NORTHUMBERLAND WILDLIFE TRUST
Nearest Town: Kirkwhelpington, on the A696
OS Map: NZ015838 (OS 50 000 Sheet 81)
This 5.7ha SNCI is a wet floodplain pasture of the River Wansbeck, with the river itself meandering through the site.
Location and access: The site is 1.5 km south-east of Kirkwhelpington, and car parking is available on the left of the drive just beyond the gate with the reserve notice. Members should carry cards and a permit is required for non-members. The reserve is inaccessible after heavy rainfall.
The wet floodplain pasture of the River Wansbeck makes up the majority of this reserve. The river meanders through the site, almost cutting though the neck of the largest loop, known as “The Tennis Racket”. This marshland habitat is unusual in Northumberland, and in late summer is white with meadowsweet. Earlier in the year, yellow flag, ragged robin and marsh marigold are prominent. Otter have been seen on the river and water shrew and freshwater crayfish are present along this stretch of the Wansbeck. The reserve also contains dry grassy banks, woodland and hazel coppice. Banded demoiselle damselflies have been seen on the river.