Reserve Closure
This reserve will close on Thursday 14 November for an all-staff meeting. Please check locally for site specific closure times and details.
What's here? at Mersehead
Available on site
23 spaces. 2 Blue Badge spaces. Spaces situated 20 m from Visitor Centre. Drop-off for Blue Badge holders outside Sulwarth education centre. The car park adjacent to the visitor centre includes three bicycle racks and a coach park by Steadings. No height restrictions.
Located in the visitor centre.
Baby changing facility accessible from a seated position.
Wetland Trail, 2 miles (3 km). Wide and hard surfaced. Hide access tracks narrower and can be muddy. Two hides with step-free, ramped access on Wetland Trail.
Coastal Trail, 2.5 miles (4 km) route with some soft grass and sand surfaces. Restricted access dependent on tides. Two narrow kissing gates. No steps or stiles.
Wetland Trail, 2 miles (3 km). Wide and hard surfaced. Hide access tracks narrower and can be muddy. Two hides with step-free, ramped access on Wetland Trail.
Coastal Trail, 2.5 miles (4 km) route with some soft grass and sand surfaces. Restricted access dependent on tides. Two narrow kissing gates. No steps or stiles.
Blue Badge parking bays 400 m from hides. Ask in Visitor Centre.
Located in the visitor centre.
Please note that Mersehead nature reserve is prone to flooding during periods of high rainfall and/or strong winds and tidal surges. To avoid disappointment at these times, please contact the reserve in advance of your visit by email in the first instance at mersehead@rspb.org.uk or check the RSPB Dumfries and Galloway facebook Page for daily updates.
Visitor Centre on one level with viewing window. Entrance step-free with slight threshold. Floor level and step-free throughout. Up to 4 small tables and chairs. Staff and volunteers on hand to give any assistance when staffed. Family Wildlife Explorer backpacks available for hire when staffed.
Hot drinks and snacks only available in Visitor Centre when staffed. Nearest hot food at Dalbeattie, 10 miles (15 km) away.
A picnic area is situated immediately outside the Visitor Centre. From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access.
The path is 5000mm wide, or more. The entrance is 5000mm wide. Some tables have space for wheelchair users. You can bring your own food to the picnic area. A single wheelchair friendly picnic table is available and two more picnic tables (non-wheelchair compliant).
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink.
Binocular Hire
Guided Walks
Two hides with step-free, ramped access on Wetland Trail. Blue Badge parking bays 400 m from hides. Ask in Visitor Centre.
Wetland Trail, 2 miles (3 km). Wide and hard surfaced. Hide access tracks narrower and can be muddy. Seating on fallen logs/in hides.
Coastal Trail, 2.5 miles (4 km) route with some soft grass and sand surfaces. Restricted access dependent on tides. Two narrow kissing gates. Two benches. No steps or stiles.
The play area is in the Education Centre Garden, it includes picnic areas and interactive play.
Not available on site
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
There is a separate Education Centre in Sulwarth Centre, 300m from main Visitor Centre. Step and ramp-free level access and throughout. Groups are welcome to visit. Please contact us directly for more information.
Restrictions
During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and please clean up after your dog.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.