Hauxley

One of the best wildlife-watching spots in the North East, renowned for its bird life. Right next to the beach, it offers fantastic views across the length of Druridge Bay.

Location

Near Low Hauxley village

Low Hauxley

Northumberland

NE65 0JR

OS Map Reference

NU 285 023

Know before you go

Entry fee

There is no entry fee but all donations are welcome to help with upkeep of the site and facilities.

Parking information

Changes from 1st April 2019. www.nwt.org.uk/parking for more info.

Grazing animals

Sheep and cows.

Walking trails

There are good paths leading to all hides and a circular walk around the reserve.

Access

There is an accessible 1km route to 2 accessible hides.

Please note: If using a sat nav, the Centre postcode will take you to Low Hauxley village. Please follow road signs to the Centre from here, we share an access drive with Silver Carrs Caravan Park.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

We are sorry but no dogs other than assistance dogs are permitted at the Wildlife Discovery centre or on Hauxley nature reserve. Research has shown that even just the presence of dogs disturbs the wildlife.

Facilities

Visitor centre

Bird hides

Toilets

Shop

Cafe/refreshments

Picnic area

Disabled toilet

Baby changing facilities

Outdoor play area

Wifi

When to visit

Opening times

The Wildlife Discovery Centre and Reserve is open:

Summer Hours: 1 March to 31 October from 10:00 to 17:30 (Lookout Café opens 10:30)
Winter Hours: 1 November to 28 February from 10:00 to 16:30 (Lookout Café opens 10:00)
The Lookout Café closes approximately 1 hour before the Wildlife Discovery Centre and Reserve.

Please note the Wildlife Discovery Centre and Reserve opens at 9:00 for NWT members.

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

The reserve has recently been extensively remodelled and extended, and the latest addition, the new eco-friendly Wildlife Discovery Centre, has been a labour of love constructed by an army of dedicated volunteers. Believe it or not, it really is a straw-bale building and has a number of other highly innovative ‘green’ features that make it an appropriate home for a Wildlife Trust team.

The reserve attracts a wide variety of birds from tree sparrow, reed bunting and bull finch to coot, moorhen and curlew. Spring and autumn boost our bird sightings and we regularly see 140 bird species in a year. You might even see our red squirrels, stoats and otters.

Visitors over the summer will see some fabulous flowers including viper’s bugloss, bloody cranesbill and northern marsh orchid. These attract a large variety of butterflies such as the common blue and wall brown. We also get dragonflies and damselflies on the ponds, including the common hawker and the common darter.

Hauxley Nature Reserve was originally part of Radcliffe open-cast mine but was purchased by Northumberland Wildlife Trust in 1983 and transformed into the haven for wildlife you see today.

There’s lots to do here:

A new circular walk and 1 fully accessible trail to 2 accessible hides.
6 hides, including a members’ only hide, which give you a great opportunity to quietly observe a host of birds
A wildlife sightings board in Reception which is updated daily, so make sure you add yours!
There’s a rubbing disc trail – pick up a booklet/crayon from The Lookout Café (cost £1).
There’s a natural play area, great for under 10s.
We run family events and activities during school holidays and some weekends– check our ‘Events’ pages or posters around the building.
The Lookout Café serves a range of snacks and refreshments including delicious cakes, freshly brewed coffee, and our famous scones in a fabulous setting – the views across the lake and the Bay are soul food!
The shop has gifts and pocket money mementos – it all helps support NWT.
Volunteering – come and help us in the café, welcoming visitors or carrying out practical conservation. Click here for all the latest roles.
We've also got a great range of learning opportunities through our adult learning workshops.