Download our trail map
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
Discover exciting events at Leighton Moss. Join us for guided walks, moth workshops, local makers markets and more this summer!
Days out
Leighton Moss
SIlverdaleClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesHear the reeds rustling in the breeze as you walk around the largest reedbed in north-west England. Will you spot an Otter, marvel at a Marsh Harrier or revel at a Red Deer? Recharge with coffee and cake in the cafe, and some retail therapy in the shop.
About
Leighton Moss is home to the largest reed bed in north-west England. This sweeping expanse provides shelter to a spectacular range of wildlife including Otters, Bearded Tits, Bitterns, Marsh Harriers, egrets and Red Deer. Why not come and see for yourself?
Set against the shores of the nearby Morecambe Bay, this Lancashire nature reserve is a wetland paradise where wild creatures roam reedbeds, mudflats, coastal marsh and saltwater lagoons. Explore a bit further and you will also find pockets of woodland and limestone grasslands.
The team at Leighton Moss works to make sure the different habitats are places where nature can thrive. The reedbeds need to be extensively cut back in summer and winter to create ideal conditions for Bearded Tits, Otters, Bitterns and wintering wildfowl. We also monitor and manage the water levels all year round.
We have increased the size of the reedbeds in recent years, adding a further 200 hectares. Our inner marshes are grazed by cattle to create suitable conditions for these birds throughout the year.
The limestone grassland and woodland is managed by putting cattle out to graze and rotating when we cut back trees, to provide a mix of established trees and new growth.
At a glance
Please note, there is no parking at the top of the Causeway as it blocks the road and resident access.
Main car park - 90 spaces. Open dawn to dusk. No lighting. No overnight parking or camping. No height restriction. Hard surfaces and loose gravel throughout with some slight gradients.
Accessible car park - 7 Blue Badge spaces in the accessible car park located right next to the visitor centre. Hard surfaces and loose gravel throughout, flat, level ground.
Drop-off point outside the visitor centre.
The Saltmarsh car park for the Allen and Eric Morecambe Hides is a mile from the visitor centre. There is a 2m height restriction to the Saltmarsh car park.
Please note, there is no parking at the top of the Causeway as it blocks the road and resident access.
No coach parking available, groups using coaches please arrange for drop off and pick up.
Bicycle racks available in the accessible car park.
The Accessible toilet is on the ground floor at the rear of the visitor centre. It is open 24/7. There is an emergency alarm button and automatic light activated by movement.
Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet on the ground floor, at the rear of the visitor centre.
The pathways around the reserve are level and well-maintained making it the perfect place for a stroll in nature with a pushchair.
Tramper all-terrain mobility scooters are available to hire for people with limited mobility. Please book in advance here as our Trampers are very popular.
All trails (except path to Lower Hide) are fully accessible, with passing places where paths are narrow. All hides are wheelchair accessible, although we request Trampers are not taken into hides due to space limitations.
We are delighted to be part of the Ways Around the Bay Tramper hire scheme, with the 3 Reserves Trail starting at Leighton Moss.
They are located on the ground floor of the visitor centre.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted here at any time.
Dogs on leads are welcome in the visitor centre in order to access the dog-friendly trail across the reserve.
Dogs are allowed in the car parks, along the Causeway, which is a public footpath and bridleway, and on designated path.
However, dogs are not allowed on the main reserve footpaths.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Recent sightings at Leighton Moss
Check out which species we've seen at Leighton Moss this week!
- 100+ Lapwings on the Morecambe and Allen pools seen 17 July
- 500+ Black-tailed Godwit seen 18 July on the Morecambe and Allen pools
- Lesser yellowlegs has been on the Morecambe and Allen pools for the last 10 days, still seen on 18 July
- Passage waders on the Morecambe and Allen pools include Whimbrel, Curlew sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Greenshank
- Lots of sightings of Bittern on all hides on the main reserve 18 July
- Resident Marsh Harriers on feeding flights, some young are active too seen best from Skytower or Lilian's Hide
- Visiting Osprey regularly fishing on Causeway, Lower and Lilian's pools, last seen 18 July
- On sunny days spot Hobby chasing dragonflies 16th July
- Otters spotted on Lilian's Pool and Red Deer with young seen from Tim Jackson and Grisedale hides 18 July
Plan your visit
Events at Leighton Moss
Group Bookings
Groups of 10 or more, please contact us at [email protected] to confirm details of your group and any specific arrangements you require.
We have an event space available for hire, suitable for groups of up to 40. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss details, costs and to make a booking.
We are happy to host university groups, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your requirements and costs. We can offer team members to give talks to students on specific topics about the conservation work of the RSPB at Leighton Moss.
Getting Here
Details of bus timetables here: Bus timetables - Lancashire County Council
Save nature while you staycation
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
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Contact Leighton Moss
[email protected] Leighton Moss, Myers Farm Storrs Lane, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 0SW 01524 701601