by Martin Blick
On the W edge of Redcar and no more than half a mile from the sea, this area of marsh and reed beds is managed by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.
There are about 6 footpaths onto the reserve from all 4 sides, but the principal access point is at NZ588250, midway along the N edge of the reserve and on Tod Point Road. There is parking here for 3-4 cars.
There are numerous footpaths around the reserve, a footbridge over the Middlesbrough – Saltburn railway line and a wide stream that acts as a drain for much of Redcar.
The 2 ponds at the E end attract good numbers of ducks, the reed beds hold breeding Reed and Sedge Warblers, Reed Bunting and Water Rail, and it is the most reliable site for wintering Bittern in Cleveland, at least since 2015.
There are not many trees around the reserve, but unusual passage migrants occur, including Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-backed and Great Grey Shrikes, Ring Ouzel and Bluethroat. Rarer birds seen include Cleveland’s only Bufflehead, plus Hoopoe, Stone-curlew, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teals, Rustic Bunting, Great Reed, Savi’s and Cetti’s Warblers, Purple Heron and Smew.
Feb 2019
