A former open cast mine, which was landscaped to produce a lake and islands by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust in the 1980’s, transforming the site into a flagship nature reserve. The site has recently undergone some major restoration and improvements, which include a new ‘Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre‘. Here you can enjoy tasty cakes, hot and cold sandwiches and drinks at the ‘Lookout Cafe’; whilst experiencing panoramic views. Whilst in the Discovery Centre you can birdwatch from a sheltered environment. Great for those rainy days! or family days out!
The reserve is located along the Northumberland coast, to the north of Druridge Bay Country Park, East Chevington, Druridge Pools and Cresswell Pond and to the south of Amble.
There are a good selection of unlocked hides spread out around the reserve and visitors can now enjoy a relaxing circular walk.
The site is home to a wide selection of warblers in the summer months and waders and wildfowl during the autumn/winter. As the reserve is adjacent to the coastline species such as Red-breasted Merganser, Long-tailed Duck and a wide selection of Terns, which can include Roseate Tern, from the nearby Coquet Island ; or even Little or Black Terns on the rare occasion can be recorded.
Recent highlights have included a Ring-necked Duck in March 2017, a Spotted Sandpiper in August 2016 and a Greater Yellowlegs and Grey Phalarope in November 2011.
Little Egrets can at times be found, together with Great White Egrets and Spoonbills on the rare occasion.
A Canada Goose
There is a small feeding station, which is also a great viewpoint in the spring/summer to observe warblers such as Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Migrants can also often be found in the shrubs and trees around the reserve, especially in the spring and autumn and birds such as Yellow-browed Warbler or Red-backed Shrike can be noted on the rare occasion.
The Northumberland Wildlife Trust have listed Hauxley as a dog-free nature reserve because their research indicates that even the presence of dogs disturbs wildlife. For more information, please visit the NWT site at click here.
A Spoonbill
Join the NWT Hauxley wildlife group
There is a new Hauxley Wildlife group. They meet once a month for walks, talks, workshops and social activities. For more information please visit www.nwt.org.uk or you can enquire when you arrive at Hauxley reserve reception.
County
Northumberland
Map Reference
NU 284 022
Habitats
-
- Wetland
- Woodland
- Coastal
Access
There is free access to the public.
Opening Times:
April to September 10 am – 5 pm
* October to March 10 am – 4 pm
* Members only from 9-10 am
The reserve is suitable for accompanied wheelchairs.
For more information please visit the Northumberland Wildlife Trust website at www.nwt.org.uk
Facilities
There are toilets and a cafe at the Wildlife Discovery Centre at the entrance of the reserve.
Parking
There is paid parking available at the main entrance to the reserve.
Additional Information
More information is available from the NWT website at www.nwt.org.uk