Distance from Elms Farm Cottages: 7.3 miles, 11.8km

Frampton Marsh is set along the shore of The Wash, one of the largest estuaries in the UK. Extending between the counties of Norfolk and Lincolnshire, The Wash runs along the North Sea coast. This area is considered to be one of the most outstanding coastal wetlands in Europe, and has been designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) in accordance with EU legislation.

Home to an extensive range of salt marshes, mudflats, tidal banks and varying channels of water, The Wash is Britain’s most important estuary for birds. The area is teeming with birdlife, with over 150 species recorded here each year.

At Frampton Marsh, you can not only enjoy great views of the abundant birdlife inhabiting The Wash, you can also explore a variety of habitats within the reserve itself. Part of the most mature saltmarsh in The Wash, this popular RSPB site is home to freshwater pools, reedbeds, grassland and mudflats.

Birdwatching at Frampton Marsh

Frampton Marsh attracts hundreds of birds throughout the year, with huge numbers of migrant birds flocking here to feed on the rich supplies of food found in the sand, mud and freshwater. In summer, Avocets, Redshanks, Warblers and Skylarks can all be spotted here, alongside thousands of different ducks.

From autumn to winter, the reserve welcomes a plethora of rare bird species. The varied landscape provides feeding areas for a huge number of waders and wildfowl. In recent years, the reserve has welcomed over 45,000 wetland birds during the colder months.

To enable you to enjoy the most beautiful views, Frampton Marsh has a network of nature trails, and there are hides, benches and viewpoints dotted around the site. If you are keen to learn more about the resident wildlife, the reserve also run a programme of guided walks and events throughout the year.

Accessibility

The paths to the hides are level and smooth. There is a wheelchair accessible viewpoint overlooking the saltmarsh, which can be accessed via a ramp. The circular reedbed trail is fully accessible by wheelchair and mobility scooter. There are two mobility scooters available to hire for free from the Visitor Centre. These can be booked in advance by calling: 01205 724678 or emailing lincolnshirewashreserves@rspb.org.uk.

The Visitor Centre has a ramp, with handrails either side. There are two accessible toilets here, and five accessible parking spaces onsite. Registered service dogs are allowed in the Visitor Centre and on the reserve.

Distance from Elms Farm Cottages: 33.7 miles, 54.2km

Situated in South Collingham, Langford Lowfields is just over the border in Nottinghamshire. Originally a sand and gravel quarry, this thriving nature reserve is now an absolute haven for wildlife. Formed through a partnership between the RSPB and Tarmac, these former quarry pits were re-wilded to create a much-needed habitat for an abundance of threatened wildlife. Work first started on the site in 1989, and the reserve continues to grow today.

Now a flourishing wetland, a reedbed sits at the heart of the site, bordered by woodland and grassland. Due to the varied landscape, there are a diverse range of habitats here, from muddy islands to mature stands of reed. Over time, the reedbed will continue to develop, the woodland will spread, and the shrubbery will age, creating a permanent home for even more species.

As it sits alongside the River Trent, Langford Lowfields is a haven for wetland wildlife, welcoming Sand Martins, Cuckoos and Hobbies in the spring, and large Starling roosts, Bitterns and Barn Owls in the winter. Designated paths and trails will take you around the perimeter of the nature reserve, and there are plenty of strategically placed benches and viewing points to allow you to soak up the beautiful surroundings.

Accessibility

There is a small car park onsite, with one accessible space. The surfaced public footpath running from the car park up the eastern boundary of the site is most suitable for wheelchair users; the mown grass paths on the main visitor trails may also be suitable for motorised mobility scooter users on dry days. Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.

Distance from Elms Farm Cottages: 53.5 miles, 86.1km

Located in the Trent Valley in Nottinghamshire, Beckingham Marshes is a wet grassland and hay meadow reserve. Working with a local grazier, the RSPB created a wet grazing marsh to attract wetland wildlife to the area.

Now a thriving nature reserve, Beckingham Marshes has the perfect conditions for breeding wading birds, as well as water voles, dragonflies and amphibians.

The hedgerows that line the reserve provide a home for sparrows and Skylarks, and nesting sites for migrating birds in winter.

Accessibility

Due to the nature of the landscape, Beckingham Marshes is not currently wheelchair accessible, but Guide dogs are permitted.