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Description
A former opencast coal mine, the fields are grazed in the autumn and winter to maintain the value of the habitat. A public footpath runs between the lake and fields leading to two bird hides, one facing north and one facing south, then beyond to the ruins of Chibburn Preceptory.
The deep lake to the north provides an opportunity to catch a glimpse of Otter, while wading birds feed along the shores, and Гоголь and Чомга use the water. The two wet fields to the south support large flocks of wintering wildfowl, mostly Свиязь and Чирок-свистунок, and in spring, Чирок-трескунок as well as Серая утка and Широконоска; they are very good feeding sites for waders including Бекас, Травник, Большой веретенник, Фифи, and others; Колпица has also become regular in recent years, and scan for Горный конёк in winter. In autumn, check the bushes and shelterbelts after east winds for species like Зарничка and Красноголовый королёк as well as numerous Желтоголовый королёк and Чиж.
Numerous rarities have occurred, including Грязовик, Круглоносый плавунчик, Каравайка, Кобчик, Рыжегрудая славка and others, making it a popular location for bird watchers and wildlife photographers alike.
The dunes hold Обыкновенный сверчок and Черноголовый чекан as well as the more abundant Полевой жаворонок and Луговой конёк. The highest dune, roughly in the middle of the bay, gives a good vantage point for scanning the sea; here you can often see Обыкновенная гага, Синьга, Длинноносый крохаль, Северная олуша, Краснозобая гагара, Короткохвостый поморник, Тонкоклювая кайра, Тупик, and also Песчанка on the beach if there are not too many dog-walkers around. A telescope is useful for this.
Details
Access
There is roadside car parking at the adjacent National Trust Druridge Links site. Access is from a minor road running alongside Druridge Links and through a wide gap onto a level grass path. A further entrance gives access to a viewing area on another grass path, 400m south, alongside the same minor road. There are two viewing hides, one with level access and one accessed by four steps. There is also a viewing platform at the southern end of the reserve which is accessed by three broad steps.
There are access points leading to a screen overlooking the southern fields and along the public right of way through the centre of the site. The terrain is level and flat, but paths can be wet and muddy.