Description
Kingsmill Lake is a Western offshoot of the Tamar Estuary, it has a good size saltmarsh that is used as a high tide roost. On it's Southern shore is The China Fleet Club Golf Course, that has a large free car park, the wooded footpath (can be muddy) is beside the golf teeing range, the lake/main estuary is overlooked by two bird hides. To gain access to these hides go to country club reception to get key codes (press STAR on map). Kingsmill Lake has had a number of Nearctic species seen but more usual are Kılıçgaga, Kızılbacak, Küçük kumkuşu, Kızıl kumkuşu, Yeşil düdükçün, Kara kızılbacak, Çamurçulluğu among many other species.
Details
Access
The A38 runs through the town of Saltash, if travelling East from Cornwall pass through Carkeel Roundabout signed Plymouth. Just before Saltash Tunnel (DO NOT go through tunnel) take left slip road signed Saltmill and follow signs to China Fleet Club. If travelling West (A38) from Plymouth go over Tamar suspension bridge, just before tunnel entrance take left sliproad signed B3217 (North Road), follow signs to Saltmill and then signs to China Fleet Club.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , City/village , Mud flats , Beach , Wetland , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Wet , Slippery , High water possible , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Autumn migration , Spring migration , Autumn , Spring , WinterRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
PLEASE NOTE, whilst entry to the 2 bird hides is FREE, the often muddy/wet footpath is unsuitable for wheelchairs and those with reduced mobility, also both hides have steps to gain access and fairly narrow doors. This out of the way and often unvisited site is a bit of a 'local gem' and is now mostly visited by local birders only.
ALSO NOTE, the bird hides have fixed seating, making it difficult to use a telescope with tripod, I advise bringing a hide clamp if possible.

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