LEIGHTON Moss Nature Reserve near Silverdale has suffered set-backs to its ambitious development plans, after a deluge caused extensive flooding.

September's rainfall of 180 millimetres was three times the average monthly rainfall and work on a new reed-bed had to be halted when increasing water levels began to turn it into a quagmire.

Also, external refurbishment on the reserve's visitor and education centre was interrupted.

However, the main concern is for the birds.

Robin Horner, senior warden at Leighton Moss, said: "We will have to see whether the seemingly constant rainfall has had any effect on the birds.

"While most don't seem to be bothered at the moment, sustained periods of wet weather can sometimes affect the survival of young fledged birds."