I firmly believe that there is nothing better for the soul than the great outdoors, which is why I’m filled with such boundless excitement every time I set a date for a trip to RSPB Leighton Moss. Even the journey down to the reserve is lovely, taking place along some of the North’s most picturesque stretches of motorway and, as you draw closer, a border of fields and woodland bursting with passing flashes of ornithological life. A taste of what’s to come.

The reserve itself is a haven for such diverse bird life that even the most disinterested visitor will find themselves turning twitcher. Friendly, chubby robins make regular appearances as you walk around the woodland, sitting no more than two feet away in hope of a scrap of food. Other birds aren’t quite so courageous, but can be spotted by the eagle eyed and keen eared; nuthatches, marsh tits, treecreepers, warblers of different varieties – just some of the talented songsters who call this beautiful reserve home.

Some of the most spectacular sights, however, can be found using the hides dotted around Leighton Moss’s famous reedbed. Amidst the peace and quiet kissing Grisedale Hide I watched a distant group of red deer, antlers dreamily backlit by the sun. Later on in front of public hide two marsh harriers soared gracefully above the din made by amorous black headed gulls, occasionally dropping into the reedbed before flying skyward again with barely a sound.

Sitting there with a humble sandwich and chocolate biscuit, I all of a sudden felt completely content.

Image by Charlotte Varela