45) Blacktoff Sands RSPB reed bed reserve, Goole, DN14 8HR.

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Blacktoft Sands is part of the Humber estuary - one of the most important wildlife sites in the UK. 

Reedbed covers much of the site and this is Englands largest intertidal reedbed, home to marsh harriers, bearded tits and bittern. Six shallow saline lagoons provide a wildlife spectacle 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 golden plovers and lapwings. Scrub between the hides attracts a great variety of warblers and a thriving colony of tree sparrows.

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The reserve charges an admission charge so check the website for costings - if you are a member of the RSPB then you enjoy free admission on showing your membership card.

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Dogs are not allowed unless it is an accredited guide or assistance dog.

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https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/blacktoft-sands/

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You can read the RSPB's full accessibility statement by following the link below.

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https://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/documents/reserves/blacktoft-sands-access-statement.pdf

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Distance:

To do the full reserve - you will cover 2.29 miles in total.

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Terrain:

Large car park, Blue Badge holders can park next to the toilet block. The first section is on a wide road then a less wide path - over a short but sneaky hill on a loose surface - so a bit of pace will help you over it.

From here you are on fairly wide gravel footpaths, one hide ( the furthest away) is across a grass field, but it is key well mown. This might be challenging if the ground is wet as you who use wheels will already be aware. Every enclosed bird hide is accessed by a steady ramp - then a wide door. All of the hides have specific wheelchair viewing points - signposted stating - wheelchair users have priority to use them.

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Facilities on site:

Toilets inc spacious disabled toilet. Visitor centre - small cafe but these were closed due to covid - worth checking before you visit to see what is open.

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Route:

From the carpark head towards the signposted visitor centre, all of the hides are in a long line parallel to the seedbeds. Wheelchair users will be able to access all the hides and get a fabulous view.

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What might you see:

Geese, waders, small birds, kingfisher, many kinds of raptor including Marsh Harriers. Many different insects and wild flowers. There is also a small herd of sheep and Konik horses, a hardy breed of Polish origin.

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