Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Leighton Moss offers a captivating natural experience.
This haven for wildlife enthusiasts boasts a variety of habitats, including reed beds, woodland, and wetlands, providing a sanctuary for an array of bird species.
Where is Leighton Moss?
The RSPB reserve is located in Silverdale, near Carnforth, in Lancashire and is within the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Are there Otters at Leighton Moss?
A rumpus among the coots crowding the reed-fringed mere offers the first clue. A roll of mammalian back through the water followed by a splashing tail confirms your hunch: an otter! Across the entire RSPB portfolio, there is probably no more reliable location to sight this once-rare mammal than Leighton Moss.
When to visit Leighton Moss
Flanking the silty sweep of Morecambe Bay, this famous reserve safeguards a habitat mosaic.
In summer, ospreys come to fish and hobbies to plunder freshly emerged dragonflies. On the saltmarsh, avocets breed, spoonbills lope through shallows and the black-tailed godwit numbers exceed 2,000.
A winter amble through damp woodland can reveal nuthatches, redpolls and marsh tits, while at foot level, scarlet elf cup fungi brighten rotting logs.
Then there’s north-west England’s largest reedbed, where 50,000 starlings amass in autumn and winter. The reedbed is also home to bearded tits and bitterns; the males’ ‘booming’ call characterises late winter. The same period sees male marsh harriers dance in the sky to impress females.
Visitor information for Leighton Moss
Trails – most of which are accessible for all – hides and viewing platforms allow visitors to explore the reserve’s reedbed, woodland, wetland, and saltmarsh habitats.
Looking for other day out ideas in the area?
Check out our guides to walks in Leighton Moss and Silverdale, Lancashire as well as the best walks in Lancashire,