RSPB Hayle Estuary

Managed by the RSPB, Hayle Estuary is the most south-westerly estuary in the UK and one of the few natural harbours on Cornwall’s north coast. The estuary is divided into five main areas: Lelant Saltings, Carnsew Pool, Copperhouse Creek, Ryan’s Field, and Porthkidney Sands. The lower part of the estuary is predominantly sandy, becoming muddier towards the western end. Each year, up to 18,000 migrant and wintering waterfowl flock to the estuary, drawn by its mild climate.

Vast flocks of gulls gather on the sandbanks at Lelant Saltings, including Mediterranean gulls, Caspian gulls, and yellow-legged gulls. Waders such as greenshanks, black-tailed godwits, and spoonbills are also regular visitors.

Carnsew Pool, a tidal lagoon, attracts a wide variety of wildfowl and waders. All six species of divers have been recorded here, alongside little grebes, cormorants, shags, wigeons, teals, and sea ducks such as eiders and long-tailed ducks. In autumn and winter, American vagrants frequently appear; in recent years, ring-billed gulls, pectoral sandpipers, semipalmated sandpipers, and white-rumped sandpipers have all been spotted. The surrounding trees and bushes support goldfinches, greenfinches, linnets, northern wheatears, and occasionally goldcrests.

Running east from the main estuary, Copperhouse Creek is another excellent area for watching gulls, ducks, and waders, particularly during the hours before and after high tide. Resident species include shelducks, redshanks, and curlews, while spring and autumn bring turnstones, ruffs, wood sandpipers, and little stints.

Ryan’s Field, a wet meadow with a pool, is a good site for wading birds such as golden plovers, lapwings, dunlins, and little egrets. Amongst the grass, you may spot Cetti’s warblers, long-tailed tits, and dunnocks. Grey herons and kingfishers are often seen fishing on the pond, and ospreys are regular visitors in late summer.

For seabirds, head to Porthkidney Sands, a vast, often deserted expanse of golden beach at the mouth of the River Hayle. Here, you can watch gannets diving offshore and terns roosting along the sands.

There is a circular trail around Ryan’s Field, with level, surfaced paths suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. The Eric Grace Memorial Hide offers excellent views over the saltmarsh and lagoon through its open picture windows.

At Copperhouse Creek, a footpath at the eastern end provides good views across the north shore, while Carnsew Pool has a narrow, uneven public footpath with steps.

Although there are no facilities on the reserve itself, Hayle town centre, with its shops, cafés, restaurants, and public toilets, is close by. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy it at one of the numerous benches dotted around the reserve.

Parking is available near the hide at Ryan’s Field, and there are additional parking options throughout Hayle.

Please note, well-behaved dogs are welcome at the reserve but must be kept on public footpaths and bridleways.