TOPHILL LOW, East Yorkshire.

A recently refurbished visitor centre, with a wide variety of habitats reservoirs, lagoons, woodland and other trails. Fifty plus species of birds are a possibility in a day.

RUTLAND WATER, Leicestershire.

Leicestershire’s premier reserve, Lagoons, woodland and a variety of watery habitats. There will still be plenty of the winter waterfowl around but spring arrivals will be arriving in the form of Ospreys, warblers and maybe one or two others, spring flowers in the woods will be beginning to show.

NORTH CAVE WETLANDS, North Humberside

Former sand and gravel quarry workings, with visitor facilities. A great site for water voles, dragonflies and a variety of Birds.

RSPB St AIDANS/ BROCKADALE, Castleford, West Yorkshire.  

Former opencast coal mining site now the site of a massive landscape restoration project. It really does show what can be done. A mix of habitats, great walks and views around the site with some very special species such as Black Necked Grebe. We will also visit YWT Brockadale which is fantastic for spring flowers.

RSPB BEMPTON CLIFFS, East Yorkshire.

A seabird spectacular, Gannets, Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes. A rich mix of smells, sounds and sights as well as flowers and other attractions.

STAVELEY, Harrogate.

A new reserve to our list but a real gem, slightly further afield but comes well recommended. Really good for flowers, dragonflies with some good birdlife.

A LINCOLNSHIRE RESERVE TO BE DECIDED.

We will get reports and see what is about, but this time of year is always good for dragonflies and migrant birds.

SPURN POINT/ KILNSEA WETLANDS

A migration hotspot, but also great walks and views. A variety of habitats and a real sense of isolation. Beaches, Boulders and Birds. Anything can and will turn up.

RSPB FRAMPTON, LINCOLNSHIRE.

What more needs to be said about this remarkable place right on our doorstep. This will be an early start due to the fact we are coinciding this visit with a huge spring tide which will bring all of the birds right under our noses. A great spectacle and also endless photographic possibilities. This will also be a Wader workshop to give you tuition to sort out your Dunlins from your Godwits.

WHELDRAKE INGS, SELBY.

A magical wetland in the lower Derwent Valley, it comes alive in the Autumn as the water levels increase, a selection of hides to give both shelter and a great viewpoints.

DONNA NOOK and surrounding area.

Staying in Lincolnshire, going to see the Grey Seals and their pups on a midweek day to avoid the crowds but also having a look locally to see some of the other coastal specialities that may be around.