Ribble Discovery Centre

Ribble Discovery Centre
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Ribble Discovery Centre

Ribble Discovery Centre view
The centre is packed with information about the wildlife of the Ribble

The RSPB's Ribble Discovery Centre is an interpretive gateway to the north shore of the world-class Ribble Estuary. With its prime location, the centre helps to inspire thousands of people - local residents and visitors - about the wonderful wildlife that the area supports.

Next to Fairhaven Lake, Lytham St Annes, the centre helps to explain why the Ribble Estuary and the Fylde peninsula are so important to birds and other wildlife. 

The centre is open all year, staffed by a centre manager, full-time centre assistant and four field teachers, thanks to funding from United Utilities and Fylde Borough Council. An army of volunteers also gives invaluable help, ensuring the centre is a great place to visit.

Education and fun in one

A programme of environmental education, promoting the importance of the Ribble Estuary and the work of the RSPB, is open to school and community groups. The centre houses a well-stocked gift shop and exciting, interactive information about local birdwatching sites and recent bird sightings. The shop sells the full range of RSPB bird care products and food, gifts and books and RSPB optics.

There is also a full programme of events and activities aimed at all ages.

Wild wonders

The Ribble Estuary is the second most important estuary in the UK, every winter holding up to 250,000 birds - mainly wildfowl and waders. 

The estuary is of international importance for 14 species of birds, including whooper and Bewicks swans, pink-footed geese, wigeons, knots, dunlins, sanderlings, bar-tailed and black-tailed godwits. 

Opening times

Open 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, but we have to make a small charge for some events. Booking is recommended for some events. For details, call 01253 796292.

The Ribble Discovery Centre is based at Fairhaven Lake, Lytham, St Annes. Look out for the RSPB signs.

Things to do

  • Interactive displays
  • Illustrated talks
  • Guided walks to see the birds on the estuary
  • Mud sampling to look for the animals that live in estuary
  • Family fun events
  • Games
  • Badge-making
  • Gifts and souvenirs
  • Education programme for schools 

Last modified: 13 June 2007