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

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

A man viewing RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve through binoculars from the hide.
Leighton Moss
Download our trail map

Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.

A person viewing the panorama of Leighton Moss nature reserve through binoculars.
RSPB Leighton Moss
Events at Leighton Moss

Discover exciting events at Leighton Moss. Join us for guided walks, moth workshops, local makers markets and more this summer!

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.

New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.

Contact Leighton Moss