Ribble Estuary NNR
Ribble Estuary NNR is the most important site in the UK for wintering wildfowl.
County: Lancashire & Merseyside
Main habitats: Coastal
Area: 4520 Ha
Link to site map: Nature on the Map
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The reserve occupies over half of the total area of the Ribble estuary, including extensive areas of mud and sand flats and almost all of the saltmarsh habitat - one of the largest single areas of saltmarsh in England.
In light of its importance the reserve has been declared a Ramsar site and a Special Protection Area (SPA).
The estuary provides an important link in the chain of wetland sites in western Europe, supporting over 100,000 ducks, geese and swans. In the winter the site is home to around 150,000 waders and is an internationally important refuge for 16 bird species.
In the summer the saltmarshes support large numbers of breeding birds including black-headed gull, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull, common tern and redshank. Skylark, meadow pipit and linnet nest in significant numbers on the grazing marsh.
Management of the site involves grazing the saltmarsh with cattle and sheep to maintain the short sward on which wintering wildfowl (especially wigeon and pink-footed geese) depend.
The main area of saltmarsh is grazed by over 700 cattle from April to September, forming one of the largest single herds of cattle in the UK. Wildfowling also takes place on much of the reserve and improved management of this activity has contributed to the increase in the number of birds visiting the site.
The best times to visit the site are in autumn and winter, to see the wintering birds.
Please note that, due to the fragility of the saltmarsh and mudflats, access to the site is restricted to public rights of way.
Location and access
The reserve is 7 km west of Preston and includes land on both sides of the Ribble Estuary: as far as Lytham, on the northern bank, and Crossens (near Marshside), on the southern bank.
By car, access is via minor roads from the A584 (northern bank) and A59 (southern bank). The two most accessible car parks are at Lytham, and on the Marshside coastal road.
The nearest train stations are in Preston, Lytham and Southport (5 km to the south west) served by Northern Rail. Local bus services are provided by Stagecoach Northwest.
A major trail, the Lancashire Coastal Way runs along the northern bank of the estuary. The northern bank can also be accessed via Route 62 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns. Leaflets and signs are provided for visitor information.
The RSPB's Ribble Discovery Centre (at Fairhaven Lake, 5 km west of Lytham) is open to school groups.
Ribble Estuary Management Plan – Have your say
Read the management plan consultation documents part 1: (421kb)
and part 2: (250kb). This is a summary of the full plan not including the detailed description of each management activity.Make your comments on the online form. This will guide you through the review process and direct you to the key areas.
If you have any difficulties contact Alice Kimpton, Senior Reserve Manager Wirral to Wyre Team 01704 578774.
Thank you for your support.
