"The amount of different birds I encountered is great."
"Excellent large expanse of reed beds and marshland with an opportunity to see estuary and reed bed birds in a number of well appointed and cosy hides."
Cons:
"Don't bother visiting this site, fenced off, pay per view. Visit Neston or Heswall where you can enjoy the wildlife: curlews, egrets etc without having to pay for it."
"You need to be an RSPB member or pay a visit fee."
"Not the best time of year to visit for seeing the birds, but a very pleasant short walk."
"Presently the bird hides are closed off, due to covid."
"However there are some people who think they work at the place and have their own rules, it's just annoying and very awkward."
"Some of the pools have dried up due to the drought at the moment."
"A few of the hides were closed due to icy conditions & probably Covid."
Facilities & Accessibility
Pros:
"There is a very spacious car park."
"Boardwalks make it easy to get around the site."
"One of the best places to see bluebells (when in season), free carpark and toilets (even when main building closed)."
"Good facilities and simple refreshments too."
"There is a fabulous main building with a wood burning fire, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sandwiches."
"Well maintained walkways, great place to see birds like Avocets, rather a lot of walking for little ones but great for older children and adults."
"Great place to see Birds and Wildlife. Beautiful reedbeds with Hides and great access for wheelchairs with a comfortable viewing area!"
Cons:
"Beautiful views but not really catered to children. Whereas some have playgrounds this one didn't so baba was bored."
"Went with the family but got hounded most the time we were there to sign up to a monthly subscription after we had already paid to get in."
"You need a car to access the place as the road leading to it prohibits pedestrians."
"The only thing I disliked was the plea from the staff on arrival to buy a membership, I understand its a charity but it was a little awkward."
"The road down to the car park is a little narrow, probably quite tricky at a weekend."
"Most unfriendly experience, but not surprising unfortunately, considering the local RSPB's policy of trying to close areas that have been walked by locals, and cycled by locals for generations."
"If you have young children I would avoid this place with them as this is totally unsuitable as paths are not well maintained at all nettles hanging over the paths everywhere and no open space for them to run around."
Staff & Volunteers
Pros:
"Staff very helpful and friendly, lots of tips for beginners which is greatly appreciated."
"The staff here are very helpful, however we do get the same treatment every single time we go, which can slow down getting out onto the wetlands."
"The hides were busy with regulars who were all friendly."
"The facilities are excellent with helpful staff."
"Helpful, friendly staff."
"Friendly knowledgeable staff and volunteers."
Cons:
"The staff work very hard to keep up the Wetlands and surrounding areas."
"The manager needs to keep his temper in check under all circumstances. I have never been so embarrassed in my life. Megan needs to lower her voice also when dealing with customers."
"My partner and I were refused entry to the area outside the visitor centre / cafe, despite our explaining why we didn't want to leave the bikes, and there being loads of room for them to be tucked out of the way but remaining in sight."
"Only downside is they don't allow dogs."
"Such a shame that the RSPB is now teaching exclusivity and lack of understanding locally. Disappointing. We won't be returning to the RSPB centre."