I’m not really sure why, but for some reason we only visited this RSPB reserve for the first time this spring, even though it is literally a few minutes drive from the Lodge. It’s amazing – I can’t believe we haven’t been before! The whole area is beautiful, and the wildlife is abundant. The visitor centre is small but very well thought out and has everything you need. It was a really good afternoon out.
Quick info for your visit:
- Drive from Serenity (22 Barend): 4 miles E (10 mins)
- Postcode: DG2 8AH
- Dogs: Welcome (on a short lead 1 April – 15 August)
- Facilities: Self-service cafe & toilets
RSPB Mersehead is just a 10 min drive from Serenity’s front door. Check Availability at Serenity 22
Parking is easy and the visitor centre is right next to the car park. Parking is £5 for non-members, but there’s free admission for everyone.
It’s worth heading into the visitor centre first as you can look at the trails, see what birds and wildlife have been spotted that day and also get some helpful tips from the Ranger on what to look out for. There’s also a large viewing window in the back room with feeders set up so you’re likely to see a few birds before you even set off.
We opted to do the longer (~2.5 mile) coastal walk, which takes you all round the edge of the reserve. Within a few minutes we spotted a barn owl in flight! The sound of the barnacle geese (that the ranger explained had wintered on the reserve and would soon set off to Norway) was impressively loud.
We went in the hides along the way and stopped at various points to take in the sounds of nature and enjoy the tranquility of the area. Our other spots included herons, swans and gold finches.
Even if you’re not a bird watcher the reserve still offers a peaceful and interesting walk. The range of habitats offer interest at every stage – going from woodland, to sand dunes and mudflats, then finishing off in farmland.
We took about 2 hours to do the full walk but we “‘meandered”, stopped at the hides and took off our boots to walk barefoot in the sand on the beach section. You could certainly do the walk quicker if you wanted to, but there’s a lot of pleasure to be had in taking your time and absorbing all the sights and sounds. There were also informative information boards to read along the way.
On returning to the visitor centre we had Cream o’Galloway ice creams from their “cafe” area and sat and looked out of the viewing window for a while. There was a hot drinks machine too but we stuck to ice creams. There’s a log to record your sightings if you want to, though we forgot to do this! Having been once, we’d definitely come again and it will be interesting to come at other times of year and experience how the wildlife changes with the seasons. Definitely recommended for nature lovers, bird lovers, walkers and anyone who enjoys the beautiful Solway landscape.
Make Serenity Your Base
If you’re planning to explore the Dumfries and Galloway coast, you can check our current availability at Serenity 22 Barend. The lodge has an open, comfortable layout to come back to after a day out on the trails, complete with full fibre broadband and a short walk to Sandyhills beach.
Planning Essentials
Address & Links
Address: Mersehead Nature Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG2 8AH
Official Site: RSPB Mersehead
Phone: 01387 780 579
Planning Your Trip
Distance: 4 miles E from Serenity ~10 min drive
Navigation: Google Maps | Waze | What3Words
Our Tips: There are toilet facilities (including accessible), baby change and cafe at the Visitor Centre. Dogs are welcome if kept on a short lead 1 April – 15 August.
