The estuary is one of the most important sites in the UK for over wintering wildfowl. Main habitats: saltmarsh, mud and sand flats Features of interest The reserve occupies over half of the total area of the Ribble Estuary (4520 Ha), including extensive areas of mud and sand flats and one of the largest single areas of saltmarsh in England. It has been described as a ‘hotel-restaurant’ for birds as it is a key site in the chain of wetlands which make up the east Atlantic flyway or migration route for wintering wildfowl and waders. The winter months are the best time to visit the reserve for bird watching as thousands of Widgeon arrive from Siberia to mix with large numbers of pink-footed geese flying in from Iceland. Whooper Swans can also be seen in good numbers feeding in the surrounding countryside especially at nearby Martin Mere. Directions The reserve is 7 km west of Preston and includes land on both sides of the Ribble Estuary: as far as Lytham, on the northern bank, and Crossens (near Marshside), on the southern bank. The Lancashire Coastal Way runs along the northern bank of the estuary. The northern bank can also be accessed via Route 62 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. A footpath affording good views of the saltmarsh runs along the flood embankment on the southern edge of the reserve from Crossens pumping station near Southport to Hundred End near Hesketh Bank village and the RSPB Hesketh Outmarsh. The nearest train stations are in Preston, Lytham and Southport (5 km to the south west) served by Northern Rail. Local bus services are provided by Stagecoach Northwest. Access is via minor roads from the A584 (northern bank) and A59 (southern bank). The two most accessible car parks are at Lytham, and on the Marshside coastal road near Southport. Safety Please note: due to the dangerous nature and fragility of the saltmarsh and mudflats, access to the site is restricted to public rights of way. Voluntary wardens carry out site work, monthly bird counts and regular ‘eyes and ears’ patrols. Contact Email: Dave.mercer@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 01704 578774.