An area of Lancashire has been named one of the UK’s top 10 bird havens in a list by Countryfile.

Introducing the list, Countryfile said: “Our guide to find the best birdlife, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.”

Leighton Moss in Lancashire features in the list alongside the likes of Loch Gruinart on Islay, Snettisham in Norfolk and South Stack Cliffs in Anglesey.

Why Leighton Moss is one of the UK’s best bird havens

Countryfile described Leighton Moss as “secretive reedland”, adding: “Leighton Moss is the most reliable RSPB site for otter sightings, safeguards diverse habitats along Morecambe Bay.”

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For those wanting to visit, Countfile outlined what to expect from the bird haven: “Ospreys and hobbies arrive in summer, and the saltmarsh teems with breeding avocets, spoonbills, and over 2,000 black-tailed godwits.

“Winter walks reveal nuthatches, redpolls, marsh tits and, if you're lucky, marsh harriers, while the reedbeds host 50,000 starlings, bearded tits, and booming bitterns.”

You can see the full list of the UK’s best bird havens via the Countryfile website.

The RSPB website shares further details about Leighton Moss, saying: “Leighton Moss is home to the largest reed bed in north-west England. This sweeping expanse provides shelter to a spectacular range of wildlife including Otters, Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers, egrets and Red Deer. Why not come and see for yourself?

“Set against the shores of the nearby Morecambe Bay, this Lancashire nature reserve is a wetland paradise where wild creatures roam reedbeds, mudflats, coastal marsh and saltwater lagoons. Explore a bit further and you will also find pockets of woodland and limestone grasslands.

“The team at Leighton Moss works to make sure the different habitats are places where nature can thrive. The reedbeds need to be extensively cut back in summer and winter to create ideal conditions for Bearded Tits, Otters, Bitterns and wintering wildfowl. We also monitor and manage the water levels all year round.

“We have increased the size of the reedbeds in recent years, adding a further 200 hectares. Our inner marshes are grazed by cattle to create suitable conditions for these birds throughout the year.

“The limestone grassland and woodland is managed by putting cattle out to graze and rotating when we cut back trees, to provide a mix of established trees and new growth.”

On Tripadvisor, RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve has received a 4.5-star rating from 484 reviews.

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One visitor said: “Another fabulous day at this reserve. We first visited with the children when they were aged 9 to 12. Now they are in their late 30s/early 40s we are still coming. It never fails to impress and again this year we were not disappointed.

“Ospreys, warblers, dragonflies, marsh harriers to name a few. We love the cafe and the upgrades are fantastic. No bitterns or spoonbills this year but never mind.There’s always next year.”

Another commented: “A beautiful day out, perfect for all. Good paths for anyone with mobility issues. Some excellent views from the various platforms.

“We had the opportunity to see some spectacular wildlife. Lovely to see it fairly busy, good parking available. Cafe is located upstairs.”