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Latest sightings

Wildlife Sightings 25/06/2026

Wildlife Sightings 25/06/2026

Good mix of grassland-associated butterflies together with the Chimney Sweeper moth observed at Old Oak Meadow am Wader Lake Species Water Level Total Avocet 39

25 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings 24/06/2026

Wildlife Sightings 24/06/2026

Some lovely Dragonfly and Damselfly activity this morning with the early heat today. Broad-bodied Chasers and lots of Azure and Blue-tailed Damselfly at Amphibian Ponds, with a striking female Banded Demoiselle just outside the visitor centre by the pond

24 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings - 23/06/26

Wildlife Sightings - 23/06/26

Lots of Lapwing on the exposed shores and scattered around the islands of wader lake. Young birds flocking to the suet feeders at Hawthorn Wood Hide am/pm Wader Lake Species Water Level Total

23 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings - 22/06/26

Wildlife Sightings - 22/06/26

Lots of Lapwing on the exposed shores and scattered around the islands of wader lake. Young birds flocking to the suet feeders at Hawthorn Wood Hide most exciting are 3 Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpeckers that are flying around together, look for the all r

22 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings 21/06/2026

Wildlife Sightings 21/06/2026

Kingfisher perching in front of Northumbrian Water Hide on Wader Lake, it was using the deeper pool in front of the hide to fish. Lots of Lapwing on the exposed shore of the lake, a pair of Curlew on the lake as well. am/pm Wader La

21 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings 20/06/2026

Wildlife Sightings 20/06/2026

We're delighted to report a sighting of a Common Lizard basking near the Lagoon Hide. The lizard was spotted enjoying the sunshine in a freshly cut glade within the River Reedbed before quickly darting back into the vegetation for cover. This exciting re

20 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings 19/06/2026

Wildlife Sightings 19/06/2026

Black Headed Gull chicks on Wader Lakes islands with several clutches of Shelduck on the lake as well. Hawthorn Wood has a lot of juvenile Blue tits, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker & Great Tits visiting this morning. am/pm W

19 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings - 17/06/26

Wildlife Sightings - 17/06/26

A likely juvenile Willow Tit was spotted at Close Encounters an exciting record of this rare and declining UK bird. The sighting suggests local breeding and highlights the importance of the site. am/pm Wader Lake Species

17 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings - 16/06/26

Wildlife Sightings - 16/06/26

Hawthorn Wood has a lot of juvenile Blue tits, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker & Great Tits visiting this morning. Black Headed Gull chicks on Wader Lakes islands with several clutches of Shelduck on the lake as well. am/pm W

16 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings - 15/06/26

Wildlife Sightings - 15/06/26

Black Headed Gull chicks on Wader Lakes islands with several clutches of Shelduck and a pair of Oystercatcher chicks on the lake as well. Hawthorn Wood has a lot of juvenile Blue tits & Great Tits visiting this morning am/pm Wad

15 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings 13/06/2026

Wildlife Sightings 13/06/2026

Several Chimney Sweeper moths have recently been recorded at Old Oak Meadow These moths are an important indicator of healthy, species-rich grassland. Their caterpillars rely on plants such as pignut. Their presence at Old Oak Meadow highlights the valu

13 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings 12/06/2026

Wildlife Sightings 12/06/2026

Lot’s of Shelduck and Black Headed Gull chicks on Wader Lake, Little Egret in the heronry. Hawthorn Wood was lively today with a Nuthatch frequenting the feeders, Great Spotted Woodpecker juveniles and groups of juvenile blue tits am/pm

12 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings 11/06/2026

Wildlife Sightings 11/06/2026

Our meadows, woodland edges are bursting into colour, with classic summer wildflowers now in full bloom. Across the meadows, Oxeye Daisy, Meadow Buttercup and Bee Orchid are putting on a fantastic display, alongside Northern Marsh Orchid and Common Spot

11 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings - 10/06/26

Wildlife Sightings - 10/06/26

There are lots of juvenile birds appearing around the site at the moment, making it a great time to spot young birds alongside their parents. A juvenile Oystercatcher has been seen on the lake, while young Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits and Long-tailed

10 June 2026

Wildlife Sightings - 09/06/26

Wildlife Sightings - 09/06/26

Swallows hawking over the meadows hunting, lots of tit species fledging across the site. am/pm Wader Lake Species Water Level Total Avocet 1 brood of at least 1 chick behind islands, 1 bro

9 June 2026