Description
New Lount NR is a former colliery site, the area is mainly woodland, forming a part of the National Forest. The muddy surrounds of the small pools can hold (Κοινό) Μπεκατσίνι in Winter. The feeders at the car park (only open 0900-1600hrs) have regular visits by Γαλαζοπαπαδίτσα, Καλόγερος, Δεντροτσοπανάκος, (Κοινός) Σπίνος, Πευκοδρυοκολάπτης and (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κίσσα. In Spring/Summer Θαμνοφυλλοσκόπος, Δεντροφυλλοσκόπος, Μαυροσκούφης and Κηποτσιροβάκος can be found nearby. The speciality of the reserve is Καστανοπαπαδίτσα, being increasingly rare over most of it's range they are doing really well at this site, as a comparison Βουνοπαπαδίτσα can also be found here. Ελατοπαπαδίτσα, Βουνοδεντροβάτης, (Ευρωπαϊκός) Φλώρος and Χουχουριστής are also regularly seen.
During Winter the ever difficult to find (Ευρασιατική) Μπεκάτσα are around, usually more crepuscular in habit along woodland edges, an evening visit may be needed for this species though. Over open fields (Κοινή) Γερακίνα, Βραχοκιρκίνεζο and Ψαλιδιάρης, are possible, along woodland edges (Κοινό) Ξεφτέρι can be seen hunting the many small birds. In Spring the open areas may produce Σταχτοπετρόκλης, Χιονοκότσυφας and even (Ευρασιατική) Τουρλίδα may briefly drop in. In Winter the open areas usually have Κοκκινότσιχλα and Κεδρότσιχλα and occasionally (Ευρωπαϊκό) Βροχοπούλι and (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα have been seen.
Details
Access
New Lount NR is Northeast of the town of Ashby-De-La-Zouch. On the East side of the town is a large roundabout on the A42, follow signs to Loughborough on the A512 (Ashby Road), continue on this road and turn Left at sign Hathern/Newbold B5324 (Rempstone Road). Continue on B5324 and turn Left at sign Newbold/Lount on road called Melbourne Road, the reserve entrance is further along this road on the Left. The reserve is open 24 hours, if the reserve car park is closed use alternate layby further along Melbourne Road (press Star on map).
