Spotlight On: RSPB Leighton Moss

Posted on: December 15, 2016

Carnforth is a rich and wonderful place to call home for a couple of weeks. The location of our caravan park in Lancashire is something that makes Old Hall caravan park such a special place, as we love how close to nature and the wonders of the natural world we are. One such spot close-by in Silverdale is the RSPB Leighton Moss reserve. It is an amazing site that brings many visitors throughout the year.

What attracts people to the wonderful expanse of Leighton Moss and what can you expect to find during your exploration of the area?

RSPB Leighton Moss

Bird hide, Leighton Moss RSPB, Lancashire, England

In 1964, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds took over the care of Leighton Moss, leasing and then buying it from the Leighton Hall estate. It has become a paradise for local bird species as it contains one of the largest reed beds in England. Over the years, it has gained status as an Important Bird Area, a Special Protection Area and even as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

Leighton Moss Webcam

Fortunately, if you want to have a glimpse of the wildlife before you ever step foot in Leighton Moss you can – through the amazing live webcam that the RSPB have set up in the area.

American Bittern standing in the marsh.

The reed bed where the camera is located, in a secret location, is full of thousands of creatures to spot. You just have to have an eagle eye! Of course, the camera is nothing in comparison to the real thing. Watching the feed for hours will never replace the feeling of exploring the park in real life, nor are you likely to see all of the amazing birds through a camera lens.

Local Bird Species

There is a wide and diverse collection of species that call Leighton Moss their home throughout the year. Some of the more interesting species to spot in this area include the bearded tit, avocet, bitten and the incredible marsh harrier.

Bearded reeding or tit, Panurus biarmicus

The bearded tit can be found year-round and is a beautiful small bird. Its true name is the bearded reedling, but the similarities that it holds with the long-tailed tit means that it has gained this more common nickname. The species is prevalent in Leighton Moss as it is a wetland specialist, breeding and building its nests in the tall reed beds. They are not migratory birds, so Britain has a steady population of around 500 pairs. A small orange-brown bird, it’s a remarkable sight on a morning walk through the beautiful reed bed.

Red deer stag

Of course, the reed beds are not home to birds alone. It is also home to the red deer. Once in decline, recent years have seen the conservation efforts bring this incredible creature back to plentiful numbers throughout England and Scotland. This animal is distinctive for its stunning red – as the name suggests – summer coat. This is replaced by a brown, thick, coat in the winter which you can spot on trees as spring approaches and they begin to shed it again. The king of the wild, these are incredible beasts to spot in their natural habitat!

Are you eager to get out onto the reserve and explore the amazing site for yourself? Get in touch to find out more about our caravan park in Lancashire facilities close to the wonder of nature! Simply call 01524 733276 to speak to a member of our friendly team who will be able to advise you further.

 

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