New bus service launching this summer, with access to WWT Slimbridge. Find out more.

Close alert

Latest sightings

Marsh Harrier

Marsh Harrier

Look out for the Marsh Harrier around the Dumbles and Top New Piece, from the Zeiss Hide

4 October 2019

Next sign of winter?

Next sign of winter?

The first Pochard of the winter season were on the Rushy this morning, a sure sign winter is on its way as birds start to arrive and slot in to their winter routines, although they are still a few weeks too early for the wheelbarrow to arrive!

3 October 2019

Work continues

Work continues

If you have visited the reserve recently you will no doubt have noticed lots of work taking place around the Tack Piece and fields to the north.

2 October 2019

Another big tide

Another big tide

The height of the tides for the next few days have been revised upwards so the Dumbles was underwater again this morning, pushing birds into the Zeiss Hide and off the estuary.

30 September 2019

Severn floods the Dumbles

Severn floods the Dumbles

A very high tide flooded the foreshore and Dumbles, creating perfect conditions for birds, at least 3000 birds were feeding here after tide had dropped. We have an even bigger tide forecast tomorrow. Best place to view is from the Sheperd's Hut hide or fr

29 September 2019

High Tide

High Tide

A good high tide covered all the mud banks and pushed a lot of waders onto the scrapes. The tide is due to get higher over the next 2 days and may well come over the Dumbles, Top of the tides will be 09.30 tomorrow and 10.15 on Monday.Zeiss HideA great se

28 September 2019

Friday showers

Friday showers

​The day has seen showers sweeping up the estuary, some being very heavy. Star birds from the last few days remain plus a stunning male Goshawk hunting Teal from the Zeiss Hide.

27 September 2019

Black Tern still here

Black Tern still here

The juvenile Black Tern was back on the South Lake this morning, having briefly been seen on the Rushy first thing.

26 September 2019

Not yet Spotted Redshank

Not yet Spotted Redshank

The Spotted Redshank was very elusive today, heard first thing over the car park and then later in the morning over the South Lake

25 September 2019

Autumn showers

Autumn showers

The weather has certainly broken down with lots of heavy showers, more like what we would associate with a typical autumn. The water is much needed across the reserve but seeing as we still have plenty of wetland creation excavations ongoing and more hay

24 September 2019

Monday sightings

Monday sightings

Highlights from the hides and trails includedRushy HideOne Green Sandpiper, 16 Gadwall, 12 Teal, Grey Wagtail, 7 Wigeon + hybrid male, 3 Shoveler, Black-tailed Godwit.Top New Piece/Zeiss Hide1 Avocet, 9 Ruff (inc leg flagged bird), 120 Lapwing, Spotted Re

23 September 2019

Osprey through

Osprey through

An Osprey was seen to arrive from the Severn before heading off inland across the Tack Piece today.Other highlights includedMiddle Point/Severn Estuary127 Wigeon, 16 Pintail, 201 Ringed Plover (many scattered flocks), 86 Dunlin, 103 Red Knot, 256 Curlew,

22 September 2019

Another still September day

Another still September day

The high pressure is keeping things settled here, clear sunny days make for good light and viewing.Rushy HideA couple fo Dunlin were unusual here today and were joined by 2 Snipe, 13 Black-tailed Godwit, 94 Teal and a juvenile Garganey on the lower pond.

18 September 2019

Increase in Teal and Red Knot arrival

Increase in Teal and Red Knot arrival

A decent sign of autumnal migration this morning with at least 1061 Teal counted on the scrapes. Another notable count involved a large flock of Red Knot with at least 158 coming to the Top New Piece over high tide and another 38 heading in to join them.

16 September 2019

WeBS count and Cattle Egrets again

WeBS count and Cattle Egrets again

At least two Cattle Egret remained on site today, one was seen early morning on the South Lake with two again among the Longhorn Cattle on the Top New Piece. The adult Spotted Redshank (pictured) has returned and was on the Tack Piece scrape, we have allo

15 September 2019