Leighton Moss is getting even better!

RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve will become an even better place to visit and get close to our amazing native wildlife, after having now gained major funding to improve our outdoor visitor experience. This project aims to upgrade the existing outdoor visitor facilities and provide a more interactive and enjoyable experience.

There are plans to extend the nature trails and allow improved elevated viewing over the fantastic reedbed and pools, as well as creating new areas around the visitor centre to be more wildlife friendly and allow visitors to relax and get closer to the birds, bees and butterflies.

There will be a strong focus on providing new events and opportunities for local people and local groups and the creation of new family friendly routes. Newly designed areas will stimulate the senses and will be accessible for wheelchair users and families with buggies.

We will be benefitting from some fantastic funding, with The Heritage Lottery Fund providing £370,000 and The Rural Development Programme for England providing £132,000. There has also been generous funding from Lancashire Environmental Fund, Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sustainable Development Fund and Natural England.

The work will be carried out in phases over a three year period, with the nature reserve and visitor centre remaining open throughout. There will be minimal impact upon visitors and naturally care will be taken to avoid disturbance to wildlife.

Jacqui Fereday, Visitor Services Manager at the reserve said: “Our visitor centre had a new look in 2009 and now it’s absolutely fantastic to be able to work with the Heritage Lottery Fund to make these exciting improvements to our outdoor facilities. The reserve will be an even more relaxing and engaging experience for everyone, there will be loads of opportunities for volunteers to get involved, helping to organise guided walks and building a community garden”

The photo shows Jacqui in the car park at Leighton Moss, which will soon be transformed into a sensory wildlife garden.