b

Prestwick Carr

Northumberland  >  United Kingdom

Rough heath, farm and woodland of 49 hectares, to the north of Newcastle Airport.

Added* by Rob Fox
Most recent update 18 március 2023

Description

Prestwick Carr is a large, low-lying wetland area on the edge of urban Newcastle, attracting various wading birds and songbirds such as Réti pityer and Mezei pacsirta, but also wintering raptors, thrushes (including large flocks of szőlőrigó and fenyőrigó), woodland birds and Réti fülesbagoly. Nagy őrgébics has wintered on several occasions, and vörösfejű gébics has also been recorded. In the 2019-2020 winter, an Keleti sárgabillegető was a remarkable record, with presumably the same bird returning in the 2020-2021 winter.

Historically, it is of note as the first location in Britain where Réti cankó was recorded breeding; a nest was found in 1853, but drainage in 1857 made the site unsuitable for further breeding.

Details

Access

Best approached from Prestwick Road, running east-west between Dinnington to the roundabout on the A696, immediately north of Newcastle Airport. There is a lane leading north from Prestwick Road, at east end of Prestwick hamlet, suitable for cars but very limited parking at its junction with an east-west lane that is a cycle and walking path east of the junction and farm access to the west. The 47A bus calls hourly at Prestwick hamlet, and the Metro (light rail) station at Newcastle Airport is 25 minutes walk.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Plain , Moors/heathland , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

There is a military rifle range immediately to the north, so access to some parts is restricted when red warning flags are flown.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area