Coast, wetland, woodland and farmland make for a great birding spot

Aformer opencast mine, Hauxley is one of four Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserves that border the magnificent sweep of Druridge Bay, with its protected dune system, and is an outstanding reserve in so many respects.

More than 140 species have been spotted here and it’s not unusual in the summer months to see Marsh Harriers from the nearby East Chevington reserve hunting over the lake, and Grasshopper Warblers can be seen on the coastal stretch. Basically, there is a 1.2-mile circular walk crossing streams and sluices giving you sweeping vistas of the lake and islands from different angles. It gives access to six hides, with five overlooking the lake (one of which is NWT members only). This walk has been extremely well thought out, with picnic tables around the route, benches with views, and screens to observe the reedbeds and other habitats.

The western section of the walk has open views across farmland for species such Lapwing, Golden Plover, Buzzard and Meadow Pipit, while the eastern section runs parallel to the coast some 60 yards away, so as we were walking this stretch, Oystercatcher, Dunlin and Eider flew overhead.

Some of the hides are very spacious, but you do need to take care when using the latches to secure the windows as they can be a bit loud in some. The path down to the member hide is well worth doing as it’s very narrow and you are in a virtual tunnel of trees where we managed to get Goldcrest and other small birds. All in all an outstanding venue where literally anything can turn up.