RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands in Cheshire named one of the RSPB’s top sites to visit this autumn

The UK’s largest nature conservation charity, the RSPB, has revealed it’s “top ten spectacular autumn nature reserves” to visit this September, as people across the country look to escape the everyday with a staycation.

With over 200 nature reserves across the country, the charity are celebrating the wonderful autumn season by inviting people to spend time in nature – whether it’s a relaxing stroll through swaying reeds, a crunchy walk through fallen leaves and mystical woodland, or a peaceful sunset over a mosaic of habitats.

The outdoors, and the wildlife that calls it home, bought solace in much needed times during the Covid-19 crisis, with over half of people in the UK turning to and noticing the nature around them more during the pandemic, according to YouGov ⁽¹⁾. Now, the charity hopes that this connection to nature can grow, with more people seeking time in nature to refresh, relax and look after their wellbeing.

Speaking of the charity’s shortlist of autumn nature reserves, the RSPB’s Becca Smith said: “Whether it’s close to home or further afield, making time to incorporate nature into your staycation this autumn can really help you to recharge your batteries.

A visit to one of our fantastic reserves can help you do just that. With plenty on offer from winding paths and family fun trails, to wildlife spectacles, vast landscape panoramas, cosy cafés, and shops packed with gifts and treats for any nature enthusiast, there is something for everyone to enjoy this September.”

Right here in Cheshire, RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve has been crowned one of the RSPB’s best places to visit this autumn for its mosaic of autumn colours and wide panoramic views of the Dee Estuary.

Get your boots on for a brisk walk to Burton Point for spectacular views of the landscape from higher ground or discover trails through gorgeous orange tipped woodland and swaying reedbeds. Stroll along the reserve’s trails to witness the reeds undergoing their dramatic transformation; turning from green to a mix of colours as the seed heads turn purple and the stems turn to glorious gold.

Making the top ten list alongside nature reserves from across the country, visitors may also spot little egrets roosting in the trees, or pink footed-geese and marsh harriers feeding across the wetlands.

Joining RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, were nine other RSPB reserves in the top ten spectacular autumn nature reserves list, including:

• RSPB Exe Estuary, Devon
• RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Sussex
• RSPB Rainham Marshes, Essex
• RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk
• RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk
• RSPB Sandwell Valley, West Midlands
• RSPB St Aidan’s Nature Park, West Yorkshire
• RSPB Salthome, North Yorkshire
• RSPB Leighton Moss, Lancashire

To find your nearest RSPB nature reserve, or to explore what it has to offer from Marazion Marsh near Land’s End in Cornwall, to Fetlar in Shetland, visit:

rspb.org.uk/reserves

Pictured - A sunset at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands. (Credit: Paul Jubb)