Prestwick Carr

Prestwick_carr

Prestwick Carr

Prestwick Carr is a large, low-lying wetland area on the edge of urban Newcastle, attracting various wading birds and songbirds such as pipit and skylark.

Location

Between Dinnington and Ponteland
Dinnington
Tyne and Wear
NE20 9UD

OS Map Reference

NZ 192 733
A static map of Prestwick Carr

Know before you go

Size
49 hectares
z

Entry fee

No
P

Parking information

Park in the small layby on the minor road.

Grazing animals

Yes

Walking trails

The site is best viewed from the minor road to the North, although the road surface is very uneven and difficult to drive along.

Access

There is no public access permitted.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Not applicable as there is no public access.

Best time to visit

Not applicable as there is no public access.

About the reserve

Part of the site has Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Wildlife Site designations but the section managed by the Trust lies to the south of this. The Carr has long been an inspiration for naturalists; in the 18th and 19th centuries it was seen as a wild area close to the city. Since then, drainage and farming has altered the area but it still retains a level of wilderness within hearing range of Newcastle Airport.

It is particularly important as a relic of lowland raised mire (one of the rarest habitats in the world and one of only a handful left in the UK). It plays an important part in alleviating flood risk to the surrounding areas but holding water at times of heavy rain and in helping improve water quality. It is also an important connecting link between local wildlife habitats.

The site core of the site is owned by the Ministry of Defence.  NWT manages a large portion of the wet grassland to the south of this area. The grassland is used by waders and is being managed to encourage breeding. Barn owls and short-eared owls are occasionally seen quartering the ground. The wet fields to the south of the Carr are managed by cutting rushes and grazing. The Trust is looking at ways to further enhance the area for wildlife. The site has no access but can be observed from surrounding roads and a viewing platform that gives a slightly elevated view over the area.

Contact us

Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Contact number: (0191) 284 6884
Contact email: mail@northwt.org.uk