Hesketh Out Marsh - RSPB

When RSPB bought it in 2006, Hesketh Out Marsh was used for growing crops. The land was taken out of the estuary in 1980 by the creation of an outer wall, but this wall was never going to last for ever. With the climate changing and the sea level rising, the RSPB and the Environment Agency recognised the need to plan for the future and create stronger sea defences. At the same time, they also need to create new saltmarsh habitat to replace losses elsewhere.

This new saltmarsh reserve is a great place to admire the gathered pink-footed geese, wigeons, teals and other wildfowl in winter, along with big flocks of wading birds like golden plovers, lapwings and black-tailed godwits. In spring the marshes are alive with the sight and sound of displaying waders, including avocets and lapwings. 

 

Wildlife highlights: A fantastic array of birds.  Little egrets and lapwings in large number. Peregrine, redshank, shelduck, avocet, Marsh harrier, Black-tailed godwit, teal, merlin and many many more. 

 

Location: There is a small car park (open from 8 am to 6 pm) at the end of the (private) Dib Road. Take Shore Road from Banks or Hesketh Bank. The turning is the first on the right after leaving Hesketh Bank and the first on the left after passing the Hundred End junction.