A chance to learn

Gibraltar Point is more than just a haven for wildlife and walkers - it’s an educational hotspot too.

Teaching packages from Key Stage 1 right through to AS and A2 level are available, making it the perfect place for children and older students to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area.

Officially-recognised activities, knowledgeable staff and endless opportunities to study animal, plant and insect life up close combine to almost make Gibraltar Point’s Wash Study Centre a school in its own right!

Staff at the reserve will come up with a suitable programme for any age group, although teachers and group leaders are given an input as well, to ensure the lesson is both informative and as enjoyable as possible.

There’s also residents’ accommodation on site, making the reserve just as suited to several-day stays as it is to field trips lasting just a few hours.

Our feathered friends

Thirteen species of bird are known to frequent the varied landscape of Gilbratar Point at different periods throughout the year.

Some number highest in the winter, while others are so rare that you’d be very lucky to even catch a glimpse.

The oystercatcher is perhaps the most often noticed bird at the reserve, because its black and white plumage and long beak makes it somewhat distinctive. It’s a wading bird and can be seen in abundance in September at high tide.

The knot is another bird to be found often in large numbers. Large flocks will glide and veer through the air in their thousands, making it easy to know if you’ve seen them! September and October are the peak times to catch these remarkable creatures as they flock to the British Isles from their breeding grounds high in the Arctic.

Among the other species - although one seen far less frequently - is the shorelark. Its declining numbers mean you might just spot a few dozen in the saltmarsh areas during the winter.

Why not let us know if you’ve spotted a species that isn’t listed above…?

More than meets the eye

It’s widely known that if you travel to the far end of Gibraltar Road, you’ll reach the visitor centre at Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve.

But fewer people know about the peaceful and highly effective opportunity for birdwatching that exists a little over half way along.

There’s a small pay-and-display car park on the left, from which you can walk through wooded areas and either continue to the beach or stop off at any of three purpose-built bird hides which overlook both The Mere and Fenland Lagoon.

Across the other side of the main road lie another two bird hides providing a view of Tennyson’s Sands, while further along, almost at the far end, is another hide at the Syke’s Farm Nature Reserve Office.

These hides are the perfect locations at which to sit down, have a breather and enjoy the many varied species of bird that populate the reserve - and maybe even bring a flask to have a cup of tea while you’re there!

Check out the Lincolnshire Trust’s Gibraltar Point map by clicking here.

We’d love to see any photos you might have taken from any of Gibraltar Point’s bird hides - just use our Join In link to send them to us!