A North East visitor attraction and nature reserve has celebrated a historic achievement, welcoming its one millionth visitor since opening 15 years ago.

The vision for RSPB Saltholme was to create a flagship project that would not only rejuvenate the Teesside landscape but also rekindle the connection between people and nature.

Today it is a haven for thousands of birds, including the elusive and threatened Bittern, Britain’s loudest bird. Its successful breeding in 2022 marked a pivotal moment in conservation efforts on Teesside.

The nature reserve has continued to evolve and last year a bespoke new children’s playground was added as well as a new dragonfly boardwalk, funded by the Teesside Environmental Trust.

Melody King, 13, from County Durham, was the one millionth visitor and was presented with a bird feeder as well as an RSPB "silhouette" nest box, made from sustainable timber, a safe space for garden birds such as blue tits, house sparrows and grey tits to roost and nest alongside a plentiful supply of bird seed.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Melody King, 13, her parents, Barry and Claire King and relations, Julie Schonewald and Andrew

Barry King, her father, said, “We have loved our visit here and it’s a place we will return to again and again. We can enjoy family time here away from the distractions of mobile phones and the chance to see rare birds up close has been brilliant. We're delighted to be part of this milestone and grateful for the conservation efforts that make this nature reserve such a special place. Melody is going to really enjoy watching the birds nesting once the box goes up in our garden."

In its first year RSPB Saltholme welcomed about 70,000 visitors. Today visitors come not just from the local area but from across the UK.

Darlington and Stockton Times: RSPB Saltholme, looking over the wetlands to Haverton Hill and the Transporter Bridge, by Tim Dunn, of Stokesley

Chris Francis, senior site manager at RSPB Saltholme, said: “I’ve been with the reserve since 2018 and it has been a privilege to work with such a dedicated conservation team and with over 100 volunteers. Welcoming our one millionth visitor is an incredible achievement and we’re all delighted our visitors love this place as much as we do.

“Whether you just have a curiosity about nature, have a keen interest in bird watching or simply want to relax and walk one of the many trails here and have some family fun, visitors will find so much to enjoy.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Bittern at RSPB Saltholme

“Despite the successes though, we are still facing a nature and climate emergency and we need to do even more in the next 15 years to support the recovery of nature and wildlife.”

Visitors can join RSPB Saltholme in celebrating its 15th birthday party on April 6, when it will be celebrating 15 years of creating wild spaces for nature.