What's here? at Dee Estuary - Burton Mere Wetlands

Open daily. They located next to the visitor centre, and at the back of the cafe. 

Open daily. They are located in the accessible toilet next to our visitor centre and at the back of the cafe.

Visitor centre: step-free with level entry. Nature trails access: Gorse Covert Woodland trail is 600 yards long, unsurfaced so can be muddy in wet weather.

Burton Mere trail takes about 20 minutes on level and compact gravel surface.

The Reedbed trail is a third of a mile long, on level and compact gravel surface ending at the Marsh Covert hide.

The Farm and Fen trail is 600 yards, a mix of boardwalk and level, compact gravel surface but has a moderate incline halfway along.

Inner Marsh Farm trail is 500 yards of natural grass and partially surfaced path across farmland, with steps and a short boardwalk leading to the Inner Marsh Farm hide. Three picnic tables have space for a wheelchair.

Open daily. We have two toilet blocks, one next to the visitor centre, and another at the back of the cafe.

The visitor centre is open daily. Inside is one floor, step-free with level entry. Smooth floor. The area is evenly- and well-lit. With panoramic views over Burton Mere Wetlands, the Dee Estuary and the Welsh hills beyond, our visitor centre is the ideal place to start your visit. One entrance through a large double door.

Whilst we train new staff, opening times may vary, please check our Facebook page for regular updates.

Our wonderful new cafe is now open, serving a delicious range of hot and cold food and drink options daily. The cafe typically closes half an hour earlier than the visitor centre, with last hot food orders half an hour before the cafe closing time.

Our small RSPB shop stocks a wide selection of RSPB binoculars, telescopes and accessories, and displays a range of popular bird food, feeders, nestboxes and other RSPB products from our catalogue and online shop which are all available to order here for fast, free home delivery.

You are welcome to bring a picnic with you to enjoy on your visit. Three picnic tables have space for a wheelchair. Help keep this place safe and special for wildlife and people by taking your litter home with you.

Our popular RSPB binoculars are available to hire on your visit:

- £3 RSPB Puffin Juniors

- £5 RSPB Puffins

- £7 RSPB Avocets

- £10 RSPB Harrier

Binocular hire is available daily from 9.30am, to be returned by closing time. Last hire is an hour before closing.

We run an exciting programme of guided walks and other events throughout the year.

Viewing screens:

Reedbed screen overlooks a large pool in the reedbed where most of our reedbed specialists can be seen.

Bridge screen offers closer views of Bridge Pool and adjacent wet grassland.

The rich variety of wildlife living here, along with the beautiful reserve landscape can also be enjoyed from our trails.

Seating is available at every viewpoint and at intervals. A variety of seating is available, not all have back and arm rests. Information boards can be read from a child’s eye/seated position.

The nature reserve has three hides and two viewing screens to help you enjoy close views of the varied wildlife that calls the wetlands its home.

Bunker hide offers a similar view to our visitor centre, over the Scrape and wet grassland.

Marsh Covert hide has 360 degree views into our reedbed and over wet grassland to Bridge Pool. The brand new Border hide serves Centenary Pool and now offers better views of Border Pool than ever before. Entry to Marsh Covert hide has a short ramp. Large fixed windows offering good views. Upper windows open outward, inwards and upwards and can be quite heavy.

The reserve boasts almost four miles of signposted trails to help you explore this amazing landscape and the wildlife that calls it home.

- The Woodland trail is 0.5 miles long out and back. Allow around 20 minutes to complete this trail.

- The Wetland trail is less than 0.3 miles long through grassland and farmland. Allow around 10 minutes to complete this trail.  

- The Mere trail is a 0.4 mile long circuit, allow around 15 minutes to complete this trail.

- The Marsh trail is 2.2 miles out and back. Allow around one hour and 10 minutes to complete this trail.

- The Hillfort trail is 0.6 miles long. Allow around 1 hour to walk out and back.

Please download our map for more in depth descriptions of the trails. Access information can be found in the access map.  

Bring your class along for a fantastic self-guided school visit. We don't have coach parking facilities, however we can accommodate coach groups, with further information available on enquiry.

Bringing a flock? We welcome group bookings of up to 20 people. Please notify us of your visit in advance.

Whether it is to reserve parking, arrange a tailored introductory talk or organise a bespoke guided walk for your group, we can ensure that your needs are attended to. If you are a nature tour leader, we would love to work with you to make the most of your trip for your guests.

For all group visits, please contact us on deeestuary@rspb.org.uk or phone us on 0151 353 2720.

Our Wild Play area, just a short hop from the car park on the Woodland trail, has den building, balance beams and tree stumps for little explorers to have lots of fun. Two picnic benches are ideal for family picnics or for grown ups to relax whilst your little ones play.

Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.

Use of personal or commercial drones on or over RSPB-owned property is prohibited.