Spring sees the Adders emerge from hibernation and the return of many migrant birds, Fingringhoe Wick is known for its Nightingales each spring.  Approx 1% (30-40 pairs) of the total UK population breed on the reserve before heading back to Africa for the winter.  These amazing songsters can be heard across the reserve, alongside Chiff Chaff, Whitethroat, Cuckoo.  Plants: Thyme-leaved Speedwell, Foxglove, Common Vetch and Orange Tip and Speckled Wood butterflies.

In the summer the Sea Lavender on the saltmarsh looks spectacular, with Marsh Harrier, Turtle Dove, Sand Martin, Swallow, Hobby above.  Common Lizards, Slow Worm and Grass Snake can all be seen, plants include  Common Spotted Orchid, Green Alkanet, Lesser Calamint.

In autumn you may see: Avocet, Turnstone, and many fungi like Fly Agaric, Parasol Mushroom, Milk Caps, Shaggy Ink Caps and Puff Ball.

During the autumn "Berry Feast" we appreciate if visitors don't pick the fruits, we’d like to leave them for the birds and animals that will need them.

In winter thousands of waders and wildfowl use the estuary where as many as 700 Avocets can be seen, alongside Brent Geese, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Lapwing, Dunlin, Peregrine, Merlin, Shovelar, Teal, Wigeon and Red Breasted Merganser.

Birdwatching from the hides

The best views of the estuary birds are during the autumn and winter months. We recommend the two hours either side of the high tide provides visitors with the best views of the waders.