• The RSPB, who have over 200 nature reserves in the UK, have hand-picked their best sites to visit on your autumn “staycation”
  • RSPB Saltholme in County Durham has been chosen for its inspiring sunsets framed by the iconic industrial landscape
  • #EscapetheEverydaythis September and experience the magic of autumn colours with the RSPB from either right here in County Durham or one of their other top sites further afield

Image: Sunset at RSPB Saltholme. Credit: Lydia Tague

The UK’s largest nature conservation charity, the RSPB, has revealed it’s “top ten spectacular autumn nature reserves” to visit this September, as people across the country look to escape the everyday with a staycation.

With over 200 nature reserves across the country, the charity are celebrating the wonderful autumn season by inviting people to spend time in nature – whether it’s a relaxing stroll through swaying reeds, a crunchy walk through fallen leaves and mystical woodland, or a peaceful sunset over a mosaic of habitats.

The outdoors, and the wildlife that calls it home, bought solace in much needed times during the Covid-19 crisis, with over half of people in the UK turning to and noticing the nature around them more during the pandemic, according to YouGov (1). Now, the charity hopes that this connection to nature can grow, with more people seeking time in nature to refresh, relax and look after their wellbeing.

Speaking of the charity’s shortlist of autumn nature reserves, the RSPB’s Becca Smith said: “Whether it’s close to home or further afield, making time to incorporate nature into your staycation this autumn can really help you to recharge your batteries.

A visit to one of our fantastic reserves can help you do just that. With plenty on offer from winding paths and family fun trails, to wildlife spectacles, vast landscape panoramas, cosy cafés, and shops packed with gifts and treats for any nature enthusiast, there is something for everyone to enjoy this September.”

Right here in County Durham, RSPB Saltholme nature reserve has been crowned one of the RSPB’s best places to visit this autumn for its spectacular sunsets towards Middlesbrough and beyond. Framed by the industrial landscape surrounding the reserve, visitors can also view the iconic Transporter Bridge basked in an orange glow or enjoy views across the pools and reedbeds of the reserve.

Stroll along the reserve’s trails for views of the reedbeds undergoing their dramatic transformation; turning from green to a mix of colours as the seed heads turn purple and the stems turn to glorious gold.

Making the top ten list alongside nature reserves from across the country, visitors may also spot hundreds of wildfowl grazing the wet grassland, or shimmering flocks of lapwing and golden plovers as they come to land at the pool edges.

Joining RSPB Saltholme, were nine other RSPB reserves in the top ten spectacular autumn nature reserves list, including:

To find your nearest RSPB nature reserve, or to explore what it has to offer from Marazion Marsh near Land’s End in Cornwall, to Fetlar in Shetland, visit rspb.org.uk/reserves