Where to watch birds of The Boston Wash Banks

The Boston Wash Banks area, near the historic market town of Boston, is surrounded by rich agricultural land and the bird filled mudflats and marshes of The Wash, the UK's most important estuary for wild birds.

A well timed visit to this area will reward birdwatchers from the novice to the expert with some excellent birdwatching opportunities and the chance to experience one of the last true wildernesses in England - The Wash.

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Preparing for your visit

Much of the appeal of the sites described in this leaflet is that they are wild and lonely places. To ensure you have a safe and comfortable visit please think about taking the following precautions:

Please do not venture out onto the saltmarshes without knowledge. The wildlife here is easily disturbed and it is easy to find yourself cut off by the tide which can flood the marsh more quickly than you can walk, thick fog can also occur as the tide changes.

The weather can change quickly. During the winter months warm waterproof clothing and stout footwear are essential.

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How to use this guide

The sites that we have chosen to include in this guide have been selected for their interest to birdwatchers of all levels of ability from the expert to the beginner. As well as information on how to find the sites and the species that might be encountered, we have shared with you our knowledge of the best times of day and states of tide to help you get the most from your visit.

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How to find a site

To aid visitors, grid references are given for car parks, access or watch points in addition to written directions. See map or consult Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 sheet number 131 (Boston/Spalding) or Ordnance Survey Explorer 1:25,000 sheet numbers 249 (Spalding/Holbeach) and 261 (Boston). Please park sensibly when visiting the sites and do not obstruct farm tracks or gateways.

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Optical equipment

While it is possible to enjoy the landscape and atmosphere of The Wash without the use of a pair of binoculars or a telescope, if you wish to observe the birdlife you really need to bring some optical equipment with you.

For binoculars the ideal magnification is between 7x and 10x, and ideally the objective lens (the farthest from the eye) would have the diameter of 30 to 50mm. If you have a telescope you will find it helpful for looking at the more distant birds, but remember that it can get quite windy so a firm tripod to support your telescope is helpful. If you come on our birdwatching guided walks the leader will have a telescope that you can look through.

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General information

By the edge of The Wash, the UK's most important estuary for wild birds, The Boston Wash Banks is well placed for birdwatchers, being within an hours drive of Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve and 11/2 hours of Rutland Water or Titchwell Marsh.

Many of the sites in this leaflet have grazing livestock, particularly in the summer and birds nest in the marsh vegetation so please keep dogs under close control at all times. Close views of grazing geese can often be obtained from the sea bank. When approaching geese it can help to walk below the skyline on the landward side of the bank to reduce your outline and avoid disturbing the birds.

Many of the sites listed are best visited at a particular state of tide. Birdwatchers tide tables are available from The Boston Wash Banks office, price 50p. Please either send an SAE with two stamps enclosed to cover the cost or pop-in to the office.