East Chevington
East Chevington is one of a string of excellent nature reserves behind the dunes along the seven-mile sweep of Druridge Bay in Northumberland. It is also the newest, having been 'reclaimed' following the cessation of open-cast coal mining. Interest is centred on two lakes; the South Pool which is surrounded by a large reedbed and the North Pool which is more open and attracts waders and waterfowl. The nearby dunes are also excellent, and a scan of the sea can also be rewarding.
Special birds at East Chevington
Always a good place to watch the comings and goings of waders and wildfowl, this reserve has already produced some real rarities, not least Britain's eighth Pacific Diver which commuted between here and nearby Druridge Bay Country Park in early 2017. The reedbeds have helped Bearded Tits to establish themselves as regular visitors, and are responsible for the return of the Marsh Harrier as a breeding bird after an absence in the county of nearly two hundred years. They have also helped Reed Warblers to move their breeding range northwards. Summer also sees regular visits by Roseate Terns from their nearby colony at Coquet Island.
The beach usually hosts a flock of Twites, which commute between here and Druridge Pools to the south. These are sometimes joined by Snow Buntings and Shore Larks. Druridge Bay is a favoured area for wintering Red-throated Divers close inshore, while skuas can be seen during passage times.
When to visit East Chevington
This is yet another year-round nature reserve. During winter, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup and Slavonian Grebe are among the birds to be looked for on the North Pool. Wader migration is very prolonged and the shallow scrapes in front of the hides make for easy viewing. Marsh Harriers offer a highlight during the breeding season, and migrants including Red-backed and Great Grey Shrikes have been seen recently among bushes in the dunes.
Getting to East Chevington
This can be something of a challenge, as the reserve is not signposted off the A1068. Access is via a track opposite the village of Red Row, with parking possible in a layby between the ponds.
Nearby
A visit to East Chevington can be combined with checks on nature reserves at Cresswell Pond and Druridge Pools to the south, and Hauxley to the north. Just north of Hauxley is Amble, from where boats can be taken to sail around the RSPB reserve at Coquet Island, allowing a chance to see Britain's only colony of Roseate Terns.