at any time.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the visitor centre in order to access the dog-friendly trail across the reserve.
Dogs are allowed in the car parks, along the Causeway, which is a public footpath and bridleway, and on designated path.
However, dogs are not allowed on the main reserve footpaths.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Save nature while you staycation
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
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Contact Leighton Moss
leighton.moss@rspb.org.uk Leighton Moss, Myers Farm Storrs Lane, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 0SW 01524 701601