Wirral nature reserve receives VisitEngland Welcome accolade

Burton Mere Visitor Centre - Ron Thomas

Staff, volunteers and visitors are celebrating at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, the popular nature reserve near Neston, following news that the site has been awarded the prestigious Welcome accolade from VisitEngland – one of just six attractions in the North West to receive an award this year.

Attractions across England are awarded VisitEngland accolades in appreciation of the outstanding experiences they provide, with other categories including story-telling, food and drink, hidden gem status and an overall Gold award. The attractions have achieved these awards based on the score they obtained following their annual assessment by VisitEngland, with Burton Mere Wetlands’ Welcome accolade a result of its 100% score on the staff component of the assessment.

Burton Mere Wetlands, the heart of the RSPB Dee Estuary reserve, is increasingly popular with nature enthusiasts of all ages, with thousands of visitors flocking to the site each year to explore its unique visitor centre, extensive trails, breath-taking wildlife spectacles, wild play area and impressive views.

Graham Jones, Site Manager at RSPB Dee Estuary reserve, said: “This is fantastic news for the reserve and we’re sure that our visitors will be as thrilled as we are.

“To achieve a Welcome accolade is such an honour. This award reflects the ongoing hard work by everyone here at the Dee Estuary to deliver an outstanding visitor experience for the many families and individuals who enjoy our wonderful reserve each year.

“A huge thank you goes to our staff and volunteers for working so hard to deliver the highest level of visitor experience at Burton Mere Wetlands. To receive this award in the reserve’s 40^th anniversary year is a fitting recognition of the sensitive development the RSPB has delivered on the Dee Estuary, since our beginnings at Parkgate in 1979.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “England is home to world-class attractions right across the country, welcoming visitors throughout the year and offering experiences of the highest quality including excellent food and drink and outstanding customer service.   It is also really fantastic to see these accolades recognising the work of those employees, managers and owners who make sure that all who pass through their doors have a truly memorable experience.”

VisitEngland’s Attractions Accolades, now in their fifth year, can be attained by members of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme in categories including the Welcome Accolade, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food and Drink and the Gold Accolade for all-round top-scoring attractions.

For further information on the special events and wildlife at RSPB Dee Estuary, visit

https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/dee-estuary-burton-mere-wetlands/

40 years of the RSPB giving nature a home on the Dee Estuary

Harrier over marsh, Parkgate

The popular RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019. The well-known nature conservation charity first purchased an area of saltmarsh and mudflats the size of 2000 football pitches at Parkgate in 1979.

Doing so created a sanctuary area for the tens of thousands of water birds that flock to the estuary from Arctic regions every year, to spend the cold winter months in the UK. Their numbers had been falling during the preceding years and were at further risk from proposed development and disturbance.

Graham Jones, RSPB Dee Estuary site manager said: “I started coming to Parkgate as a teenager in the 1980s to watch the birds that thrive on the marsh and mud. This place played a major part in growing my knowledge and passion for birds and wildlife and helping me end up in the fortunate position I am today.

“Shortly before the RSPB established the reserve, by purchasing the land from British Steel, there were proposals to build a barrage across the Dee, or create a recreational lake within the marsh at Parkgate. Either of those would have caused the bird numbers to plummet further.”

Since securing the initial part of the reserve on the estuary, originally known as Gayton Sands, the RSPB land holdings have expanded significantly, particularly around the village of Burton, four miles from Parkgate.

Graham added: “The brilliant visitor facilities we opened at Burton Mere Wetlands in 2011 have been a major step in bringing the Dee Estuary’s rich wildlife closer for the public to enjoy easily. Since opening, we’ve welcomed nearly a quarter of a million visits, with excellent wildlife spectacles to be enjoyed every day that continually change through the seasons.

“As well as protecting these valuable spaces for birds to spend the winter, we’ve also undertaken extensive land management to support birds to nest, helping species like exotic avocets establish breeding, the largest little egret colony in the country and for the first time in 2018, a successful pair of marsh harriers raised young. The reserve also supports a whole range of other special wildlife; from the large like badgers and otters, to the small such as insects, orchids and lizards.”

To mark this significant milestone, the RSPB will be running some special events in 2019 to celebrate 40 years of giving nature a home on the estuary. They hope to welcome back those already visiting the site as well as introduce more local people to the extent of this important reserve. The site now encompasses half of the Dee Estuary, including most of the Welsh shore, forming one of the largest protected wetlands in the country.

The reserve team are keen to receive any photos, memories or tales of visitors’ experiences enjoying the Dee Estuary reserve over the past 40 years – or even before, given its rich history. These can be sent by email to deeestuary@rspb.org.uk or posted to the reserve office at RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve, Burton Mere Wetlands, Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 5SF.

For further information on the special events and wildlife at RSPB Dee Estuary, visitrspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands.

Prepare for an awesome autumn spectacle on the Dee Estuary

Lapwing- Sam Ryley.

Whilst some people lament the passing of summer, the Dee Estuary enters arguably its most exciting time of year due to the arrival of vast flocks of birds returning from their Arctic breeding grounds. The RSPB is inviting visitors to take part in a series of events across their Dee Estuary nature reserve to share some of the most impressive natural spectacles in this region.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager for RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve, said: “I’m a huge fan of autumn, it could even be my favourite season of the year. The reserve here comes into its own, supporting thousands of wetland birds as they swap the cold Arctic for our warmer climes. High tides make for some excellent wildlife watching too, pushing the vast swathes of wildfowl and wading birds into closer view along with the birds of prey that hunt them.”

To experience the growing flocks on the estuary, drop-in to the ‘Tidewatch’ event on Tuesday 9 October at the Donkey Stand on Parkgate promenade. RSPB staff and volunteers will be on hand with telescopes and binoculars to enhance the impressive views. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, the event is free of charge, but donations are welcome. Timings vary depending on the tides, so visit rspb.org.uk/parkgate for more details.

Meanwhile, with earlier sunsets - another special autumn attraction on the Wirral - it becomes easier to witness the daily spectacle of the endangered hen harriers flying to roost on the marsh off Parkgate. Head to a ‘Raptorwatch’ event at the Old Baths car park, off Boathouse Lane, for the chance of seeing up to seven different types of birds of prey that make their home on the estuary in winter, plus northern England’s largest little egret colony flying in from the marsh to their night-time roost. The events take place on the second Sunday of each month until March, starting Sunday 14 October, and run from 1pm until sunset.

Elsewhere, the heart of the RSPB Dee Estuary reserve, Burton Mere Wetlands, is renowned for its growing flocks and wide variety of wading birds at this time of year as they move through on their long migrations. Families visiting the site can enjoy the ‘Wonderful Waders’ Wild Challenge quiz trail to learn about these birds. The trail is available between 9.30am and 3.30pm every day through October free of charge, normal admission charges apply for non members.

October also sees the return of Wirral Wader Festival, a partnership event between Wader Quest, the RSPB, Dee Estuary Voluntary Wardens, and Cheshire Wildlife Trust, now in its fourth year. Over the weekend of Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October, the event aims to showcase the spectacle of wading birds on the protected Wirral coast with various events and activities at Hoylake and West Kirby. For full details of the events and activities during the festival, visit wirralwaderfestival.blogspot.co.uk or www.facebook.com/wirralwaderfest.

Dan added: “You don’t have to be an avid birdwatcher to appreciate the vast numbers of birds that call the Dee their home at this time of year. These upcoming events are planned to showcase these awesome natural occurrences and show why it’s so important for the RSPB to keep almost half of the estuary under its protection. These spectacles are perfect to wow families, and kids will love kicking fallen leaves and a bit of den building at Burton Mere Wetlands. So pop on an extra layer or two, and come along, we’d love to see you!”

For further information on events and wildlife at RSPB Dee Estuary, visit rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands.

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

Popular site manager retires after four decades with the RSPB

Colin Wells and RSPB Liverpool at the Goyt Valley Hen Harrier day  2015

The RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve’s long-serving site manager has retired after over 40 years working for the UK’s largest nature conservation charity.

Colin Wells, who came to the Dee in 1984 as warden when the reserve only consisted of the vast saltmarsh at Parkgate, rose to site manager as he helped grow the RSPB’s land-holding at Inner Marsh Farm and Burton Marsh Farm, culminating in the opening of Burton Mere Wetlands’ in 2011.

Colin’s early RSPB career saw him serve short contracts at reserves in Scotland, Yorkshire, Norfolk and Lancashire before being posted to the Dee to replace the warden at the time.

Robin Horner, Area Reserves Manager, said: “Colin’s working life has been devoted to the creation and management of homes for nature. He is an expert in the requirements of coastal wetlands and the wildlife that lives within it and has been instrumental in not only managing the Dee Estuary reserve, but also inspiring local people to appreciate and care for this vitally important site and the wildlife that lives here.”

The Dee Estuary is one of the RSPB’s largest reserves and also benefits from legal protection as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area for the wealth of wetland birds that call it home. The visitor facilities at Burton Mere Wetlands bring the extensive wildlife spectacles of the estuary into close view of fully accessible hides and nature trails allowing everybody to share and enjoy.

Colin Wells said: “It has been a privilege to work for such a wonderful organisation that achieves so much for wildlife as the RSPB.  During my career, I have seen it grow from a small society to the UK’s largest nature conservation charity. With the struggles facing the environment today, it is more important than ever that wildlife receives such support, and I am proud to have been able to contribute to the fight to save it. I’m pleased to have led the transformation of the land at Burton over the past 30 years, and look forward to enjoying Burton Mere Wetlands regularly as a visitor!”

 

 

For further information and to arrange an interview, please contact:

Daniel Trotman, RSPB Visitor Experience Manager, on 07718 699014 or email daniel.trotman@rspb.org.uk  

Or

Annabel Rushton, RSPB Regional Communications Manager, on 01524 581026 or 07793 902 590 or email annabel.rushton@rspb.org.uk.

 

Follow us on Twitter @RSPB_BurtonMere

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New book details Cheshire’s history of rare bird sightings

A new book documenting the history of Cheshire and Wirral’s rarest bird sightings is set to be launched at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, near Neston.

Written by two of the RSPB Dee Estuary reserve’s local birdwatchers, Allan Conlin and Eddie Williams, with drawings by renowned illustrator Ray Scally, ‘Rare and Scarce Birds of Cheshire and Wirral’ is a must-have for any Cheshire or Merseyside bird enthusiast.

The event takes place on Saturday 9 September between 10am and 4pm. No booking is required.

The book will be available to purchase, priced £24.99 with 10% of sales on the day to be donated to the RSPB Dee Estuary reserve. Only cash can be accepted for book purchases.

The date coincides with the first day of the Wirral Wader Festival, handy for anybody attending the events at nearby Hoylake and West Kirby.

Venue: RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 5SF

Contact: For further details visit rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands or phone the visitor reception on 0151 353 8478 or email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk

https://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2017/09/09/wirral-wader-festival?instance=0

https://www.facebook.com/WirralWaderFest/

Rare egret joins more common cousins at RSPB nature reserve

Cattle Egret...Phil Woollen

Staff at the RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve are celebrating this summer after an unusual bird – the cattle egret – nested for the first time at their Burton Mere Wetlands site near Neston. Viewers of BBC Springwatch may have seen the nest featured on the show in May, and now visitors are being encouraged to see one of the birds up-close.

Locals and visitors to the reserve will be familiar with the hundreds of little egrets living on the estuary, but prior to this year the much rarer cattle egret had managed just two previous breeding attempts in the entire UK, both in south west England.

As their name suggests, cattle egrets are usually found around cattle and many people recognise them from nature documentaries where they often feature around herds of zebras, wildebeest and water buffalo in sub-Saharan Africa. With bright white feathers, these relatives of the more familiar grey heron are beautiful to see and fairly easy to spot.

Colin Wells, Site Manager at the RSPB Dee Estuary said: “We’ve watched excitedly as little egrets rapidly colonised the Dee Estuary over the past couple of decades, with a total of 84 pairs nesting here this year. Their close relatives, cattle egrets, have been a regular visitor over the past six years since Burton Mere Wetlands opened, usually in the autumn when we have cattle grazing on the reserve.

“Egrets, along with other heron-like birds such as spoonbills, have gradually moved into the UK as their historic breeding areas in Europe are becoming hotter and drier due to climate change.

“Last year we had a record six cattle egrets at one point, but it was surprising to see at least two stay through the winter, even when the cattle were taken indoors to avoid the harsh weather. The birds felt so at home, we were delighted when they stayed to nest in amongst the established little egret colony.”

The pair successfully raised one chick, but they quickly left the area after the youngster flew the nest. However, with cattle grazing the reserve again, one cattle egret has returned and there is hope more will follow.

Colin added: “Visitors have been getting brilliant close views of the cattle egret from the comfort of the Reception Hide. There’s no guarantee how long it will stay, so if you fancy a look at one of these exotic birds close to home, come for a visit soon.”

For more information on wildlife spectacles, facilities and events at Burton Mere Wetlands, visit rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands

Time to celebrate your local meadows

Hay meadow - Andy Hay RSPB images

Date: National Meadows Day Wildflower Walk, Saturday 1 July  10 am-12 pm

National Meadows Day, dedicated to celebrating and protecting our vanishing wildflower meadows and the wealth of wildlife they support, will take place on Saturday 1 July 2017.

This year's National Meadows Day will be the biggest yet, with over 100 events taking place across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The team at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands are inviting visitors to come along for a guided walk to admire and learn all about the rich array of wildflowers on the reserve. The event takes place on Saturday 1 July from 10 am-12 pm and includes exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the reserve’s hay meadow which boasts special flowers including yellow rattle and ragged robin.

Places are limited so advanced booking and payment is essential. The walk covers some grassland and farmland so is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and a decent level of fitness is required.

Additionally, throughout July a self-led quiz trail will encourage families to look a little closer at the colourful plants around the reserve’s nature trails. Available daily at the visitor reception from 9.30 am-4.30 pm, free of charge.

Venue: RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 5SF

Contact: For further details visit www.rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands or phone the visitor reception on 0151 353 8478 or email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk

Shrug off those winter blues at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands this spring

Bluebells of Gorse covert

Now is the perfect time to discover one of the best bluebell woodlands in the region at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands on the Dee Estuary. Each spring, the nature reserve’s Gorse Covert, an area of ancient woodland, bursts into colour with a blanket of blue and this year, the bluebells have not disappointed.

Due to the mild winter, many of the flowers have already begun to emerge and tease admirers with their colour well before their usual May bloom.  Last year, hundreds of visitors to the nature reserve told staff of their delight at seeing such a pristine area of the iconic British flower.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager at RSPB Dee Estuary reserves, said: “It’s one of my favourite times of the year, when the woodland floor gradually changes from its dull winter green and brown to the vibrant blue hue, signalling the start of fresh life across the reserve. Over the past couple of years more and more visitors have commented on the extent of the bluebells; people were coming to the reserve purely to see the spectacle. The contrast of the deep blue against the greenery of the trees creates a lovely setting for a relaxing stroll.”

While Gorse Covert and Burton Point can be enjoyed independently by all visitors to the reserve, joining the popular ‘Bluebells and Birdsong’ guided walk will allow participants to discover more about the bluebells plus other interesting flowers and wildlife on the reserve.

Dan added:  “On our event this year, visitors can not only enjoy a stroll into the heart of the bluebell woodland, but there will be the chance toventure up to Burton Point, where there is another impressive stand of bluebells, along with breathtaking panoramic views over Burton Mere Wetlands and across the Dee Estuary to the Welsh hills.

“The walk is a great way to discover more about the wildlife which lives on the reserve. The nesting birds will be singing, adding to the tranquil atmosphere, and you will be given tips on how to pick out the songs of different birds. It’s a great way to spend a morning.”

The ‘Bluebells and Birdsong’ guided walk will be held on Sunday 30 April, from 10 am to 12 noon.  The cost is £6.50 per person, (£5 for RSPB members) and half price for children under 18.  This includes a hot drink in the reception hide, and covers the entry fee to the reserve for non-members.  To book your place, phone 0151 353 8478 or email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk.

For more information on the reserve and its activities, check out the website rspb.org.uk/deeestuary

Family fun at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands this February half term

Nesting Great tits

This month sees the British Trust for Ornithology’s annual National Nestbox Week (https://www.bto.org/about-birds/nnbw) take place, and the RSPB is running a fun family quiz trail at Burton Mere Wetlands to celebrate.

Available every day throughout February, families are invited to pick up a quiz sheet at reception between 9.30 am-4.30 pm and follow the trails to discover the variety of nestboxes available to help give nature a home. It is free to take part, though normal admission charges apply to non-members.

There are also Wildlife Explorer backpacks to hire for budding nature detectives and a den building area in the woods to get active and creative.

Whilst some winter flocks will be preparing to leave towards the end of February, others like the iconic avocets normally start arriving at Burton Mere Wetlands around the middle of the month.

From Wednesday to Sunday each week, visitors can pick up some lunch from the on-site catering van, offering a range of hot and cold sandwiches, toasties, paninis and burgers.

Sausage or Bacon? Decisions

Venue: RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve, Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 5SF.

Contact: For further details visit rspb.org.uk/deeestuary.org.uk or phone the visitor centre on 0151 353 8478.

Prepare for an awesome autumn spectacle on the Dee Estuary

As summer draws to a close, the Dee Estuary enters arguably its most exciting time of year due to the arrival of vast flocks of birds returning from their Arctic breeding grounds. The RSPB is inviting visitors to take part in a series of events across their Dee Estuary nature reserve to share some of the most impressive natural spectacles in this region.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager for RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve, said: “I’m a huge fan of autumn, it could even be my favourite season of the year. The reserve here comes into its own, supporting thousands of wetland birds as they swap the cold Arctic for our warmer climes. High tides around the equinox make for some excellent wildlife watching too, pushing the vast swathes of ducks and wading birds into closer view along with the birds of prey that hunt them.”

The Dee Estuary is home to the largest little egret colony in Northern England and, with earlier sunsets which are another special autumn attraction on the Wirral, it becomes easier to witness the daily spectacle of over 300 flying in from the marsh to their night-time roost.  To celebrate this wild wonder, ‘An Evening with Egrets’ guided walk is taking place on Saturday 8 October at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands. The event costs £6.50 per person (£5 for RSPB members), half price for children. Booking is essential by phoning 0151 353 8478 or email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk.

Visitors can also take part in ‘Autumn Arrivals’ on Saturday 15 October at RSPB Point of Ayr near Talacre. This short guided walk involves crossing beach and sand dunes so suitable footwear and a decent level of fitness are required. The event is free of charge, but donations are welcome. Booking is essential by phoning 0151 353 8478 or email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk.

To experience the autumn tidal phenomenon, join ‘Parkgate High Tide Watch’ events on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 October at the Donkey Stand and the Old Baths car park on Parkgate parade. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, these events are free of charge, but donations are welcome. RSPB staff and volunteers will be on hand with telescopes and binoculars to enhance the impressive views. Timings vary depending on the tides, so visit rspb.org.uk/deeestuary for more details.

Dan added: “You don’t have to be an avid birdwatcher to appreciate the vast numbers of birds that call the Dee their home at this time of year. These upcoming events are planned to showcase these awesome natural occurances and show why it’s so important for the RSPB to keep almost half of the estuary under its protection. So pop on an extra layer or two, and come along, we’d love to see you!”

For further information on events and wildlife at RSPB Dee Estuary, visit rspb.org.uk/deeestuary.