RSPB Marshside Reserve

Website: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/marshside/

Visitor Centre open 

• Autumn/Winter opening hours: 8.30am-4pm (1 November-1 March)
• Spring/Summer opening hours: 8.30am-5pm (2 March-31 October).

RSPB Marshside nature reserve is a fantastic wetland site north of Southport town centre. The reserve boasts some of the best wildlife in the region with amazing viewing opportunities all year round.

The reserve is free, is open all year and is easily accessible by cycle, train and bus, The visitor centre has volunteers on hand to help identify the birds and other wildlife.

Cycle routes
A series of leisure cycle routes have been developed around the reserve. These dedicated cycle routes are ideal for less experienced cyclists and for families who want to enjoy a ride together as the routes have been carefully selected and are well sign posted.

From Southport centre, cross the promenade using the Marine Parade Bridge to reach the sea wall. The cycle path along the sea wall leads to Hesketh Road where the reserve begins. The cycle path continues along Marine Drive with views across the reserve and the salt marsh.

Bikes can be hired at the Southport Eco Centre (Esplanade Park and Ride).

By train
From Southport (Chapel Street Station) - follow London Street till it joins Lord Street, go straight across Lord Street, down Nevill Street to the Promenade; turn right to follow Marine Lake to its northern end; turn left onto Fairway and then right on to Marine Drive. The reserve begins at Hesketh Road after 1.8 miles (2.8 km). Total distance 2.7 miles (4.3 km) to the visitor centre.

By bus
Please check local timetables for the latest information.

The visitor centre has hides, a viewing platform and two viewing screens.  Surfaced paths are available from the car park on Marine Drive to the visitor centre and hide, with additional unsurfaced paths available around the rest of the reserve.