Print
Category: BRITAIN
Hits: 2246

SALTHOLME RSPB RESERVE

ENGLAND

TEESSIDE, COUNTY DURHAM (Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham), (E)

National Grid NZ 506231 00o00´/00o00´ 380ha 3m, mainly flooded meadows and grassland, with some bushes 
Anytime (19.02.10)

 

Birding Site Guide

This is the brilliant new RSPB Reserve located in the Tees Valley industrial area just E of Billingham and just N of Middlesborough. It is located about 4 miles from the A19 along the A689 only half a mile, then from the roundabout head S along the A1185 until after 4 miles you join the A178 at a mini roundabout and take the third exit to the reserve entrance.

The car park is £3, or free for members and people using public transport or on pushbike or foot. There is a large visitor centre with well-stocked shop and a large upstairs cafe, toilets etc. There is a wildlife garden and childrens area too. There are several well built hides and good paths, all ok for wheelchairs. 
The reserve is excellent for gulls; recently a Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens was found here. This is no doubt because of the reserves proximity to not only the coast but also 3 large land fill sites. The reserve is also very good for waders and waterfowl. The few sparse bushes around the car park and outside the visitor centre, where feeders are located attract Linnets and Goldfinches as well as tits.

Other sites close by include Teesside National Nature Reserve and Seaton Carew waterfront, see there write-ups on BSG.


Author: BSG

 

www.birdingsiteguide.com