Bird PlacesCauseway Hide
step-freeseats 30
South over the central meres
Often seen: Bittern, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier
RSPB reserve · Silverdale, Lancashire
Leighton Moss birdwatching guide
Leighton Moss holds the largest reedbed in north-west England, ringed by limestone hills on the edge of Morecambe Bay. Bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers breed, otters show daily, and the nine-metre Skytower gives a heron's-eye view over the whole marsh.
Key facts
- Habitat
- wetland
- Size
- 130 ha
- Entry fee (adult)
- £11.00
- Entry fee (child)
- £5.50
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- 7
- Wheelchair access
- Yes
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- 150m to the nearest hide
- Toilets
- Yes
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- spring, autumn, winter
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | frequent | — |
| spring | Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) | common | — |
| autumn | Bearded Tit (Panurus biarmicus) | common | Grit trays by the causeway give point-blank views |
| winter | Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) | frequent | — |
| winter | Great White Egret (Ardea alba) | frequent | — |
Hides at Leighton Moss
Causeway Hide
Getting there
Storrs Lane, Silverdale, Silverdale, Lancashire, LA5 0SW
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Reserve 9am–dusk; visitor centre 9:30am–5pm
Frequently asked questions
What is the Skytower at Leighton Moss?
A nine-metre viewing tower above the reedbed — the only one of its kind on an RSPB reserve, and superb for watching harriers.
Are there grit trays for bearded tits?
Yes — in October and November bearded tits visit grit trays beside the causeway path, often down to a few metres.
Explore more
Information last updated 25 June 2026.