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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Children making fat balls during family fun day at Blacktoft Sands Tidal reedbed bordering muddy creek Hunting barn owl
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Blacktoft Sands

Blacktoft Sands

  • About Blacktoft Sands
  • Star species
  • Seasonal highlights
  • Recent sightings
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Home > Reserves > Reserves by name > B > Blacktoft Sands > About Blacktoft Sands

About Blacktoft Sands

Male bearded tit perching on Phragmites

Come along to Blacktoft Sands throughout the year and see how many of our 270 species of birds you can see! The tidal reedbed is the largest in England and is important for its breeding bearded tits, bitterns and marsh harriers.

One of the most breathtaking sights in summer is pairs of marsh harriers, which pass food from one to the other in mid air during their acrobatic courtship display. In winter, there are thousands of ducks and breeding waders easily viewed from wheelchair-accessible hides.

If you are new to birdwatching...

Birds on the lagoons are clearly visible from all hides. Marshland hide provides particularly close views of waders and ducks. There are a series of guided walks throughout the year, intended to introduce beginners to various waders, warblers and raptors.

Information for families

RSPB Explorer Backpacks are available for children to use on the reserve. These contain binoculars, bug viewers, wildlife guides and activity booklets. Some of the special events are particularly suitable for families. These include our Open Days and bat and moth nights.

Information for dog owners

No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs

Contact us

01405 704665

blacktoftsands@rspb.org.uk

Nearest town: Goole, East Yorkshire

Grid reference: SE843232

Directions

For directions, please see our How to get here page.

This reserve is a VAQAS quality assured visitor attraction

About the RSPB

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 07/03/2008 14:03:22
Show/hide picture credits
Male bearded tit perching on Phragmites - Steve Round
Children making fat balls during family fun day at Blacktoft Sands - Sue Tranter (rspb-images.com)
Tidal reedbed and muddy creek at RSPB Blacktoft Sands nature reserve - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 9001997-01805-009)
Hunting barn owl - Nigel Blake
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)