The largest remaining reedbed in North West England, with shallow meres and fringing sedge and woodland, attracts a wonderful range of wildlife to Leighton Moss.  Its wetland wonderland attracts a wonderful range of wildlife from rare birds to mammals and moths.

Among its special birds are breeding Bitterns, Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers, with water rails and Pochards, and its mammals include Roe Deer and Red Deer.

Bittern Paradise

Leighton Moss is a mosaic of reedbeds, shallow open water and dykes, with areas of mixed fen, scrub and grassland. You can explore its range of habitats including saltwater lagoons, rich in crustaceans, and the freshwater wetland.

The Bitterns are one of Britain's largest and rarest birds characterised by its stocky brown body and pointy bill. Its distinctive fog horn 'boom' can be heard from a great distance and they love to feed on Eels in the freshwater wetland area of the reserve. This booming is best heard at this site during spring.

Bird Watching

The saltwater lagoons nearby, on the edge of Morecambe Bay have a totally separate eco system from the rest of the wetland and attracts different types of birds.  The lagoon's food supply including Flounder and Crustacea makes it a rich feeding ground for many birds.

There are five birdwatching hides at the RSPB reserve, four with wheelchair access. As well as two further hides overlooking the expanse of Morecambe Bay with its flocks of wintering waders and wildfowl.

You can also take your pick of long or short nature trails - shorter ones are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Best time to see Bitterns - February to May. Wide variety of birds throughout the year. Wildlife watching wading birds, butterflies and moths, amphibian life, freshwater fish.

On site facilities include: Car Park, Visitor Centre, 7 hides, tea room, 3 nature trails of different lengths, shop. Toilets including disabled. Picnic area.

Location: Leighton Moss, Lancashire Grid Reference: SD478750 Ceremonial County: Lancashire Map Link: VIEW MAP Aerial photo: Getting there: Four miles north of Carnforth, Leighton Moss is signposted from the A6 north off Junction 35 of the M6. Access: Largely wheelchair accessible, 4 of the 5 hides having access. Website: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/leightonmoss/index.asp Other Useful Websites: Email: leighton.moss@rspb.org.uk Address: Leighton Moss, Near Carnforth, Lancashire Postcode: LA5 0 Telephone: 01524 701601 Opening Times: Reserve - daily 9am to 9pm or dusk (closed 25 December) Visitor centre - daily 9.30am to 5pm, and 9.30am to 4.30pm November to January Charges: Free to visitor centre and tearoom. Free to RSPB members and those who visit by public transport or on a bike. Non members and others: Adult £4.50, child £1, concession £3, family ticket £9. Nearby Locations: Other Location Pages: Other Relevant Pages: Notes:

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By: Tracey Park	Section: Wildlife	Key:
Page Ref: leighton_moss	Topic: Wildfowl & Wetland Spaces	Last Updated: 03/2010

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