Hayle Estuary

The reserve comprises a mix of estuary, tidal pools and marsh in and around the Cornish town of Hayle. 

Up to 18,000 migrant and wintering waterfowl flock to the Hayle estuary – especially during severe weather, when conditions here may be milder than elsewhere in the UK. But the reserve is under severe pressure from urban development and recreational activities. The RSPB is helping to safeguard the site as a refuge for birds and for its wider biodiversity.

We're working to maintain the inter-tidal habitat as a feeding and roosting refuge for wintering waterfowl, gulls and waders - working with local authorities and liaising with developers.

We're managing Ryan's Field as a high-tide roost for water birds by reducing disturbance and controlling visitor access. We've created a saline lagoon and islands, some of which are covered in shingle to attract roosting and nesting birds.

We're conducting ongoing research into the effects of visitor disturbance and habitat management on birds and other wildlife.

In cold winters, as many as 18,000 birds have been seen here, because this most south westerly estuary in the UK never freezes. During spring and autumn, it is an ideal place to see migrant wading birds, gulls and terns. In summer, if you are lucky, you may catch sight of an osprey. The reserve is good for walking, with pushchair-friendly paths.

The site has SSSI status in order to protect wintering wildfowl and waders.