The largest reedbed in north-west England, an RSPB reserve near Morecambe Bay famed for bitterns, marsh harriers and bearded tits
Open to visitorscheck opening times and admission before you go
Leighton Moss is an RSPB reserve in the wooded limestone country of Arnside & Silverdale, just inland from Morecambe Bay, and the largest reedbed in the north-west of England. It’s one of the best places in the country to catch up with bitterns — secretive, streaky brown herons whose deep booming call sounds across the reeds in spring — along with marsh harriers quartering the beds and bearded tits pinging about in the stems. Paths and hides thread through the reeds and out to pools near the coast, and otters and red deer show up if you’re lucky and patient. Silverdale station is a short walk away, which makes it an easy visit without a car. The village of Silverdale and the reserves around Gait Barrows are worth pairing with a morning here.
