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Description
Blacktoft Sands is located on the south bank of the River Ouse, where the waterway widens to become the Humber Estuary. Reedbed covers much of the site and it is Englands largest intertidal reedbed, home to Western Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit and Great Bittern. Six shallow saline lagoons provide good birding throughout the year. An area of grazing marsh provides a home for wildfowl and waders through the autumn and spring and includes a large seasonally flooded area. A small area of mudflat, which is not accessible, provides a safe roosting area for large numbers of European Golden Plover and Northern Lapwing. Scrub between the hides attracts a great variety of warblers and a thriving colony of Eurasian Tree Sparrow.
Blacktoft is a great place to see Western Marsh Harrier with up to 40 roosting in the reedbed in the winter and breeding birds during the spring and summer. Winter roost often include Hen Harrier, Merlin and Barn Owl. During the summer and autumn months many waders can be seen including Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff. In spring up to eight species of warbler can be heard singing. Also booming Great Bittern in the mornings and evenings. Avocet arrive back in early March start nesting in April. Eurasian Spoonbill have become a regular summer visitor.
Details
Access
From Goole, take the A161 road to Swinefleet, turn left at the mini roundabout in Swinefleet, turn right at the next T junction and follow the minor road for the next five miles through Reedness, Whitgift and Ousefleet. About 0.5 km out of Ousefleet heading towards Adlingfleet, turn left into the reserve car park. With bus: The Number 360/361 bus from Goole stops at the reserve entrance.
There is an entrance fee of £5 (free for RSPB members).