Marshside

Please note that Southport Triathlon will take place on the morning of Sunday, 17 May 2026.

Marine Drive will be closed from 06.30h to 13.00h between the Plough Roundabout (on the A565) at Crossens and the Coastal Road at Ainsdale. During this period there will be no vehicle access to the reserve carpark.

The reserve itself, Sandgrounders' Visitor Centre and Nel’s hide will be accessible on foot as normal.

This fantastic wetland site is located north of Southport town centre and has some of the best wildlife in the region, with amazing year round viewing opportunities. We have three fantastic trails to follow here, which take you past saltmarsh, pools and right into the estuary itself.

In the summer, you'll spot nesting birds like Avocets and Lapwings, which nest on the islands. Look out for feisty Lapwings chasing predators that come too close to their nests in the spring.

In winter, the skies fill with Pink-footed Geese and Wigeons. On the arrival of a Kestrel or a Peregrine, huge flocks of Golden Plovers, Wigeons and Lapwings rise up, panicking at the predator's arrival.