Latest sightings
Wildlife Sightings - 29/06/26
A quiet overcast morning before the sun came out, Black Headed Gull chicks are getting adventures and walking all around the lake on their own stretching their legs and wings. A pair of juvenile Great Spotted Woodpeckers at Hawthorn Wood Feeding station,
29 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings - 28/06/26
A sunny morning with lots of dragonflies out early, Broad bodied chaser, Emperor Dragonfly and many Azure and Blue-tailed damselflies seen on the Amphibian ponds. Look for the striking blue tail of the Emperor and the size as it’s the biggest dragonfly
28 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings - 27/06/26
A new Sedge Warbler territory has been recorded within the stream channel this year. As the reserve usually supports just 5–6 breeding pairs, this additional pair represents an exciting increase. am Wader Lake Species
27 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings - 26/06/26
Lots of Lapwing on the exposed shores and scattered around the islands of wader lake. Young birds flocking to the suet feeders at Hawthorn Wood Hide am/pm Wader Lake Species Water Level Total
26 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings 25/06/2026
Good mix of grassland-associated butterflies together with the Chimney Sweeper moth observed at Old Oak Meadow am Wader Lake Species Water Level Total Avocet 39
25 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings 24/06/2026
Some lovely Dragonfly and Damselfly activity this morning with the early heat today. Broad-bodied Chasers and lots of Azure and Blue-tailed Damselfly at Amphibian Ponds, with a striking female Banded Demoiselle just outside the visitor centre by the pond
24 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings - 23/06/26
Lots of Lapwing on the exposed shores and scattered around the islands of wader lake. Young birds flocking to the suet feeders at Hawthorn Wood Hide am/pm Wader Lake Species Water Level Total
23 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings - 22/06/26
Lots of Lapwing on the exposed shores and scattered around the islands of wader lake. Young birds flocking to the suet feeders at Hawthorn Wood Hide most exciting are 3 Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpeckers that are flying around together, look for the all r
22 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings 21/06/2026
Kingfisher perching in front of Northumbrian Water Hide on Wader Lake, it was using the deeper pool in front of the hide to fish. Lots of Lapwing on the exposed shore of the lake, a pair of Curlew on the lake as well. am/pm Wader La
21 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings 20/06/2026
We're delighted to report a sighting of a Common Lizard basking near the Lagoon Hide. The lizard was spotted enjoying the sunshine in a freshly cut glade within the River Reedbed before quickly darting back into the vegetation for cover. This exciting re
20 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings 19/06/2026
Black Headed Gull chicks on Wader Lakes islands with several clutches of Shelduck on the lake as well. Hawthorn Wood has a lot of juvenile Blue tits, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker & Great Tits visiting this morning. am/pm W
19 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings - 17/06/26
A likely juvenile Willow Tit was spotted at Close Encounters an exciting record of this rare and declining UK bird. The sighting suggests local breeding and highlights the importance of the site. am/pm Wader Lake Species
17 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings - 16/06/26
Hawthorn Wood has a lot of juvenile Blue tits, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker & Great Tits visiting this morning. Black Headed Gull chicks on Wader Lakes islands with several clutches of Shelduck on the lake as well. am/pm W
16 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings - 15/06/26
Black Headed Gull chicks on Wader Lakes islands with several clutches of Shelduck and a pair of Oystercatcher chicks on the lake as well. Hawthorn Wood has a lot of juvenile Blue tits & Great Tits visiting this morning am/pm Wad
15 June 2026
Wildlife Sightings 13/06/2026
Several Chimney Sweeper moths have recently been recorded at Old Oak Meadow These moths are an important indicator of healthy, species-rich grassland. Their caterpillars rely on plants such as pignut. Their presence at Old Oak Meadow highlights the valu
13 June 2026