ACORN BANK NT
Varied birding in a scenic setting
The National Trust at Acorn Bank own 180 acres of woodland and parkland along with an orchard with 100 species of apple trees, a herb garden with 275 different herbs, and a water mill dating back to 1323.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
Arriving from the A66, you drop down into Temple Sowerby, where you find a stretch of the River Eden to walk and check for birds and mammals.
This section of the river is noted for species like Common Sandpiper, Sand Martin and a mixture of ducks in winter. Greylag Geese are now residents in the area and breed along the river. Look out for signs of Otter along the banking and check the willows for Kingfisher.
2
After a short walk along the road you come to the minor road to Acorn Bank, where the Crowdundale Beck is found. Here there’s an amazing stretch of Alders, so look out for both
Siskin and redpolls in winter feeding on their seed. Willow Warblers breeding along this stretch with winter flocks of a mixture of tits and even Treecreeper.
3
The drive into the National Trust property has plenty of grassland around it on the right so look out for winter thrush flocks and breeding Mistle Thrush feeding here. A maturing oak woodland is on your left so listen out for Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Green Woodpecker has been found here but is now becoming much rarer in North Cumbria.
4
The water mill at Acorn Bank has been restored by volunteers and is open on certain days. Look for species like Dipper and Grey Wagtail here. The Grey Wagtail has nested by the mill and been on camera in 2022 along with a Redstart nesting here.
5
Walking back towards Temple Sowerby by another minor road you find a large area of wetland due to a spring. Here you may find both Sedge and Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Bunting and both Swallow and House Martin hunting over the wetland. Listen out for Water Rail squeaking like a pig in winter.