Places to see birds

Meresands Wood, Rufford, Lancashire

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust's "showcase" reserve has a range of habitats including woodland, wild flower meadow, open water and marsh. The best areas are overlooked by hides one of which is a tower hide (obtain the key from the visitors' centre).

The visitors' centre has a small shop selling bird food, books etc and a helpful staff of volunteers who are always happy to give advice on what to see and where to look for it. A "what's about" notice board is maintained.

Birds to be seen are water rail (often at the feeding station), woodpeckers (rare glimpses of the lesser spotted are reported), ducks, kingfishers, tree sparrows, finches and tits. Passage migrants, including osprey, use the site frequently. There are two circular "nature walks" one of which is suitable for those with limited mobility.

The site is on the B5246 west of Rufford, admission is free but there is a car parking charge.

Further details and a plan of the site can be found at http://www.lancswt.org.uk