The nature reserve is open to visitors at all times.
Some of the trails and public footpaths are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs and can be accessed using a Radar key, but other sections have squeeze-gates, steps and stiles. Please speak to a ranger or volunteer for advice about routes and weather conditions.
Parking
The car park is next to the Visitors' Centre and holds around 40 vehicles. Coaches need to book in advance.
Visitor centre
The Visitor Centre and toilets are open 11am – 3pm most days except Fridays selling pre-packed snacks, drinks and ice creams as well as bird food and bird feeders. We cannot guarantee we will be open every day as it is dependent on volunteer availability. You are welcome to telephone the Visitor Centre on 01480 406795 to check if we are open.
When you visit us you will see new screens and a one-way queuing system with the entrance to the building is on the opposite side of the centre to the toilets. Masks need to be worn inside the building and please remember to stay 2 metres away from staff, volunteers and other members of the public.
In the centre you can also find:
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a range of light refreshments
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an up-to-date sightings board/book – feel free to call in at the end of your visit and tell us what you’ve seen
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a viewing window of the feeding station and the meadow
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a children’s corner with activities for younger visitors
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bird food and feeders, gifts, nature reserve honey (when available) and second-hand books for sale.
Toilets
Toilets are located at the Visitor Centre and are open 11am – 3pm on days when the Visitor Centre is open.
Disabled access
There is disabled parking in the car park and wheelchair access to the Visitor Centre and toilets. There is also one disabled toilet. Some of the reserve is suitable for wheelchairs via Radar gates, including the Hayden Hide, but other sections have squeeze-gates, steps and stiles.
Many of the paths, such as the Heron Trail and around the Hayling Lake, are accessible to wheelchairs but can become muddy during wet weather. Radar keys are sold in the Visitor Centre.
There is a ‘Tramper’ electric wheelchair which you can borrow from the Visitor Centre free of charge. You will need to be shown how to use it before you borrow it for the first time, please contact the rangers to arrange this.
What to wear?
We recommend you wear wellingtons or stout walking shoes in wet weather, especially when using the Meadow Trail, the River Trail, the Sailing Lake trail or the Ouse Valley Way. The Heron Trail remains relatively dry in all but the worst weather conditions.