The RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve is a wild and wonderful place. Situated in the shallow marshes that separate land from sea, this vast open landscape of reed beds, mudflats and lagoons is special. You would expect to see waders and wildfowl and you won't be disappointed.

Morecambe Bay is the second most important estuary in the UK: a quarter-of-a-million ducks and geese over-winter here. Even on a wet and windy January morning this place is teeming with wildlife.

There are the usual species for this wetland habitat mallard, tufted duck, coot, wigeon, teal and mute swan. You might even catch a glimpse of the reserve's most celebrated resident the extremely rare and very shy bittern. There are only three resident bitterns but wardens are predicting more will stop off for the winter from the continent to Scandinavia so now is a good time to visit.

More than 80 species of bird breed on the reserve. Scurrying about in the woodland fringes, hedges and feeding sites are finches, tits and thrushes keep your eyes open for the occasional hen harrier, merlin and sparrowhawk.

The facilities at Leighton Moss are excellent. There are eight hides - four with wheelchair access - all with fantastic views and a good place to shelter if the weather gets bad. The paths leading to the hides are of compacted gravel, generally on level ground and well maintained. The staff will go out of their way to help and when you want to take a break or have something to eat there is a well-stocked tearoom and shop.

Leighton Moss takes parties of visitors and even has its own education facilities.

Routes...

There are eight hides, four within easy walking distance of the Visitor Centre - ask the shop assistants for a copy of their colourful trail guides and information leaflets to decide where you want to go. There is a What's About' white board giving all the latest about what birds to look out for each day.

This route covers three of the four hides with ramp access. Starting at the visitor centre (1), head for the gravel path leading into the reserve there is a rather steep section right at the beginning it is passable for wheelchairs but if you need help just ask. Turning left takes you to Lilian's Hide (2) with views over open water and reedbeds. From here head back along the path following the stream on your left and reedbeds on your right turning left after about 400 metres towards Tim Jackson Hide (3) and then Griesdale Hide (4) about another 600 metres further on. You might also want to head over to the Public Hide (5) north east of the Visitor Centre. All the hides have well positioned viewing platforms and seats so you can take your time here and just enjoy the birds and scenery for as long as you like.

Getting there...

Leighton Moss is located next to Silverdale railway station just west of the village.

Bus: Kirkby Lonsdale Coaches run the 550 service from Kendal to Silverdale twice a day (call Traveline on 0870-608-2608 for details). There are also trains operating regularly between Carnforth and Barrow (call Rail enquiries 08457-484950 for details).

Information...

Overview: Compacted gravel paths suitable for accompanied wheelchair.

Gradient: Level paths across the reserve with one steep section at the beginning of the trails and gently ramps into the four hides with disability access mentioned above.

Distance: These are linear paths the return trip from Visitor Ccentre to Grisedale Hide and back again is only about 2km Time: Allow 1.5 hours more if you spend time in the hides.

Map Ref: OS Explorer OL (Outdoor Leisure) 7: The English Lakes, South-eastern area.

Grid Ref: 477752 Starting Point: At Visitor Centre (1).

Parking: There is a car park opposite the visitor centre. Access to the reserve is free if you arrive by public transport or bicycle. There is also free access for those accompanying wheelchair users. Otherwise the charges for non RSPB members are: £4.50 adults, £1 children, consessions £3.

Refreshments: Tearoom (access by electric chair lift) and shop.

Toilets: There are toilets, including disabled access toilets.

RSPB Leighton Moss contact details: Myers Farm, Silverdale, Carnforth, LA5 0SW. Tel: 01524-701601, fax: 01524-701958, e-mail Leighton.moss@rspb.org.uk, website information www.rspb.org.uk.