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Description
Wetland reserve with small areas of scrub. Waders, ducks and geese. In March and April, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα can be seen performing their displays and starting to nest on the grassland. Loads of Οχθοχελίδονο and σταβλοχελίδονο return. At the end of April, Ποταμογλάρονο begin to return. Saltholme is home to one of the UK's largest inland breeding colony of Ποταμογλάρονο, which arrive each spring to nest on the cockleshell-covered islands in the open pools. With a lot of luck you can see a (Ευρασιατικός) Ήταυρος skulking in the reeds, or see a Καλαμόκιρκος quartering the reed beds for a meal and a Πετρίτης scaring every bird on the site. In November/December large numbers of (Ευρωπαϊκό) Ψαρόνι roost in the reed beds and you can see big murmurations as they drop into the reed beds at night. In winter waders and wildfowl such as (Ευρωπαϊκό) Βροχοπούλι, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα, (Ευρασιατική) Τουρλίδα, (Ευρωπαϊκό) Σφυριχτάρι, (Ευρωπαϊκό) Κιρκίρι, (Ευρασιατική) Χουλιαρόπαπια and Καπακλής gather in their thousands, roosting and feeding across the wet grasslands and pools.
Details
Access
Saltholme is 10 minutes from the A19. Turn east off the A19 north of Stockton along the A689. After 1 km (half a mile), take the A1185; then after 6 km (4 miles) join the A178 at a mini roundabout and take the 3rd exit. The reserve entrance is 250 metres on the right-hand side. The entrance fee is £5 per adult, £3.50 for students, and £2.50 for children age 5-17 years; entry is free for RSPB members. There is a good parking.
Bus also available. The nearest bus stop is outside the entrance to Saltholme, on the Seaton Carew Rd. The Number 1 stops here and is run by stagecoach in Hartlepool.
There is also a cycle track across the reserve to the visitor centre that is accessed through Port Clarence and is open during reserve opening hours.
You can also see Harbour Seals on Greatham Creek approximately 2 km (1.5 miles) north of the main site, along the A178. Up to 80 seals can be seen if the tide is right. The viewpoint is open all the time.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Lake , Mud flats , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes , GrasslandConditions
Flat , Open landscape , No shadow , Wet , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migration , Autumn , SpringRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Wheelchair , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
If you're new to birdwatching, RSPB Saltholme is the perfect place to start. These award-winning wetlands have a helpful visitor centre, several hides and screens which let you get up close to (Ευρωπαϊκή) Νεροκοτσέλα, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Αβοκέτα and terns, plus a family discovery zone, cafe, play area and accessible trails.