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Our work here
Mersehead was once a farm. Today it forms an important part of the Solway European marine site.
Habitats on the reserve include intertidal mudflats, sand dunes, saltmarsh, grassland, woodland and arable farmland. Key wildlife includes wintering Svalbard barnacle geese and pintails, as well as harbour porpoises, otters and natterjack toads.
The RSPB is managing the reserve in order to maintain and enhance its overall biodiversity, and to provide a working example of the benefits of RSPB management.
Grass for geese
Internationally important numbers of Svalbard barnacle geese overwinter at Mersehead. We have secured the site as a refuge for these birds, and now maintain 45-50 hectares of improved grassland for their benefit. Numbers have risen as a result.
Making a mosaic
We have worked to create and maintain a mosaic of wetland habitats on the reserve, including wet grassland, open water, ditches and reed swamp. This has enriched the overall biodiversity and increased the number of waterfowl, including teal, scaup and common gull.
Dunes for toads
The sand dune system at Mersehead is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. We are safeguarding the biodiversity of this fragile habitat, taking natural coastal re-alignment into account. We have successfully introduced a population of rare natterjack toads to the dunes, and will continue to manage this project.
Farming for the future
We are farming spring arable and re-seeded grassland at Mersehead. This has helped increase the number of wintering barnacle geese and other important farmland birds, including skylark, linnet and reed bunting. We are also maintaining and improving hedgerows for the benefit of farmland wildlife.
We are now using the reserve to promote examples of wildlife-friendly farming to a wide audience of farmers and landowners.
Popular attraction
Mersehead's wintering wildfowl and waders make it an increasingly popular visitor attraction.
How you can help
Join the RSPB and support our work.
Join today