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Description
The Harthope is one of Northumberland's best upland valleys, with a mix of semi-natural Alder-Oak-Birch-Hazel woodland, Hawthorn scrub, sheep-grazed grass, and higher up, heather moors and some rocky crags and scree. The highest ground, on The Cheviot (815 m), is topped with blanket Sphagnum bog. If you are very lucky, the strenuous climb to the top may be rewarded with Βουνοσφυριχτής on migration in May or September.
In the higher, steeper parts of the valley, Χιονοκότσυφας breed, together with Σταχτοπετρόκλης. Large numbers of Λιβαδοκελάδα (the commonest bird here!) and (Κοινή) Σιταρήθρα breed on the more open grassy slopes. The heather moors have large populations of Red Grouse, sadly now managed for shooting; shooters also release large numbers of Κοκκινοπέρδικα and (Κοινός) Φασιανός every year, likely with major detrimental effects on native ground-nesting birds. The lower slopes and woods hold Πράσινος Δρυοκολάπτης and (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κούκος, and Μαυρολαίμης is a recent colonist with milder winters allowing their survival. Warblers include Θαμνοφυλλοσκόπος, Δεντροφυλλοσκόπος, Κηποτσιροβάκος, Μαυροσκούφης and Θαμνοτσιροβάκος. Few waders are present, but (Ευρασιατική) Μπεκάτσα are resident in small numbers and (Ευρωπαϊκός) Στρειδοφάγος and Ακτίτης breed along the Harthope Burn; there are also good numbers of (Ευρωπαϊκός) Νεροκότσυφας and Σταχτοσουσουράδα on the burn.
Sadly, the site has not escaped the general declines in so many species; several have disappeared or become very scarce in recent years. Δεντροκελάδα, Μαυρομυγοχάφτης, Καστανοπαπαδίτσα and Δασοφυλλοσκόπος have all been lost or become hard to find, and even (Κοινός) Φοινίκουρος and Καστανολαίμης are much harder to find than just a few years ago. Raptors too have also become less easy to find, with just a few (Κοινή) Γερακίνα and the odd (Κοινός) Κόρακας, while Χειμωνόκιρκος and Πετρίτης have largely disappeared, probably due to illegal persecution related to the grouse shooting.
Like most upland sites, the area is bleak in winter, though deep snow seems to be largely a thing of the past. Despite this, good numbers of Κοκκινότσιχλα and Κεδρότσιχλα can be found, and the Birch and Alder woods attract Lesser Redpoll and (Κοινό) Λούγαρο additional to the resident breeding numbers.
Details
Access
Unfortunately, only accessible by car; no public transport nearby. Steep slopes on the road in make the site difficult for cyclists. Click on a P in the map for directions.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Mountain , Canyon/cliff , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Plateau , Valley , Moors/heathland , RiverConditions
Mountainous , Flat , Wet , Hilly , Rocky , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , SummerBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
StrenuousAccessible by
Foot , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
This is one of the best places in Northumberland to see Adders (Vipera berus), Britain's only venomous snake, though they are not easy to find. Cool but sunny days in spring offer the best chances, when they come out into the open to bask in the sun. For their (and your own!) safety, do not touch them. Other 'non-birds' to look for include Common Toad, Roe Deer and Brown Hare.