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The finishing touches are being put to a smart new look for the haven for bird-watchers which has been closed since last autumn as part of a major overhaul of the Fylde attraction following the award of a £1.5m Heritage Lottery grant.

The new-look RSPB Visitor Centre will be the first of the refurbished buildings to reopen at the Lake, with a new new watersport centre due to open later next month and the restored café in July.

It follows the successful excavation of the Lake's Japanese garden and landscape works completed over last winter.

The final touches being put to the refurbishment of the RSPB visitor centre at Fairhaven Lake

Exciting future ahead for Fairhaven Lake

The RSPB Visitor Centre, formerly known as the Ribble Discovery Centre, will still be home to the RSPB shop, but also includes new interactive information boards that tell the story of Fairhaven’s development from shingle bank to boating lake.

It is intended to celebrate the area's natural heritage as well as its rich history and the interior has had a full restoration exposing the original vaulted ceiling and heritage features.

Jo Taylor, RSPB learning and visitor experience officer, said: “Alongside the improvements to the sea defence wall and promenade at Granny’s Bay this re-development of the buildings, lake and gardens is really making Fairhaven an even better place to visit.

Learning and visitor experience officer Jo Taylor and RSPB colleagues Ben Hall and Liz McKenzie outside the centre

"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome people back into the newly refurbished visitor centre and RSPB shop.

"Our friendly team will be back on hand to help visitors discover more about the incredible wildlife of the Ribble Estuary and exploring Fairhaven Lake.

"Following the makeover to our shop, there’s going to be plenty of the old favourites in stock such as our popular bird food and binocular ranges along with some exciting new surprises for nature-lovers of all ages.”

Julie Vale, Fylde Council's activity development officer, added: “After years of hard work from the project team, volunteers and stakeholders it is amazing to start to see the project's vision coming to life.

"We can’t thank our funders, supporters and the local community enough for getting behind the project.”

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RSPB gears up for reopening at Fairhaven Lake