RSPB Middleton Lakes — Attraction in North Warwickshire

Had a lovely stroll around RSPB Middleton Lakes on a chilly, but sunny, day in late April. We got a very helpful introduction from a volunteer (?) in the small visitor centre, and she identified the highlights to look out for. In particular she told us to listen out for a Bittern 'booming' from the reeds, which was BRILLIANT because we did hear it, but probably wouldn't have noticed if we hadn't been warned! Thanks for that tip; it was my first Bittern ever! We saw LOTS of Orange-tipped Butterflies and I even took a video of a pair mating! See attached video clip... We also heard, and then saw, a Reed Warbler singing it's heart out! 😍 (Thanks to Merlin App for confirming the bird identification) We saw Avocet, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Lapwing, Golden Eye, Shoveller, Great Spotted Woodpecker and there was a Dunnock singing prettily, which I took a close-up photo (attached) after it had a 'wash-and-brush-up'! All the way round our walk there were songbirds singing beautifully, but mostly hidden by the fresh greenery on the trees, ESPECIALLY the Chiff-Chaffs! Lovely; - the Bittern and the Orange-tipped Butterflies were real...

A good carpark, with lots of spaces, although it did fill up when we were there, on a sunny spring day. 2.1m height restriction, but you can park outside the allotted carpark as there's a cafe and shops not related to RSPB close by.

You start with stunning woodland walks - ridiculous amounts of woodpecker (just sooo many), nuthatch and the usual crowd, as well as an inquisitive pheasant. We were there with the wild garlic just peeking out, but imagine this is a beautiful scenery in itself, with a babbling brook through it.

You pop out of the woods, to lakes and a canal. Following the path to a fab hide with water birds all around.

Several benches dotted around. Take walking boots as it does get a bit muddy. Petty flat all the way round. (Apparently you can walk up the canal to a pub a couple of miles down, which would make a super day out too)

AND there were a few chettys warbler - didn't see them, cos they're ridiculous like that.

Teal * shelduck* shoveller * black headed gull (obvs) * wigeon* oyster catcher* heron * swan *...

Turned up to visit the venue. No sign at the gates to indicate an event. Wanted to visit the cafe and other independent retailers and not the other events. The woman on the gate was what do you want there 9 we depends on where we send you. Was most unhappy with such blunt and huge lack of any customer service skills to further be told access was £4 not to much but at the gate actually £4 each so they don't communicate effectively together. I further asked why we pay £3 to use the car park at the shops location and £8 on a field opposite. They couldn't offer a reasonable answer. I left the venue. Disgusting behaviour by the events staff. Get your plans sorted with each other and display relevant event materials at your gates it makes good business sense reduces delays and those who choose the event isn't for them can find an alternate option for a day out. Completely disgusted with your absolute la k of organisation and the wrong people on your front of house services. You got this one...