NORTHUMBERLAND WILDLIFE TRUST
Nearest Town: Whitebridge Park, Gosforth
OS Map: NZ245698 (OS 50 000 Sheet 88)
This is a 1.9ha area of mixed woodland and wetland off the Ouse Burn.
Location and access: Follow the Great North Road to Gosforth, turn in at Broadway East and follow the road round Whitebridge Park until you reach Charleswood, where you will find the entrance with a reserve sign. There is limited car parking available in the neighbouring housing estate on Charleswood, but please do not block access to the houses.
This small area of mixed woodland and wetland is situated by a small tributary of the Ouse Burn, in Whitebridge Park. The woodland contains a mix of tree species including oak and ash. Non-native sycamore and lime are also present and, while sycamore seedlings are discouraged to prevent this tree becoming dominant, the large specimens in the centre will be retained. There is a wet central area to the reserve with large stands of reedmace. There is also an ongoing problem with Himalayan balsam, which shades out native plants. The wood also supports a small population of roe deer. Tawny owl and great-spotted woodpecker are also found.