Entry into RSPB reserves

RSPB Jonno replied on 10/12/2019 09:06

Posted on 10/12/2019 09:06

December 2019 sees the end of a long period (16 years) of the partnership between the RSPB and Caravan and Motorhome Club.  We have enjoyed the long relationship but due to the need to ensure maximum funding for RSPB we are no longer able to offer free entry and car parking into RSPB nature reserves for Caravan and Motorhome Club members.

There are many seasonal activities happening on the RSPB sites in the month and winter sees some stunning wildlife spectacles. There are some great places to find unusual Christmas presents for friends and family of all ages and tastes with shops at:

Arne, Dorset;
Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire;
Carsington, Derbyshire;
Conwy, Conwy
Darts Farm, Devon;
Dee Estuary, Cheshire;
Dungeness, Kent;
Fairburn Ings, West Yorkshire;
Lake Vyrnwy, Shropshire
Leighton Moss, Powys;
Loch Garten, Caigngorms;
Loch Leven, Perth and Kinross;
Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire;
Minsmere, Suffolk;
Newport Wetlands, Newport;
Old Moor, Barnsley District;
Pulborough Brooks, West Sussex;
Rainham Marshes, Essex;
Ribble Estuary, Lancashire;
Saltholme, Middlesbrough;
Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire;
South Stack Cliffs, Anglesey;
The Lodge, Bedfordshire;
Titchwell, Norfolk.

There are over 200 RSPB nature reserves to be explored around the country. They will still be there for you to explore for many years to come. Some have full visitor facilities (such as those listed above) and others, equally special which are more remote. Perhaps a good Christmas present to yourself or partner is an RSPB membership, where you get free entry to all sites, free parking where the RSPB owns car parks, a high-quality quarterly members’ magazine and you will be supporting the work of the UK’s leading wildlife conservation charity. Members’ support is essential to continuing the great work of RSPB, creating homes for wildlife and engaging people with nature. Details of how to become an RSPB member can be found at https://www.rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/join-us/ 

The RSPB wishes to sincerely thank the Caravan and Motorhome Club for all its support in the past. Club members will still be made to feel welcome at our reserves and events in the future, whether they chose to become RSPB members.

replied on 10/12/2019 09:14

Posted on 10/12/2019 09:14

Despite having free entry we decided 7+ years ago to support the RSPB by becoming members. We probably only visit around 4 sites a year at most but elected to pay £5 a month for membership. 

Takethedogalong replied on 10/12/2019 11:09

Posted on 10/12/2019 11:09

So do we ET. Kept our membership up throughout. It’s possibly the one membership we don’t always cover, but we don’t mind. 

Oneputt replied on 10/12/2019 11:17

Posted on 10/12/2019 11:17

Been a member of the RSPB for donkeys years and will continue to do so.  We visit sites probably 20+ times a year so great value for money

DavidKlyne replied on 10/12/2019 11:24

Posted on 10/12/2019 11:24

Corporate memberships of organisations seems to becoming a thing of the past. The company I worked for had a scheme whereby current and retired employees had free access to National Trust properties but that stopped (I think by the NT) a couple of years ago. We still visit the odd NT property but have not joined the organisation as we don't visit enough to warrant the annual expenditure. I have a general interest in bird life but I am not sufficient of an enthusiast to join the RSPB and would probably follow the same procedure with their sites as I do with the NT. Obviously the more likely you are to visit their locations be it RSPB or NT the more beneficial membership becomes.

David

brue replied on 10/12/2019 12:10

Posted on 10/12/2019 12:10

Remember the list of reserves above is just those with shops and there are many more available all over the uk, I think around 200?

We're lucky as we have several in Somerset (the cranes have caused quite a bit of interest.) Somerset, due to more basic sites, doesn't get a mention in Jonno's lists and the same for all the others in the uk too.

Like many on here, we've been members for a long time and although we don't attend there's an active local group too.

I hope the RSPB can get more paying visitors, I think CAMC members have been lucky to have this concession, it's been one of the best value ones!

Wherenext replied on 10/12/2019 18:20

Posted on 10/12/2019 18:20

I joined the RSPB years before buying a caravan and have no problems or qualms about paying the membership fee. I've seen the progress the society has made over the last 30+ years and am glad to have contributed, albeit in a very small way.

It's also worth bearing in mind that some of the reserves that they manage can be seen without "entering" through a centre building. Plenty of estuaries where the general public can view from sea walls etc. Moors that have public rights of way plus Footpaths through them such as found at Titchwell.

Takethedogalong replied on 11/12/2019 11:36

Posted on 11/12/2019 11:36

For some peculiar reason, Dearne Valley Old Moor isn’t shown in Jonno’s List under County, like the others. It’s in South Yorkshire. Great cafe and shop, a good day out.😁

RSPB Jonno replied on 11/12/2019 14:39

Posted on 11/12/2019 11:36 by Takethedogalong

For some peculiar reason, Dearne Valley Old Moor isn’t shown in Jonno’s List under County, like the others. It’s in South Yorkshire. Great cafe and shop, a good day out.😁

Posted on 11/12/2019 14:39

Sorry, I listed it as Old Moor. Jonno

 

Near Malvern Hills Club Campsite by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook