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Druridge Bay is one of the most impressive stretches of beach backed by sand dunes
on Britain's east coast. Nearby Big Waters in Newcastle is a quiet nature
reserve where there's a good chance of seeing Otters. | |  | Waterways are a great place to see wildlife from a very
different perspective. Why not get out on the water to watch wildlife?
| |  | - Our waterways provide great opportunities
for wildlife watching. Why not take a few tips from the Nature's Calendar team?
From bird watching to boat trips.
| | | Druridge
Bay and Big Waters - Visitor Guide | | Address: | Druridge
Bay, north Lynemouth, Northumberland.
Big Water, Brunswick Village,
near Newcastle Airport. | | Telephone: | Druridge
Bay Ponds - 01670 760968 Big Waters - 0191 281 0973 | | e-mail | Big
Waters:
walker.riversidepark@newcastle.gov.uk
Druridge
Bay: druridgebay@northumberland.gov.uk Ìý Northumberland
Wildlife Trust:
mail@northwt.org.uk | | Map: |
| | Essential kit: | Binoculars
or scope. Camouflage colour clothing. Walking boots - Druridge Ponds path can
get muddy in winter. | | Nature watching: | Druridge
- birdwatching - several hides. Wildlife watching. Walks. The Pink Footed Geese
are on the fields at Druridge Ponds until March/April.
Hauxley Hide at
the top end of Druridge Bay is heated and staffed. It provides a good overview
of winter birds. Daytime opening. There are also several smaller hides around
Hauxley Pond which are open all hours. Check out the nearby beach for wading birds
such as Oystercatchers and Redshank.
Big Waters - Otter watching from hide
(access via Northumberland Wildlife Trust). Wild walks. Bird feeding station.
| | Access: | Druridge
Pools - three hides reached by unpaved public footpath. Access can be difficult
for wheelchair users when wet and muddy.
Cresswell Pond - birdwatching
hide. Follow the short track to Blakemoor Farm. The pond can also be seen from
the roadside. The public footpath at the north end is wheelchair accessible.
Hauxley
reserve - reception hide is wheelchair accessible (and heated). Toilets including
disabled facilities. Good access around most of the site to five other hides.
Local area bird watching map available from main reception hide. Ìý Big
Waters - there are two hides which require a key (available from Northumberland
Wildlife Trust). There are level paths with good surfaces. A public hide is available
at the City Council end of the site. | | Getting
there: | Druridge Bay is three miles south of
Amble on A1068 in Northumberland. Public Transport - call 0870 6092608 for details. Ìý Big
Waters Reserve is located north of Newcastle just off the A1 just north of Wide
Open and close to Brunswick Village. Bus service 45 from Newcastle Haymarket (approx
every 15 minutes). | | Opening times: | Druridge
Bay Country Park - open year round - closed to vehicles after dusk. Ìý Hauxley,
East Chevington, Druridge Pools, Cresswell Pond - all managed by the Northumberland
Wildlife Trust and many have hides. Open all year dawn-dusk. Reception hide open
from 10am daily, closed 3pm winter, 5pm summer. Ìý Big Waters - open
all year dawn to dusk. | | Charges: | Druridge
- free. Small car park charge.
Hauxley - free car park by reception hide.
Big
Waters - free. |
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