Spring into life with a visit to RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands this half term

Coot with chick_Lynne Greenstreet

Take a walk on the wild side this May half term and admire nature’s new arrivals. The team at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, near Neston are encouraging visitors to explore the nature trails and discover a range of different homes for wildlife this school holiday.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager at the reserve, said: “Spring is a fantastic time of year here; not only is the weather encouraging us to spend more time outdoors, the wildlife is exciting too. Whilst the bluebells have faded for this year, lots of other flowers – the orchids are my favourite – are just starting to bloom. We are also seeing fresh, fuzzy chicks every day, as birds around the pools and trees welcome their young into the world.

“The gentle walks meander through beautiful wetland, woodland and grassland and offer the chance to get close to elegant egrets, brilliant butterflies and lounging lizards, who bask on wooden fences soaking up the sun’s warmth.”

In celebration of all the feathered new arrivals, families visiting the reserve can follow the ‘Baby Birds’ quiz trail to test their knowledge of the fresh faces seen around the reserve at this time of year. Plus, there’s lots of other fun, family activities to take part in, from hiring a Wildlife Explorer backpack, complete with minibeast kit, mini binoculars and more, to having a go at den building or enjoying a picnic with family and friends.

The Baby Birds self-led quiz trail is available daily from 9.30am-4.30pm until Sunday 3 June. All activities are free of charge but normal reserve admission charges apply for non-RSPB members.

For more information on the reserve and its activities, please call 0151 353 2720 or check out the website rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands