Gateshead Birders

Kibblesworth Brickworks Pools

This site has been around for a number of years but have generally been unwatched and unmentioned. However Grayling butterflies were discovered here in 2005 and caused some excitement just as the area with the help of SITA was to be developed into a nature reserve. The Grayling was the the first ever for Gateshead[ It became extinct in Co.Durham in the 1870's and in Northumberland it was always confined to the coastal sand dunes in the north of the county. (Records from the 1820's to date). Three years years ago it reappeared along the River Tees in the south of Durham and is now a resident breeding species again. In Northumberland it has spread southwards some 30 miles along the coastline in the past five years, and has since been found on several suitable inland sites, up to 15 miles from the coast]

In 2006 the pools were checked for Dragonflies and 13+ species have been found here including the first ever Lesser Emperor and Black-tailed Skimmers for Gateshead, the 2nd Red-veined Darters and also other rare species such as Emperor, Four-spotted Chaser and Banded Demoiselle. The Graylings it was discovered, seem to have a very healthy population here.

There are several ways of entering the site. Perhaps the easiest is the bridle way opposite Lamesley reed beds. Walk along here and turn left where it is crossed by a footpath. Continue here and turn left where the notice board to the site is. If you miss that continue until you see the pond on your left and enter just before. Check the large pond and also the smaller pool(s) that are further east in front of the residential caravan site. It is not recommended you leave a car parked at the reed beds if you enter this way because of several incidents are car-theft/vandalism.

The safer place to park is on the left, immediately before the first houses in Kibblesworth village when entering from Lamesley. Follow the footpath here, the the gardens to the houses on your right and a field on your left. Continue on and go straight across the bridle way and turn left where the notice board to the site is. If you miss that continue until you see the pond on your left and enter just before.

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