Overview

Thirty years ago this area of saltmarsh was reclaimed for agricultural use by building a sea wall to keep high tides out. This sea wall has now been breached to allow the original saltmarsh to reform. Aerial photographs of the original layout have been used as a blue print for excavating creeks and channels. The result is a 170 hectare RSPB reserve Hesketh Out Marsh which opened in October 2009.

The reserve is open from 8am to 6pm ( or dusk ). Entrance is free although donations are welcome. The reserve has one open sided hide ( Karen's viewpoint ) approximately 230 metres from the car park which affords excellent views out across the saltmarsh and towards the Ribble Estuary. There is a footpath running south along the coast past Banks Marsh eventually emerging at Crossens pumping station. Other footpath access around the reserve perimeter is restricted however because of safety concerns as he area floods in high tides. There are however guided walks. The reserve also owns farmland to the immediate north of the Saltmarsh. Corn stubble being left to encourage wintering geese. Views of this site are possible taking a short walk to the northern edge of the reserve. Hesketh Out Marsh is an unmanned site however further information is available at either Marshside RSPB or Lytham Discovery Centre.

Access

From Southport travel to Banks and then take Shore Road north towards Hesketh Bank. From Preston travel to Hesketh Bank and then take Shore Road south towards Banks. On Shore Road look out for Dib Road which is a private road providing access to a small carpark on the reserve.

Shore Road provides the '2' and 'X2' bus routes between Southport and Preston.

Birds

As a new saltmarsh reserve Hesketh Out Marsh looks a promising site in the winter for Pink Footed Geese, Golden Plover and Wigeon. Summer sees it providing nesting sites for Redshank and Oyster Catcher.

Opportunities for rarer species have already materialised with sightings of a Great White Egret.