Description
Prestwick Carr is a large, low-lying wetland area on the edge of urban Newcastle, attracting various wading birds and songbirds such as ľabtuška lúčna and škovránok poľný, but also wintering raptors, thrushes (including large flocks of drozd červenkavý and drozd čvíkota), woodland birds and myšiarka močiarna. strakoš veľký has wintered on several occasions, and strakoš červenohlavý has also been recorded. In the 2019-2020 winter, an trasochvost tundrový was a remarkable record, with presumably the same bird returning in the 2020-2021 winter.
Historically, it is of note as the first location in Britain where kalužiak močiarny was recorded breeding; a nest was found in 1853, but drainage in 1857 made the site unsuitable for further breeding.
Details
Access
Best approached from Prestwick Road, running east-west between Dinnington to the roundabout on the A696, immediately north of Newcastle Airport. There is a lane leading north from Prestwick Road, at east end of Prestwick hamlet, suitable for cars but very limited parking at its junction with an east-west lane that is a cycle and walking path east of the junction and farm access to the west. The 47A bus calls hourly at Prestwick hamlet, and the Metro (light rail) station at Newcastle Airport is 25 minutes walk.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Plain , Moors/heathland , AgricultureConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
There is a military rifle range immediately to the north, so access to some parts is restricted when red warning flags are flown.


