Discover nature when you need it most

Welcome back

The signs of spring are all around us, the days are getting longer and we are seeing the return of vibrant colours and ever more active wildlife. For many of us the best way to see the change of seasons is at a nature reserve. An experience that, due to lockdown, has not been possible.

Across the UK our governments are beginning the process of lifting restrictions and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our reserves.

With positive news about vaccinations and infection rates there will be a temptation to rush to get back to normal, however it is important to heed the warnings of health professionals that it will take time.

So, as government advice changes in your area please check our individual reserve pages prior to your visit.

We are looking forward to welcoming new and familiar faces to our reserves. If you are looking for a place to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air and rediscover our natural world then you, your friends and your family why not plan a visit to your local reserve?

If you have never been to a nature reserve before, or would like to invite someone to visit for the first time then five simple steps could make all the difference in helping our wildlife as we ease out of lockdown and get back into the countryside.

1. Stay Alert - any habitat can be a home for wildlife and many of our most vulnerable species are very good at hiding themselves in plain sight. Beaches are home to threatened ground nesting birds like little terns and ringed plover, while seals have been choosing to rest at popular spots during lockdown. Even the grass verges next to paths could be hiding skylark or meadow pipit chicks!

2. Stick to paths and bridleways – the simplest way to give nature space is to keep to the spaces we usually use most, so please do stay on the amazing network of public footpaths and bridleways.

3. Keep dogs on leads in the open countryside – They might be man’s best friend but for vulnerable chicks, a dog bounding through a nest can pose a real threat. Keeping your dog on a lead in the open countryside will help protect both wildlife and livestock. Heathlands are home to ground nesting rare nightjar and woodlark, which can be easily disturbed by dogs off leads.

4. Back away if you disturb a breeding species. Short, sharp alarm calls, birds with full beaks or coming unusually near to you usually mean you are too close to young, which can often be very well hidden even if they are almost underfoot! If you see any of this behaviour, you should back up the way you came to avoid any risk of disturbing or injuring young, being careful to watch where you tread.

5. Report bad behaviour – If you notice anything suspicious going on in your local countryside, such as evidence of wildlife crime, fly-tipping or uncontrolled fires, then please do report this to your local wildlife crime officer using the police 101 number.

With some restrictions still in place, we would also ask you to scroll down and check the map for the latest information on what reserves and facilities are available.

The map below shows which RSPB reserves and facilities are closed at the moment.

We strongly urge you to visit your most local nature reserves and green spaces only. You don’t currently need to pre-book your visit, but please be aware that some of our sites have limited car parking, so can quickly become full. Be mindful of this before you set off and do consider visiting at a less busy time or having an alternative destination if needed when you get there.

Keeping everyone safe

We want to let you know how we are responding to the changing Covid-19 situation. Our priority is to keep you and our teams safe. If you visit, you’ll notice we’ve made some changes.

When it comes to which facilities are open on reserves, each site has been considered on an individual basis. We have looked at what it is possible to keep open across the UK, within country-specific Government guidance, the layout of facilities, and the staffing we have available to manage the site safely.

We also take precautions to protect our special wildlife.

Thank you

We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and patience at this challenging time. It really means a great deal to us. Our work on reserves and across the RSPB is only possible thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters like you.

Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon.