Banks Marsh NNR

Alright, so Banks Marsh. It's not exactly Formby Pine Woods, but if you're near Southport town centre and fancy a bit of fresh air without spending a penny, it's a decent shout. Officially it's a National Nature Reserve, which sounds fancier than it is, to be honest. It's basically a big, flat, open space with lots of birds.

You'll find it just north of town, easy enough to reach. Now, don't go expecting golden sands and donkey rides – it's more about the wildlife. Birdwatchers seem to rate it, and you do get some good views across the Ribble Estuary. It's rated 4.5 stars, based on a fair few reviews, so people generally seem happy enough. It's open all hours, which is handy.

It's ideal for a family walk if the kids need to burn off some energy. Just let them know it's not a playground. I always bring my binoculars, trying to spot the different species. It can get a bit muddy after it's rained, so wellies are a good idea, especially for the little ones.