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Description
East Coast Nature Reserve forms part of the extensive Murrough Wetlands, an important coastal wetland complex which is designated as a Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. The reserve offers a variety of habitats, from rare fen to wet grasslands to birch woodland, which can all be explored on foot through marked walking trails and observation hides. Tall reeds and sedges abound and the pig-like squealing of the Water Rail can be heard.
Little Egret can often be seen fishing in the drainage ditches. Other birds you can see are Common Kingfisher, Linnet, Greenfinch, Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting. Arriving in October and staying until March are Whooper Swan. In the winter, ducks (Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal) and wading birds (Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit) gather on the reserve. Also Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier and Peregrine Falcon. These birds of prey are more likely to be seen in the winter, when they move to the coast in search of food.
Details
Access
Limited parking is available at the main entrance to the reserve along Sea Road (turn left after the Castle Inn, Newcastle) or the coastal car parks at either Six-mile or Five-mile Point. Click on a P in the map for directions to one of the car parks. There are marked walking trails between each entrance that offer good views over the whole area. Keep to these trails to avoid disturbance to the wildlife. Grazing animals are present throughout the summer months.