Note: The site is now open having been closed since the recent storms due to significant damage. Please visit the Fontburn Waterside Park website for the latest information and updates about access routes.
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
24/7/365Best time to visit
Spring for migrant birds, summer for wildflowers.About the reserve
All of Fontburn Reservoir, which was built in 1905, is designated as a local wildlife site. It provides a home to a wide variety of species of conservation concern, including red squirrel, badger, roe deer and stoat.
The popular fishery, holds both rainbow and brown trout, but the main area of wildlife interest managed by NWT in partnership with Northumbrian Water, is the Conservation Area immediately north of the reservoir. This area of wetland, scrub and grassland attracts a variety of bird and insect life, especially migrant songbirds such as redstart. It is also an important place for reptiles, with common lizard, adder, slow worm all recorded here recently and historical records of grass snake.
Toilets and shop selling light refreshments are available in the visitor centre on the south shore. Click here for opening times.
Learn more about the Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Northumbrian Water Environmental Partnership here.