W
L
CREDIT: DAVID MORRIS
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO AT THE RSPB
DEE ESTUARY IN 2019
The RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve celebrates its 40th
anniversary in 2019, and in that time has become one of the best
places for wildlife in the region. From family-friendly walks, to
photography, birdwatching and delicious refreshments in Burton
Mere Wetlands’ visitor centre, there’s an outdoor adventure
waiting for everyone at one of the RSPB’s largest and most
diverse nature reserves. colder months, plus there’s always a warm welcome from the staff
and volunteer team all year round. From here alone, it’s possible to
see kingfishers, marsh harriers and in the spring glimpse the fluffy
chicks of some of the most important breeding wading birds like
avocets and lapwings from the minute they hatch.
The well-known nature conservation charity first purchased an
area of saltmarsh and mudflats the size of 2000 football pitches at
Parkgate in 1979. Doing so created a protected area for the tens
of thousands of water birds that flock to the estuary from Arctic
regions, to spend the cold winter months in the UK. Their numbers
had been falling there during the preceding years and were at
further risk from proposed development and disturbance. The reserve is teeming with ever growing families in spring - with
baby mallards, mute swans and blue tits everywhere, but something
special Burton Mere Wetlands is renowned for is its thriving
colony of little egrets in the treetops of Marsh Covert. Having first
appeared in this area a little over two decades ago, numbers have
swelled to a remarkable 84 breeding pairs, and peak numbers of
almost 400 birds in late summer. The location of their nests makes
them difficult to see once the trees have come into leaf, but their
strange gargling chatter through April and May is what fascinates
visitors the most. The best time to see the egrets is in early summer
when the young birds gather in their dozens on pools close to their
nests, learning how to catch fish and frogs to eat.
Since securing the initial part of the reserve on the estuary,
originally known as Gayton Sands, the RSPB land holdings have
expanded significantly, particularly around the village of Burton,
four miles from Parkgate.
In 2011, visitor facilities were opened at Burton Mere Wetlands,
and since then, the RSPB has welcomed almost a quarter of a
million visits from people wanting to experience the nature that
makes its home on the estuary. The welcoming attraction serves
as the beating heart of the wide and wild expanse of tidal habitat
spanning the Cheshire-Flintshire border that is one of Europe’s
most important wetlands for wildlife.
Various locations near Neston on the Wirral peninsula offer access
to experience unrivalled wildlife spectacles, so if you are looking
for something different this year, why not try one of these fantastic
experiences and enjoy the fruits of 40 years of dedicated nature
conservation on the Dee Estuary?
ENJOY A BREW WITH A VIEW
The visitor centre boasts panoramic views across the vibrant reserve
with a backdrop of the Clwydian Hills in Wales. As well as being
a great spot to sit and watch wildlife, it also makes it one of the
best places to enjoy a brew with a view – or more, given the RSPB
sell delicious locally made sandwiches and a variety of fairtrade
snacks. It’s kept cosy with an eco-friendly wood pellet stove in the
22 wirrallife.com
HEAR THE EGRET ORCHESTRA
BATHE IN BLUEBELLS
The reserve is not all about the wetland wildlife, also boasting areas
of semi-natural ancient woodland and wildlife-friendly farmland.
Part of the woodland springs into life in April with one of the best
bluebell carpets in the local area, and a nature trail taking visitors
into the heart of the hue. At this time of year, the trees are alive with
the constant trill of birdsong, making it all the more tranquil to
admire or photograph the flowers.
CONNECT YOUR KIDS TO NATURE
As well as exciting walks of discovery, there’s plenty more for
families to enjoy here. A rustic wild play area in Gorse Covert is
great for den building, and there’s always a seasonal self-guided
quiz trail to follow. Even better, you can hire an explorer backpack
from the visitor centre, which contains everything needed to head
out on a bug hunting mission, plus some mini binoculars and other
intriguing equipment for kids to get closer to nature. Why not
register your family for the RSPB Wild Challenge? With over 30
activities to do at home and out in your local wild space, there will
always be something for you to explore.