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Map of Hayle Estuary
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Whimbrel eating shellfishRinged plover feedingOystercatcher pulling worm from mud
RSPB Hayle Estuary reserve, aerial viewLittle egret with flatfishPair of shelducks feeding on estuary
Gull roost on the Hayle EstuarySnipe feedingSanderling feeding amongst shingle on beach
Wigeon resting on estuary bankLapwing at RSPB Rainham Marshes nature reserveMale teal sitting on icy lake

Wildlife awards

Hayle Estuary is one of the best places for wildlife in the UK.

Top things to do in Spring

  1. Many migrant waders are moving through the reserve now
  2. Look out for whimbrels on their way to their breeding grounds
  3. See if you can pick out the smart Mediterranean gulls from the flock

Top things to do in Summer

  1. Watch out for young shelduck families feeding on the mudflats
  2. Little egrets can often be seen fishing in the tidal creeks
  3. Mute swans can be seen in small groups

Top things to do in Autumn

  1. Autumn sees the main wader passage through the reserve
  2. Vagrants often turn up here, seeking refuge following gales around the coast
  3. Enjoy watching the flocks of waders, gulls and ducks feeding, preening and sleeping

Top things to do in Winter

  1. Enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of teals and wigeons feeding on the mudflats
  2. Catch hundreds of lapwings snoozing on the islands at Ryan's Field
  3. Spend time watching hundreds of waders roost together at high tide

Latest blog posts

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Your photos

  • Curlew, Hayle Estuary 1.10.2011
  • Lapwing
  • Starling in the Sun
  • Curlew near the road
  • Meadow Pipit
  • Little Egret
  • Jen dropping off at the tip
  • The estuary

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Downloads

Map of Hayle Estuary

Map of Hayle Estuary

1.19Mb, PDF

Date: 22 September 2010

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WildSquare Bingo

WildSquare Bingo

2.8Mb, PDF

Date: 21 June 2010

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Extend your stay

Other places to visit

RSPB Marazion Marsh reserve and St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall

Marazion Marsh

A peaceful walk around a beautiful wetland

RSPB Adur Estuary reserve, Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex

Adur Estuary

Wild saltmarsh just a few minutes' walk from Shoreham-by-Sea town centre

Red kite in flight

Carngafallt

Be inspired by our majestic, ancient oaks

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