Events

Fieldtrip - Berwick-on-Tweed

Location: Berwick is in North Northumberlnd.
The coach will leave from the bus stop opposite the Hancock Museum, on Claremont Road, Newcastle.

Berwick may be less visited than places further south on the coast but it still has lots of potential for watching birds. The three main areas are the harbour and river mouth, the coastal cliffs, and the Tweed Estuary. Hopefully we'll have time to visit all three and should see good numbers of over-wintering waders and ducks, as well as other sea-birds.

Time: 9 am leave Newcastle

Price: £12

Booking essential

E-mail: Brian.moorhead1@btinternet.com

Local walk - Killingworth/Pond and Wagonway

Location: The walk will begin outside of the new sports centre which adjoins the small lake (where the roadway cuts through the lake). The walk will end at Killingworth shopping centre and car park/bus station. Start 10.00am Finish approx 2.00pm.
There is ample car parking space in Killingworth centre and facilities are available in the shopping centre. We will be walking through open countryside and small patches of rough area at times, and there is potential for very cold weather so please dress accordingly. Stout footwear is essential. A packed lunch with hot drink is advisable.

This is my local patch and I have a patch bird list of almost one hundred species. We shall begin the walk at Killingworth Lake which in winter can often hold a sizable flock of Goosander along with other waterfowl. The walk will then take us across the playing fields to Killingworth village where we will explore some of the rougher ground behind the village where at this time of year winter thrushes may be found. A short walk will then be taken along the roadway until we join the wagonway which takes us through farmland. We will then follow the wagonway, which on a clear day provides a view of the North Sea and St Mary's Lighthouse, as we return to Killingworth centre. This will be a leisurely walk through a historically interesting area allowing participants to hopefully begin the year with some interesting bird species and certainly some bracing air!.
The walks will be led by Brian Moorhead. Non members are encouraged to participate.

Time: 10am

Price: A small donation of £1.50 will be requested of adults towards RSPB funds. To be given at the start of the walk. Donation not required if under 18.

E-mail: Brian.moorhead1@btinternet.com

Fieldtrip - Caerlaverock

Location: The centre lies on the North Solway coast, 9 miles south east of Dumfries.
The coach will leave from the bus stop opposite the Hancock Museum, on Claremont Road, Newcastle.

This WWT reserve on the Solway Firth is always one of our most popular trips. At this time of year the main spectacle is the thousands of barnacle geese over-wintering from their Arctic breeding grounds. They're joined by numerous whooper swans, which can be seen at close quarters. The tower observatory near the visitor centre must be one of the best vantage points at any reserve to view birds and there are many hides too. There should be time on the way back to stop at the nearby coast for sea-birds, or at Gretna for the starling roost. There is a group discount charge of £5.30 (£4.00 for over-65s) for non-WWT members, payable on the coach.

Time: 8 am leave Newcastle

Price: tba

Booking essential

E-mail: Brian.moorhead1@btinternet.com

Fieldtrip - Low Newton

Location: Northumberland Coast.
Coach leaves from bus stop opposite Hancock Museum, Claremont Road, Newcastle.

Our visit will start from the car park at Low Newton. From here it's a short walk to both the Newton Pool hide near the village and Newton Point for sea-watching. Together with the small trees and scrub on the way to the hide, this should give quite a wide range of birds. The combination of rocky promontories and sandy beaches means the area is particularly good for waders. After exploring this area we'll drive a short distance north and then walk for about twenty minutes to Long Nanny, a broad area of sand and shingle. Twite can be found here in the winter months, as well as hunting short-eared owls. Parts of the walk can be muddy after wet weather and boots are recommended.

Time: 9.30 am leave Newcastle

Price: £10

Booking essential

E-mail: Brian.moorhead1@btinternet.com

Fieldtrip - Richmond

Location: Richmond, North Yorkshire.
The coach will leave from the bus stop opposite the Hancock Museum, Claremont Rd, Newcastle.

The main walk will be about 5 miles, mainly through woodland on the banks of the Swale. Although mostly easy, there is one steep climb involving a series of steps. As well as giving very good views of Richmond and Swaledale, the walk should be good for early spring woodland and river birds. As always, there are other shorter walks around the town and by the river which people may choose to do instead.

Time: 9.30 am leave Newcastle

Price: £13

Booking essential

E-mail: Brian.moorhead1@btinternet.com