RSPB Mersehead Reserve

Nature Centres & Reserves

Royal Society For The Protection Of Birds, Mersehead Nature Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, DG2 8AH

Tel: +44 (1387) 780579

Add RSPB Mersehead Reserve to your Itinerary

RSPB Mersehead Reserve

Situated on the scenic north shore of the Solway coast, RSPB Mersehead Reserve is an extensive wetland and saltmarsh area and haven for breeding waders, wintering waterfowl and year-round bird and wildlife-watching.

Discover the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of wetlands and coast in one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas. Stroll along the nature trails and use the viewing hides to explore at your own pace. Hot drinks and ice cream are available in the visitor centre, where you can view sparrows, finches and buntings like yellowhammer and reed bunting visit a feeding station. Also, family activities and events are available all year round. The visitor centre is open all year round (10am to 5pm in summer, 10am to 4pm wintrer) with hides and trails open from dawn to dusk.

Spring is particularly magical, when the wet meadows fill with lapwings and skylarks, not to mention butterflies and wild flowers. The coastal walk follows an idyllic shoreline with sand dunes and a large, tidal sand flat. You might also see a roe deer or very rare natterjack toads. In autumn, thousands of barnacle and pink-footed geese start to arrive for the winter, creating a not-to-be-missed spectacle.

Gradings

  • 4 Wildlife Experience
4 Wildlife Experience

Awards

  • AccessibilityAssisted wheelchair access Assisted wheelchair access 2012

Opening Times

Open All Year
2013 Opening Times (01/01/2013 - 31/12/2013)

Explore More

  1. Oakwood Lodge (Colvend Coast)

    Oakwood Lodge (Colvend Coast)

    Situated in a secluded woodland setting with breathtaking views over the beautiful Solway Coast...

    1.08 miles away
  2. Little Solway

    Little Solway

    Overlooking the beautiful Solway Firth and the Cumbrian Hills, this is a comfortable and...

    1.22 miles away
  3. Galloway Country Cottages

    Galloway Country Cottages

    Located in Sandyhills Bay on the beautiful Solway Coast, these luxury self-catering holiday lodges...

    2.36 miles away
  1. Sandyhills Bay Leisure Park (inc. Holiday Homes)

    Sandyhills Bay Leisure Park (inc. Holiday Homes)

    Combining the best of seaside and countryside, this park is situated in an area of outstanding...

    2.57 miles away
  2. Merrick

    Merrick

    Welcome to Merrick.

    2.64 miles away
  3. Thistle Lodges near Sandyhills Bay

    Thistle Lodges

    Located just a few minutes' walk from Sandyhills, one of southern Scotland's most magnificent sandy...

    2.68 miles away
  4. Southerness Holiday Park (Parkdean Holidays)

    Southerness Holiday Park (Parkdean Holidays)

    Situated just steps away from the beach with views overlooking the beautiful Solway Firth and...

    2.75 miles away
  5. Bracken Cottage (Colvend)

    Bracken Cottage (Colvend)

    Unwind at Bracken Cottage in picturesque Sandyhills and enjoy the tranquillity of the nearby beach...

    3.02 miles away
  6. Cavens Luxury Lodges

    Cavens Luxury Lodges

    Welcome to...

    3.21 miles away
  7. Lighthouse Leisure (Self Catering)

    Lighthouse Leisure (Self Catering)

    Overlooking the glittering Solway Firth and just a two minutes walk away from a beautiful sandy...

    3.28 miles away
  8. Cavens

    Cavens

    Enjoy the tranquillity as you take a relaxing break at the historic manor house of Cavens Country...

    3.59 miles away
  9. North Corner Cottage

    North Corner Cottage

    Set in a stunning location by the sea in the quiet village of Carsethorn, this lovely cottage...

    4.41 miles away
  10. The Old Shop B&B (Carsethorn)

    The Old Shop B&B (Carsethorn)

    Offering you a fantastic stay in a idyllic location, this family-run B&B has a beautiful private...

    4.45 miles away
  11. Tumbling Banks

    Tumbling Banks

    Tumbling Banks lies within Kirkland Estate, which is a 300 acre farm. It is in an area of...

    4.53 miles away
  12. Rockcliffe beach a short walk from Millbrae House

    Millbrae House

    Situated in the beautiful seaside conservation village of Rockcliffe on the scenic Colvend Coast,...

    4.97 miles away
  13. Isles Farm Bungalow

    Isles Farm Bungalow

    Welcome to Isles Farm Bungalow.
    The bungalow sleeps 6-7 in 4 bedrooms and is an ideal base from...

    5.01 miles away
  14. Kippford Forest Lodges

    Kippford Forest Lodges

    Offering one of the most beautiful holiday sites in Scotland, each of these luxurious Norwegian...

    5.07 miles away
  15. Millbrae House Self Catering Rockcliffe

    Millbrae House Self Catering Accommodation

    Three self catering properties in and around the seaside village of Rockcliffe.
    Drumburn Studio...

    5.16 miles away
  16. Allonby Cottage, Kippford

    Allonby Cottage, Kippford

    Allonby Cottage is a delightful sea front property situated on the front in the village of...

    5.58 miles away
  17. Elm Cottage Holidays

    Elm Cottage Holidays

    A stone's throw from a small but glorious beach, this attractive detached house boasts its own...

    5.72 miles away
  18. Fonthill

    Fonthill

    Situated in the popular sailing village of Kippford, this modern three-storey family house offers...

    5.76 miles away
  19. Abbey Arms

    Abbey Arms

    This small hotel in the picturesque village of New Abbey is the perfect place to stay if you want...

    6.3 miles away
  20. Glenearly Caravan Park (inc. Holiday Homes)

    Glenearly Caravan Park (inc. Holiday Homes)

    Situated amid magnificent scenery in 100 acres of open countryside, just on the outskirts of the...

    6.36 miles away
  21. West Maryfield

    West Maryfield

    Spacious holiday house in rural setting, close to the village of New Abbey, with superb views of...

    6.6 miles away
  22. Barlochan Caravan Park

    Barlochan Caravan Park

    Enjoying a beautiful hillside setting overlooking the Urr Estuary and the Solway Coast, this park...

    6.8 miles away
  23. Mossband Caravan Park

    Mossband Caravan Park

    Situated on the Galloway Tourist Route to Ayr, this friendly, family-run park provides the ideal...

    7.04 miles away
  24. Beeswing Caravan Park (inc. Holiday Homes)

    Beeswing Caravan Park (inc. Holiday Homes)

    Located near the picturesque town Dalbeattie and the bustling market town of Dumfries, this...

    7.76 miles away
  25. Studio Cottage (Balcary)

    Studio Cottage (Balcary)

    This former mews cottage is close to the beach near Castle Douglas and is ideally situated for bird...

    7.95 miles away
  26. Balcary Bay Hotel

    Balcary Bay Hotel

    Dating back to 1625, the family-run Balcary Bay Hotel is a charming country house located on the...

    7.98 miles away
  27. Balcary Mews B&B (Auchencairn)

    Balcary Mews B&B (Auchencairn)

    Superbly situated in an idyllic location on the shores of Balcary Bay, this property commands...

    8 miles away
  28. Balcary Mews Cottage

    Balcary Mews Cottage

    Cosy cottage in an idyllic seashore location at Balcary Bay with spectacular sea views from every...

    8.41 miles away
  29. Craigshall Cottage

    Craigshall Cottage

    Eco-friendly, self catering holiday cottage in Auchencairn nr. Castle Douglas - A charming coastal...

    8.44 miles away
Previous Next

Information Line

For Accommodation and information, please call:

0845 859 1006

Open Mon to Fri: 0900 - 1700

Closed on Saturday & Sunday

*Calls may be recorded

My Shortlist

Build your own itineraries by clicking the 'add to shortlist' button to add an item to your Itinerary basket.