Overview
Situated on Marine Drive ( the coast road ) in Southport this 272 acre reserve comprises of two hides Sandgrounders overlooking Suttons Marsh and Nell's overlooking Rimmer's Marsh. There is also a viewing platform overlooking Fairclough's pool and a number of viewing screens. The reserve comprises of two main habitats. Marsh land and pools on the inland side of Marine Drive and salt marsh on the seaward side. There is parking adjacent to the old sand works and from here it is possible to follow Marine Drive on foot to visit both hides and to view the numerous pools and the saltmarsh. A complete circuit of the reserve is also possible if you make use of the footpaths that follow the inland edge of the reserve. Looking out to sea from the northern edge of the reserve also allows views across Crossens Out Marsh towards the Ribble Estuary. It is also possible starting at Crossens pumping station at the northern tip of the reserve to follow the footpath alongside Banks Marsh eventually arriving at the new reserve at Hesketh Out Marsh.
Both hides are open 8.30am to 5pm daily. Access is free although RSPB membership and donations are encouraged. Sandgrounder's hide is staffed by volunteers and contains a daily log book of birds seen on the reserve. There are also toilet facilities at Sandgrounders.
Access
From Southport follow the A565 Marine Drive ( Coast road ) north and park at the car park ( free parking) adjacent to the old sand works. From Preston follow Marine Drive from the plough roundabout.
Public transport is possible using train services from Manchester or Liverpool and then the 44 or 104 bus routes which stop on Marshside Road.
Birds
Winter sees impressive wildfowl numbers with 10,000 Pink Footed Geese, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Gadwall and Shelduck. Waders include Golden Plover, Lapwing, Black Tailed Godwit, Redshank, Ruff, Snipe and Dunlin. Raptors include Kestrel, Merlin, Buzzard, Peregrine, Short Eared and Barn Owl. Linnet, Skylark and Twite frequent the saltmarsh.
Summer sees large numbers of breeding Avocet ( usually seen close to Sandgrounders), Redshank and Lapwing. Little Egrets frequent the various pools and Wheatears, Pied Wagtail, House and Sand Martins and Swallows are passage birds.
Marshside has a recorded list of over 250 species. Since 2008 this has included Glossy Ibis, Long Billed Dowitcher, Wilsons Phalarope and Green Winged Teal.
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