© D Butler
This reserve is still developing having been passed to Northumberland Wildlife Trust following opencast restoration in 2003. The site contains 2 large lakes with fringing reedbeds, grassland and recently planted woodland.
The Trust also owns farmland to the west of the ponds but this is only accessible along marked routes. The site is seen as one of the best birdwatching sites in the county with large numbers of water birds using the ponds and their margins including greylag and pink-footed geese. Skylark, stonechat and grasshopper warbler breed on the site and can often be seen around the grassland areas. Reed bunting and reed warbler use the developing reedbed areas. Marsh harriers bred here in 2009, the first recording in Northumberland for 130 years. Passage birds have included osprey and other birds of prey. The grasslands contain plants such as dyer's greenweed.
Species and habitats
- Habitats
- Grassland, Wetland, Woodland
- Species
- Greylag Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Skylark, Stonechat, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Osprey
Nearby nature reserves
- Druridge Pools
- 2 miles - Northumberland Wildlife Trust
- Hauxley
- 2 miles - Northumberland Wildlife Trust
- Cresswell Pond
- 3 miles - Northumberland Wildlife Trust