Saltholme Nature Reserve

[foxy mars]

I'm thinking about visiting Saltholme Nature Reserve sometime for some bird-watching. I've heard it a good place for bird-watching, anyone been up there.

I don't live too far from there, about 6 miles travel.

[Dogghound]

If you only live 6 miles away then its well worth a visit. I regularly visit it from 50 miles away. It is best in Autumn when it gets a good passage of waders and wildfowl, plus anything can turn up. Although its a nice site to visit all year round, with plenty of birds around. You should see species like wigeon, teal, shoveler, peregrine, lapwing, golden/grey plover, long eared owl etc. You also get things like spoonbill, bittern, various terns, ring necked duck etc turning up too.

[foxy mars]

Thanks, Dogghound, for that useful info.

That many bird's, sound great. I will have take the RSPB Pocket Birds book with me, going to need it.

I hear there is a shed for locking up bikes there. I know the main entrance is on the A178 road, but I think there is a access track from the Haverton Hill road near Port Clarence. I will seek it out, maybe this Thursday if weather is fine.

[Dogghound]

You can cycle through the reserve from Port Clarence, I think that there is a bike parking facility at the visitors centre, which you can access from this track.

[foxy mars]

Thanks, I will do that. I will let you on how I get on, better than sitting in a pub. Btw, is there any facilities there in the line of a cafe or similar, just in case of a hot drink or food. However, I could take a flask and some sandwiches. I should imagine it will get cold on the reserve depending on the wind direction.

[Dogghound]

Yes there is a big cafe there, where you can get lots of different things to eat and hot drinks. Yes let us know how you get on.

[foxy mars]

Well, I thought, being a lovely day, the sun was out and no wind. This would be a ideal time to visit Saltholme Nature Reserve and see what it's like.

I set off on the bike, which is only 6 miles from home. I reached Haverton Hill and found the track that is the unofficial way into the reserve. I only got so far to find that I ended up back in nearby Port Clarence and had to cycle along the Seaton Carew road, which I didn't really care on doing, but didn't have much choice to do so. But the road was fairly quiet and I can always enquire about the access track from Haverton Hill to the reserve once I get there.

I arrived at the reserve to find it was something of a place and cyclist's don't pay for parking, being a green method of transport. Once the bike was locked up in the secure bike shed, I made my way to the main building to sign in.

This building is something, being my first time, I had to ask for directions to the reserve and soon I was on the reserve bird-watching and generally having a lovely time and beat's drinking in a stuffy pub, although a tot of whiskey or brandy would of been nice instead of coffee.

So, there it is, a nice afternoon out, although a full day would be better to take advantage of bird-watching.

Bird's I saw on the reserve were:

Canada Goose, Coot, Little Glebe, Mallard, Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Gold Finch, Green Finch, Blue Tit and of cause our humble Robin. So, there is, a good half-day for such a small group of bird's to be seen.

Whilst, I was there, I saw some of the binoculars for sale and the price for some were something like £800 to a £1000. That is out of my range, but guessing, it would be worth the money to enjoy such a great hobby.

Next time, I go to the reserve, I will know on where the access now go's, must take a small rucksack, take the spotting scope (cheapish Aldi -oh well) take a packed lunch and maybe a mini flask of whiskey.

I'm thinking of joining the RSPB, but not sure if it would be worth it, although I know the money would go to their future project's. Anyway, something to think over and decide if it's best to do so.

I did take some photo's while I was there and I will post a few on here in a day or two.

[foxy mars]

Saltholme Nature Reserve photos.

[Farplace]

Looks like a nice place.... When you get to know it a bit better, I might take the day off and let you give me a tour!!
Jan

[foxy mars]

Sure you would like it, Jan. It is a big place, I will be spending more days over there. Yes, I will take you on a tour and a coffee too.