{"id":38664,"date":"2024-07-16T10:12:13","date_gmt":"2024-07-16T08:12:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/4b914e2b-2028-4203-b6f6-8a2375f6c995"},"modified":"2024-07-16T11:26:39","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T09:26:39","slug":"leighton-moss-lancashire-the-north-wests-largest-reedbed","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/leighton-moss-lancashire-the-north-wests-largest-reedbed\/","title":{"rendered":"Leighton Moss, Lancashire: the north-west’s largest reedbed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Leighton Moss offers a captivating natural experience. <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 16 July 2024 at 08:12 AM<\/p>

\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>

Where is Leighton Moss?<\/h2>

The RSPB<\/a> reserve is located in Silverdale, near Carnforth<\/a>, in Lancashire and is within the Arnside and Silverdale<\/a> Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.<\/p>

Are there Otters at Leighton Moss?<\/h2>
The reserve provides habitats for many species of wildlife, including otters. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>

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<\/a>! Across the entire RSPB portfolio, there is probably no more reliable location to sight this once-rare mammal than Leighton Moss. <\/p>

When to visit Leighton Moss<\/h2>
\"leighton
A flock of black-tailed godwit at Leighton Moss. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Flanking the silty sweep of Morecambe Bay, this famous reserve safeguards a habitat mosaic. <\/p>

In summer, ospreys come to fish and hobbies<\/a> to plunder freshly emerged dragonflies<\/a>. On the saltmarsh, avocets breed, spoonbills lope through shallows and the black-tailed godwit<\/a> numbers exceed 2,000.<\/p>

A winter amble through damp woodland can reveal nuthatches, redpolls and marsh tits<\/a>, while at foot level, scarlet elf cup fungi<\/a> brighten rotting logs. <\/p>

Then there\u2019s north-west England\u2019s largest reedbed, where 50,000 starlings<\/a> amass in autumn and winter. The reedbed is also home to bearded tits and bitterns<\/a>; the males\u2019 \u2018booming\u2019 call characterises late winter. The same period sees male marsh harriers<\/a> dance in the sky to impress females. <\/p>

Visitor information for Leighton Moss<\/h3>

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. <\/p>

Looking for other day out ideas in the area?<\/h4>

Check out our guides to walks in Leighton Moss and Silverdale, Lancashire<\/a> as well as the best walks in Lancashire<\/a>, <\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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