Lovely nature reserve in a beautiful area (Leighton Moss Nature Reserve (Carnforth))

Member Name: markos9

Product:	Leighton Moss Nature Reserve (Carnforth)
Date:	23/02/09 (103 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Facilities, chance of seeing deer, otter, and bittern

Disadvantages: None.

Leighton Moss is a lovely nature reserve in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, near Carnforth in Lancashire. Leighton Moss is owned and managed by the RSPB and is the largest area of reed bed in the North of England.

The nature reserve is signposted from the M6 motorway (junction 35a) and is about three miles from the motorway exit, mostly through country lanes (tip, follow the signs for Leighton Hall first, then Leighton Moss).

Parking is easy at Leighton Moss, there are two large car parks, on the reserve and over the road. There is an entry fee (£4.50 for adults, £1 for children), but, as usual, RSPB members get in free. I am a member of the RSPB as I want to support the superb work that they do for wildlife and the countryside in the UK, but as a frequent visitor to nature reserves, I find that my membership actually saves me money. Leighton Moss has some wheelchair access, the visitor centre and a couple of the hides are also accessible. The paths are, in general, smooth and dry. There are over 4 miles of paths on the reserve.

Leighton Moss is home to a number of reed bed specialist bird species that are rare in the North of England. This is the only place in the north where bitterns (a very rare type of heron), and bearded tits breed. The reserve is also home to marsh harriers, an impressive, large bird of prey.

A herd of red deer also use the reserve and can often be observed feeding or resting, from some of the hides. The views across the reserve are really lovely, looking over to the nearby Warton Crag, a large limestone hill which is also a nature reserve. At the lower hide, which is the furthest from the visitor centre, otters are now often seen, usually early morning or late evening.

There are, of course, a large number of other birds present on the reserve. Plenty of bird feeders mean that the commoner species are easy to see (bizarrely, ducks use the feeders outside the reserve entrance and you can find yourself tripping over these totally fearless birds as you get out of your car).

The hides look out onto the lakes where large numbers of ducks and geese can be seen. The "Eric Morcambe" (named for the comedian who was also a keen birdwatcher) and Allen hides are a small drive away. These look out over an area of salt marsh and shallow, brackish pools. Different species including lots of wading birds can be seen here.

The facilities at Leighton Moss are excellent. There are toilets, of course, which are clean and hygienic. There's a nice RSPB shop which sells lots of nature related items, such as books, DVDs, bird food, as well as a small range of clothing. There is also an excellent restaurant. As with all RSPB café's, it's not cheap, but the quality is really good. There's a nice selection of food, and the staff try to source produce from local farmers etc. Every time we go to Leighton Moss, we make a point of stopping for a meal.

It's worth noting that Leighton Moss is extremely popular with schools (and rightly so), but this does mean that if you go in term time, there's a good chance of a large group of children filling the hides.

Leighton Moss is a really nice place to visit. Placed in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means that there's loads to see in the local area and it is popular with tourists. If you're interested in wildlife, it's well worth a visit if you're in the area.

Summary: A lovely place for a day out if like nature