Call for budding wildlife explorers to join a Saltmarsh Safari this summer

Ever wondered what creatures lurk in the saltmarsh at RSPB Marshside? This summer holiday, it’s the perfect time to find out by joining the RSPB for a Saltmarsh Safari adventure.

Armed with sweep nets and magnifying glasses, budding wildlife explorers will be taken on a journey through the saltmarsh to enjoy close-up views of the amazing creatures and plants which make their home in this hostile landscape.

Nick Godden, RSPB Ribble Reserves Warden, said: “If crawling through the grass armed with a pooter to catch minibeasts, or sieving mud in search of worms sounds like fun, then this is the perfect activity for you.

“The safari is an ideal way for families and children to safely explore the intriguing wildlife in the saltmarsh, but of course, it’s not just for children – the event is also a great excuse for adults to find their inner child and enjoy a wild adventure.

“We never know quite what we might find, but prepare to be amazed at the variety of creatures which makes their home here.”

Running on Sunday 26 July, Wednesday 12 August and Monday 24 August, the Saltmarsh Safari starts at 11 am from the RSPB car park on Marine Drive, Southport (next to reserve and old sand works)..

This event will cost £4 for RSPB members, £5 for non-members and £2 for all under-18s. Booking is essential for this event, please call the Ribble Discovery Centre on 01253 796292 to book your place.

More information about Marshside can be found on our website, rspb.org.uk/marshside

Head behind the scenes at RSPB Hesketh Out Marsh and witness a wildlife spectacle

BROWN HARE - CHRIS GORMERSALL RSPB

There is a wonderful wildlife spectacle to witness on the Ribble Estuary as the breeding season gets underway, with fantastic views of nesting birds and other wildlife to be had – and what better way to experience this than on a guided walk with the RSPB at Hesketh Out Marsh.

Thanks to a £43,000 grant from The Veolia Environmental Trust, which was awarded through the Landfill Communities Fund, the RSPB has transformed this saltmarsh reserve from fields back into a thriving home for nature, with the creation of new pools and the provision of nesting sites attracting a range of wildlife.

Now the team are offering people the chance to join a guided ‘Springwatch-walk’ at the reserve, near Hesketh Bank, on Saturday 23 May and take a look behind the scenes to see the recent changes and the wildlife spectacle that the nesting birds provide.

John Langley, Assistant Warden for RSPB Ribble Reserves, said: “Thanks to the funding from The Veolia Environmental Trust, we have been able to turn the reserve back into a wonderful, tidal wetland, with the new pools offering a variety of wildlife a home, including avocets, redshanks, peregrines and brown hares.

“It is a truly fantastic site and a guided walk is a great way to find out more about the wildlife here and the changes we have made on the marsh. We hope as many people as possible come and join us.”

Paul Taylor, the Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, added: “It is great to hear that this project has been a success. It has brought many benefits for birds and people and is a great example of how the Trust and the Landfill Communities Fund can both help improve habitats and make it possible for more people to experience and enjoy the natural world. I look forward to hearing about the reserve thriving in the future.”

The guided walk will include some moderate periods of walking along footpaths and sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing is essential.

This event will cost £4 for RSPB members and £5 for non-members. Booking is essential, please call the Ribble Discovery Centre on 01253 796292 to book your place.

Meet at 2pm at the Hesketh Out Marsh car park, Dib Road off Shore Road, between Hesketh Bank and Banks villages.

For more information about Hesketh Out Marsh, please visit rspb.org.uk/heskethoutmarsh