East Chevington Nature Reserve
This 184ha site comprises two large lakes with reedbeds, grassland and new woodland. This reserve is still under development having been passed to NWT following opencast restoration in 2003. The site contains two large lakes with fringing reedbeds, grassland and newly planted woodland. The Trust also owns farmland to the west of the ponds but this is only accessible along marked routes.
Wildlife highlights: The site is already seen as one of the best birdwatching sites in the area 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. The grasslands contain plants such as dyer's greenweed and northern marsh orchid. Butterflies such as the common blue and meadow brown are seen regularly in summer while common darter dragonflies breed in the smaller pools.
Facilities: Toilets and a café are available at the Country Park (owned and managed by Northumberland County Council) and there are several hides dotted around the lakes, including a larger hide for education use.
Location: Parking is available on site by following the small unclassified road from opposite the Red Row turning off the main road. Further parking is available at the Country Park where there is a small charge. Please do not block gates into fields. There is no access around the shores of either lake or within the farmland areas off marked routes.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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