We are running a free family fun day on Saturday 6 April from 10.30am to 3.00pm at South Walney, our flagship nature reserve near Barrow. As well as activities for all the family, it’s a chance to see the newly opened visitor cabin.

Kids will love to find out what critters are lurking in the mobile rockpool and try their hand at wildlife-themed arts and crafts activities. There will be guided walks with a ranger to discover more about the fantastic sea birds found in this stunning location on the southern tip of Walney Island. And don’t forget the North West’s only breeding grey seal colony can be found here too! You will also have the chance to get up close to native owls from The Owl Sanctuary in Barrow, and a majestic eagle owl, one of the largest living species of owl.

Sarah Dalrymple, Warden at South Walney Nature Reserve said: “Our family fun day promises to be a great day out with lots of free activities for everyone to enjoy. It’s also a great chance for us to launch our new visitor cabin which has just been completed. Thanks to the Walney Extension Community Fund, we’ve now got a wonderful new all-weather visitor centre. Inside you’ll find our famous ‘cabin of curiosities’, full of intriguing curios that have washed up on the island over the years as well as some crafty activities for kids to enjoy. Thanks to Cumbria County Council, we’ll also have our popular children’s backpacks available, complete with binoculars and spotter sheets, a great way to explore some of the wonderful wildlife here at Walney. And don’t forget we have some new state-of-the-art history hides to enjoy too, which are packed with lots of interesting artefacts, very kindly funded by Sir John Fisher Foundation and The Hadfield Trust. All events are free – just turn up, no booking required. We look forward to seeing you there!”

Drinks and snacks will be available but why not bring a picnic and make a full day of it? 

Don’t forget you can watch the grey seals anytime on our seal cam.

South Walney Nature Reserve is located on Walney Island, Barrow in Furness LA14 3YQ. Directions here. Please note dogs are not allowed at South Walney Nature Reserve apart from assistance dogs.