Gateshead Birders

For an essentially urban area Gateshead has a rich variety of interesting birdwatching sites. There are a wide range of different habitats, and these attract many different species of bird. Most of the borough's best places for birds are in the west, in the lower Derwent Valley for instance, but in the east the Gateshead stretch of the River Tyne will reward careful watching, as will the various pond and wetland sites scattered across the area.

What types of birds can a birdwatcher expect to see? As one might expect the woodlands hold a wide range of typical species: titmice, woodpeckers, Jays, and Chaffinches, Robins, Wrens and thrushes. Some of the woodlands have the added bonus of specialist woodland species such as Nuthatch, Wood Warbler and Hawfinch. In the various conifer plantations Siskins, and occasionally Crossbills, can be found whilst along the woodland rides on summer evenings Woodcock can be seen "roding". The three main rivers which pass through the borough, being different in character, tend to attract different types of birds. The Tyne is favoured by large numbers of Cormorant and, along its' low tide mudbanks, Redshank and occasionally Curlew can be found feeding alongside Teal and Lapwing. During the latter part of summer large gatherings of terns come up the river to feed on small fish. The meandering R.Team, above the industrialised section, cuts through sandy banksides and hosts Kingfisher and Sand Martins, whilst Yellow Wagtails breed in the meadows along its flood plain. The Derwent flows fast and freely, and there can be found Dipper, Grey Wagtails and, occasionally, Goosander and Common Sandpiper. A variety of ponds and wetlands across the borough host a wide range of wintering wildfowl, both dabbling and diving ducks, as well as Little Grebe, Herons and Mute Swans. Wetlands also attract many passage migrants, both wetland species, such as Green Sandpiper, and insectivorous birds like warblers, which are attracted to the abundance of prey which marshes and ponds provide. Above the river valleys rise steep "fell" areas, such as Barlow Fell, and on these can be seen the last vestiges of Gateshead's upland bird fauna. At one time such places had breeding Hen Harrier and Black Grouse, but very little of the "heath" now remains and the observer must be content with an occasional Wheatear, Whinchat or Curlew.

The best places for birdwatching in the borough vary according to season and weather conditions, and the observer will ultimately find there own favourite spots. The list of sites below attempts to satisfy the curiosity of the observer new to the area and to direct the visitor as to what is likely to be seen and the best time of year to visit.

Bill Quay Riverside
A tidal stretch of the R.Tyne, close to the International Paint Factory. The river can be overlooked from the track which runs westwards from below the Bill Quay Community Farm at grid reference NZ288627.

The river is probably at its most interesting in late summer at low tide when large numbers of fishing terns might be present as well as a few wading birds. A few pairs of Kittiwake have recently started to nest on the International Paints building and these can be seen from April through to August. During the winter small numbers of waders can be seen at low tide along the river banks, these include Lapwings, Snipe, Redshank and quite often Turnstone, at their furthest regular inland locality in the region. Cormorant are always to be seen along the river, and occasionally more unusual seabirds such as auks and divers have been noted.

Chopwell Wood
A very large Forestry Commission woodland in the Derwent Valley which is managed for the production of commercial timber. Most of the wood is made up of pines, though there are areas of spruce, larch, beech and some remnants of ancient oak woodland. There are many access points but the easiest for the first time visitor is the main car park at Hookergate, grid reference NZ137584, off the B6315, Rowlands Gill to High Spen road.

A wide range of common woodland species can be seen, but the area is particularly good for those that like conifers, such as Coal Tit and Goldcrest. The wood attracts very large numbers of Siskins, and sometimes Crossbill, which occasionally stay to breed. Some of the Beech plantations are good for wintering Hawfinch, and these sometimes gather here in relatively large numbers. An evening walk through the woods is often productive and large numbers of Tawny Owl can be heard, and many displaying Woodcock seen.

Clara Vale Pit Yard
This reclaimed industrial site is now a mixture of grassland, scrub and woodland with a winter feeding station and hide (keys available from the Secretary of the Clara Vale Conservation Group or from the Thornley Woodlands Centre 0207 545212). The area owned by Gateshead M.B.C., is now run as a nature reserve by local residents. Access is via the car park, grid ref. NZ132649 on the western side of the village.

During the summer a range of warblers can be seen in the scrub along with breeding Yellowhammers and Linnet. The main attraction is the winter feeding station which attracts good numbers of Tree Sparrows, Greenfiches and Yellowhammers. In hard weather Bramblings can be seen at close quarters along with Redwing and Fieldfares. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be seen frequently, a bird of the Scandanavian race, major, was seen in 1991. Along with the Blue, Coal and Great Tits, Willow and Long-tailed Tits also visit the site for food. The large number of birds here regularly attracts hunting Sparrowhawks.

Derwent Walk Country Park
A large country park in the lower Derwent Valley, managed by Gateshead M.B.C. There are a wide range of different habitats for birds and undoubtedly the best single birdwatching site in the borough. Access is via the Thornley Woodlands Centre, grid reference NZ178604, on the A694, or the Swalwell Visitor Centre, grid reference NZ198620, near the A1. The country park encompasses large areas of ancient oak woodland, coniferous plantations, riverside and meadows, and there is a wetland area and a winter feeding station with observation hides (keys available from Thornley Woodlands Centre 0207 545212).

A wide variety of woodland birds can be seen, all of the typical species are present, with the addition of many others. Great Spotted Woodpecker and Nuthatch are common, Green Woodpecker are less so but still regularly noted. Sparrowhawk and Kestrel are present throughout the year, and in summer the Country Park is alive with the song of summer visitors. Garden Warblers and Blackcap are common in the woods, and Wood Warbler is present in good numbers in Thornley Wood. Both Pied Flycatcher and Redstart have bred, but they are mainly passage visitors. Along the R.Derwent Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail are commonly seen, with occasional Common Sandpiper during the summer. The Far Pasture wetland attracts a variety of water loving species including passage wading birds, wildfowl and Herons. A particular attraction during the wintertime is the Thornley Woods bird feeding station which allows people to see at close quarters species such as Nuthatch and Woodpeckers.

Dunston, Riverside Mudflats
An area of intertidal mudflat about a kilometre upstream of where the R.Team joins the Tyne. The mud is best viewed from near the weighbridge building, and obviously low tide is the best time for viewing wading birds. The mudflats, known as Timber Beach, are close to the minor road running parallel to the river, behind the Metrocentre, at grid reference NZ224628.

The mud attracts varying numbers of wading birds, with the largest flocks being seen in late autumn and winter. In spring small parties of Ringed Plover are often present, Redshank are seen throughout the year, whilst Curlew is mainly a winter visitor here. In spring the mud often attracts Common Sandpiper and sometimes rarer species such as Greenshank. There are usually a few Lapwing and Mallard present, with a winter flock of Teal which can reach over one hundred birds. Out on the river can be seen Cormorants, gulls, the occasional winter Goldeneye, and in summer, a few terns.

Pockerley Farm Pond
A small pond with thick stands of marginal vegetation set in open farmland close to an area of conifer plantation. The pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is managed by the Durham Wildlife Trust. The pond can be viewed from the farm track, at grid reference NZ223554, which runs along its southern edge from the road near Kibblesworth to Beamish.

A variety of wetland birds might be seen on and around the pond, such as Heron, Mallard, and Teal, whilst it is particularly attractive to Little Grebe. In the surrounding farmland there are Linnets, Little Owls and, in very small numbers, Corn Bunting.

Ravensworth Fell
A wind swept fell, above the Team valley, which, at over 700 feet elevation, is the best remaining "upland" area in the borough. The fell, which includes areas of farmland and remnant heath, is criss-crossed by footpaths, and the Sunniside to Kibblesworth road. The area can be well viewed by following the public footpaths which emanate out from the layby at grid reference NZ215578.

Spring is the most interesting time of year to visit the fell. At this time of the year large numbers of Skylark are singing, Curlew and Lapwing are displaying and you may see an occasional Redshank or Snipe. Early spring sees the fell playing host to passage migrants heading north, Wheatear and Whinchat are regular, with occasional Ring Ouzel. Golden Plover are regularly noted here as they move northwards, and on a number of occasions Dotterel have been recorded. Grey Partridge are common and Red-legged Partridge might also be noted. The area can appear bleak and unpromising but a variety of interesting species can be seen, and in recent years five different owl species have been noted in the area.

River Derwent, Swalwell
The section of the R.Derwent directly above its confluence with the Tyne, has a developing mudflat, a reed covered island, surrounded by a formally managed park area. The best spot is close to the Metro Radio building at Swalwell, where parking is available, grid reference NZ204605.

This area is probably best visited during the winter, though spring and autumn are also worthwhile. There is a wintering flock of up to sixty Teal, which commute between here and Shibdon Pond, other wildfowl species are also sometimes seen, both Scaup and Long-tailed Duck have been recorded. Little Grebe are usually present in the winter, with as many as ten birds, and Kingfisher are a regular sight along the river. Waders find the muddy silt bank attractive and Redshank are often present, as are Common Sandpiper in spring and autumn. Snipe are sometimes seen and more unusual species like: Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank and Jacksnipe have all been recorded. The amenity planting blocks around the area hold many common "garden" birds and on one memorable occasion they attracted a flock of almost 260 Waxwing.

Ryton Willows
A large expanse of riverside grassland managed by Gateshead M.B.C., to the south of the River Tyne, close to the old village of Ryton-upon-Tyne, grid reference NZ155650. Parking is available at the bottom of Station Bank, off the old village green. The Ryton Willow's ponds and marsh is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The "willows" itself is a large area of dry acidic grassland, there are three very different ponds on site, appreciable areas of Gorse and Broom scrub, mature woodland, and open riverside. The woods hold a variety of typical species, and the springtime is very good for viewing both Nuthatch and the elusive Hawfinch. Three species of woodpecker have been recorded, but far and away the commonest is Great Spotted. The Gorse scrub holds large numbers of breeding finches and warblers, including Lesser Whitethroat and Sedge. Large numbers of Goosander congregate on the river during the winter, moving up and downstream, and the wintering flock of up to 250 Goldeneye is of national importance. Spring should see movements of waders such as Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper along the Tyne Valley, whilst autumn brings skeins of geese heading westwards towards the Solway Firth. The river is always likely to produce something of interest, and over recent years Red and Black-throated Divers, Smew, Common Scoter, and Black-necked Grebe have all been recorded.

Saltwell Park
A large formally managed park in the centre of Gateshead with a boating lake, holding some captive wildfowl, owned and managed by Gateshead M.B.C. There is also an aviary in a "pets corner" which display a variety of caged finches and other species. The lake often holds small numbers of wild duck, and there is an area of old oak woodland which is the best for wild birds. The park can be entered at a variety of access points, the lake is located at grid reference NZ254613.

The park is probably most interesting to the birdwatcher during winter or spring. A variety of captive wildfowl can be seen on the lake including: Lesser White-fronted, Canada, Emperor and Greylag Goose, Shelduck and Mute Swan. The aviaries hold a wide variety of finch, dove and pheasant species. Around the rest of the park can be seen large numbers of Collared Doves, some of which are so tame they will take bread from the hand. Scattered around the park are a variety of typical suburban park species, such as Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Wood Pigeon. In late spring large numbers of Spotted Flycatcher arrive and can be seen feeding around the bowling greens and open areas. Nuthatch has been recorded in the oak woodland below the castle. Occasionally unexpected species might be noted for instance the Red-necked Grebe which was once seen on the lake (in the 1930's), as well as Hawfinch and Tree Sparrow.

Shibdon Pond
A wetland Nature Reserve and S.S.S.I. managed by Gateshead M.B.C. in conjunction with the Durham Wildlife Trust. It is situated on the north side of Shibdon Road (B6317), to the east of Blaydon, just to the south of the Scotswood Bridge, grid reference NZ195628. Parking is available at the nearby Blaydon Swimming Pool. The reserve consists of a large pond surrounded by marsh, reedbeds and areas of scrub. There is an observation hide in the south-west corner for which keys can be obtained from the Thornley Woodlands Centre, near Rowlands Gill.

Over 180 species have been recorded and the reserve has something to offer at any time of the year. Summer months are excellent for viewing migrant warblers and hirundines, whilst in the winter the focus of attention switches to the pond and the wintering wildfowl. Autumn and spring passage periods, April-May and August-September, are the best times to see more unusual or rare species. Specialities of the reserve include: Water Rail and Mediterranean Gull, whilst a variety of other scarce species recorded over recent years include Spotted Crake, White-winged Black Tern and Bluethroat.

Spen Banks Wood
A large block of coniferous woodland managed by the Forestry Commission, on the north-west slopes of the Derwent Valley close to High Spen. The wood can be entered from Rowlands Gill via Low Sherburn Wood, near the Townley Arms, grid reference NZ167588, or along the track adjacent to Hookergate School NZ145594.

Common woodland birds can be seen throughout the year, but winter is the best time to see flocks of Siskin, Redpoll and occasionally, Crossbill.

Strother Hills
A mainly deciduous woodland on the south-east edge of Rowlands Gill. The site is owned and managed by Gateshead M.B.C. and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Much of the woodland is very damp and consists of Alder, with some large Beech trees and areas of Oak. The wood can be entered from the Whinfield Industrial Estate, Highfield, at grid reference NZ151582.

All of the commoner woodland species, titmice, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Chaffinch can be seen throughout the year, as can Nuthatch and Siskin. Siskin are normally thought of as birds of coniferous woods, though very large winter flocks of up to 200 birds can be seen at Strothers, attracted there by the large numbers of seed in the Alder cones. Other specialities of the site include Green Woodpecker and Hawfinch, the latter is most often noted in the winter, whilst the "yaffle" can be seen and heard throughout the year. During the summer the woodland attracts Wood Warbler as well as the commoner woodland species such as Blackcap and Chiffchaff.

Victoria Garesfield
A small reclaimed pit yard close to Strother Hills, and abutting Chopwell Wood. The area has a large amount of Broom scrub as well as plantations of Alder and White Poplar. The site is owned and managed by Gateshead M.B.C. and can be reached by turning right up Lintzford Lane from the A694, about three quarters of a mile after Rowlands Gill. A tiny amount of parking is available near to the Schoolhouses at grid reference NZ147579.

The site is probably most interesting in winter or spring. Large numbers of Long-tailed Tits can regularly be seen, often in the company of Blue Tits and other species. Willow Tits are also very common here. The site's most exciting bird is Green Woodpecker and there is nowhere in the borough which so regularly attracts this species. A range of summer migrants are present including Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Garden Warbler.

Washingwell Woods
A small v-shaped woodland close to the A695 at Sunniside. Most of the area is taken up by plantations of Larch, though there are stands of Oak and other deciduous species present. Two small streams run down the arms of the woodland. The site is owned and managed by Gateshead M.B.C. There is a small car park close to the main road not far from the Marquis of Granby public house grid reference NZ217597.

The woods are worth visiting at any time of the year. Winter time brings large numbers of small finches to feed on the seeds of the larches, and there can be significant gatherings of Siskin, Redpoll and Goldfinch. Along the stream throughout the year can be seen Grey Wagtail, and on rarer occasions Grey Heron. In most years there are a pair or two of Wood Warblers in the oak areas, and Spotted Flycatcher, and Tree Pipits are relatively common. The scrubbier areas are good for Whitethroat, and the surrounding farmland holds Yellowhammer, Linnet and Tree Sparrow, and at one time Corn Bunting. Hawfinch are regularly recorded in the woods, and the car park is a favourite spot for them.

Whickham Thorns
A small area of open land, hedgerow and scrub, adjacent to the Whickam Thorns Centre, Dunston. There are Nature Trails laid out from the Centre and if these are followed most of the best areas can be viewed. Parking is available at the centre, grid reference NZ221318.

The site is at its most interesting during the summer when most of the common summer migrants can be seen in the scrubby areas: Swallow, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Blackcap. In winter the area is much quieter although the fields and scrub can be good for winter thrushes and the odd Grey Partridge.

See also Sites index on this website for more information