Everything you need to know to visit an RSPB reserve right now

We know how much you’re looking forward to getting back out into nature. We’re looking forward to seeing you! But please read through the following for crucial information about which of our reserves are currently open, restrictions that may be in place to keep everyone safe, and how you can help to protect vulnerable wildlife during your visit.

Planning your visit and keeping people safe

Before we open any reserve, our priority is to make sure that we have everything in place to keep our staff and visitors safe. We also need to take precautions to protect wildlife, especially as birds are currently nesting.

Please see below for which of our reserves are now open.

Before you travel

• The list of open reserves will be regularly updated below. To avoid disappointment, please check this page before starting your journey
• All hides, most toilets and visitor centres remain closed at this time. We'll begin to open these only when we're confident that it's safe to do so
• Please be aware that our sites have limited car parking, so can quickly become full
• Please follow all signage on reserves and be aware that new one-way systems, passing places and markings may be in place to help with social distancing
• Do stay local to your nearest reserves and green spaces
• Please follow the latest official advice on social distancing, hygiene and travel
• Some of our reserves will be operating shorter opening hours than usual
• Please make sure to follow Welsh Government guidelines when visiting a reserve in Wales
• In Scotland our paths are accessible in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and we're working hard to open up our facilities to welcome you back safely. You should also follow the latest Scottish Government advice on travel, physical distancing and hygiene
• Access to our island reserves may be restricted in line with ferry capacities, government advice and local restrictions. Please check with the relevant ferry company before you travel.

Open reserves

The following sites, their car parks and trails where applicable are now open. This list will be updated regularly so please check before visiting your local reserve, and follow all local government guidelines.

Helping wildlife out of the lockdown

Much of our wildlife has become used to the unusual peace and quiet over the last few weeks. As the lockdown lifts, we need your help to keep disturbance to a minimum. Here are some tips, both when visiting our reserves, and elsewhere in the wider countryside: 

1. Keep a look out – wildlife may have strayed into less sheltered places than usual. Tread cautiously on beaches, verges and paths.
2. Stick to paths and bridleways – you can easily disturb wildlife by veering off-route.
3. Keep dogs on leads in the open countryside and be mindful of areas that aren’t suitable for them - dogs can easily disturb ground-nesting birds and other wildlife.
4. Back away – sharp alarm calls, birds with full beaks or coming unusually near to you could mean you’re too close to chicks. Back up the way you came, being careful where you step.
5. Report anti-social behaviour – if you see anything suspicious, such as evidence of wildlife crime, fly-tipping or uncontrolled fires, report this to the relevant emergency service.

Thank you again for your continued support and patience. It really means a great deal to all of us at the RSPB. In the meantime, stay safe, keep following all government guidelines wherever you live, and we look forward to welcoming you back.