Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy

A COUPLE of weeks ago I visited Marton Mere near Blackpool.

From there I went off to Lytham St Annes where I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon birdwatching at the Ribble Discovery Centre at Fairhaven Lake.

This is open daily and free of charge and is run by the RSPB with support from Fylde Borough Council and North West Water.

At the centre (telephone number 01253 796292) there is a range of exciting things to do and is ideal for school visits. The centre will help with curriculum based activities but there is something for everyone including:

Guided walks to see the birds of the Ribble Estuary

Interactive displays

Games

A souvenir shop

Illustrated talks

Other aspects of the area in addition to birds

There is a heated classroom.

The Ribble Estuary is important on an international scale and some of the wader roosts are spectacular. The wildfowl counts are also of international significance.

There are more than 120 estuaries in Britain and in excess of 50 per cent are under heavy environmental pressure. Areas such as the Ribble are among those faring better than most but the Discovery Centre and others like it throughout Britain are playing a vital role. They focus attention on the rich wildlife which we all have to protect. Education provides a key role but each and every visitor who understands the Ribble Estuary will play their part in helping to preserve it.

At present large flocks of oyster catchers are building up while shelducks are a colourful feature. Black tailed godwits, dunlins and some turnstones are all seen, anglers know what skilful fishers they are.

The RSPB are to be congratulated on the efficiency of this centre which provides a warm welcome to everyone and has a display of spectacular photographs.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.