Description
The Gannel Estuary, situated on the south side of Newquay, provides an ideal roosting area for many birds. Up to 5000 birds have been recorded here sheltering from harsh northern winters. Large groups of gulls can be seen here. Between the flocks of Srebrnasti galeb sometimes Severni galeb, Frenklinov galeb and Američki crnoglavi galeb have been seen. Also groups of Crnoglavi galeb can be seen here. Among the other birds you can encounter here are Crnotrba sprutka, Žalar blatarić, Crvenonogi sprudnik, Mala carska šljuka, Velika carska šljuka, Krivokljuni sprudnik, Srebrni vivak, Laponska muljača, Mala šljuka, Mala bela čaplja, planinska trepteljka and Snežna strnadica.
Details
Access
There are numerous walks around the estuary including two circular walks. Please follow way marked routes as some paths are permissive and exist only through the goodwill of the landowning community. One walk of 5 km is shown on the map below.
Note: The Gannel is tidal and a dangerous place to swim or wade, in order to walk right around the estuary you will need to avoid high tide. There are two foot bridges, at Trennance the bridge is covered for about an hour either side of the high tide whereas the Penpol bridge is covered for about 2 1/2 hours either side of high tides. For the tide times click on the link below.
