Cleveland RSPB Local Group

LOW BARNS NATURE RESERVE 26th APRIL 2026
TRIP REPORT
The day Was dry, with some sun, when 17 happy birders set off for the first hide.
The river Wear forms the southern boundary of Low Barns, we understand this river supports salmon and trout, and is a good place to spot great crested grebe and goosander, otters have also been seen.
The Alder Wood is an area of wet woodland, the alder, a tree species that thrives in wet areas, became established. Low Barns is also special for its wide range of animals and plants.
There are 4 hides and a Butterfly garden ..
The birds were singing loudly in the woodland, as we walked from hide to hide. I found it a truly relaxing environment.
Some of us went back to the café in the visitors centre, before departure and our journey home…
Just after leaving, we spotted our first swallows, 3 were perched on a wire above the country lane, with others flying over the nearby field.
BIRD LIST
Goldcrest , Jackdaw, Swallow, Canada Goose ,Long tailed tit, Blackbird, coot
Mallard, Black cap ,Reed Bunting , Tufted Duck ,Wood pigeon ,Blue tit, Nuthatch, Greylag , Reed warbler, Mandarin Duck , Goosander , Chaffinch, Robin, Garden Warbler, Swift ,Sand martin , Magpie, Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Lesser B b Gull ,Mute Swan, Wigeon, Marsh tit, and a female Woodpecker. Moorhen.

Heard.. Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff

Alder Beetle, Beriters Beetle on a Dandelion.

Rabbit,,

Lockwood Beck Sunday 22nd March 2026
Trip Report
The day was dry but cold, as 17 happy birders met at 10am in the car park at Lockwood Beck.
As the one bird hide is small, the group split into two, some went into the hide, and the remainder went walking down through the woodland, birdsong was loud, Chaffinch, wood pigeon, Blackbirds, singing loudly. Frogs and Toads were also Very busy, some on land and some in the lake, yes it was mating season, in full flow.
The hide had lots of birds too, Lots of Siskin, Blue t**s, Goldfinch, coal t**s, Greenfinch, Long tailed t**s, and Robin etc.
The walk around the lake has had an upgrade, so its now possible to walk all the way round, if you feel inclined. The decision was made that we would omit the visit to Scaling Dam, and spend more time exploring Lockwood beck in more detail, we were not disappointed.
The morning ended around 12 noon, with some making their way home, and others to the nearby pub/eatery, and a warm radiator.
BIRD LIST
Chaffinch – Wood pigeon – Blackbird – Goldfinch – Siskin – Common Gull – Robin – Mallard –Oystercatcher- Herring Gull – Greylag – Canada Goose – Moorhen – Cold tit- Mistle Thrush heard – Teal – Greenfinch – Great tit –Blue tit – Dunnock- Wren –chiffchaf – curlew –Red Grouse heard –Grey wagtail –Pheasant- Bullfinch –Lapwing –Red Kite- Song Thrush. OTHER Pale Oyster mushroom – Common Willow grass – and lots of FROGS ….

FIELD TRIP REPORT SUNDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2026
NORTH GARE THE ZINC ROAD

Thirteen of us met on the Zinc Works Road, Seaton Carew on a cold windy morning, all wrapped up in as much warm clothing as possible.
The star attraction is the vast sandy beach, stretching from the mouth of the River Tees to the dunes of Seaton Snook, and Birds…
We Set off walking towards the dunes, the wind was strong and cold, but all eyes were on the lookout for birds.. first bird seen was a ring necked plover, followed by a grey wagtail, and the bird most wanted to see the Twite was seen to everyones delight.
After nearly two hours of enjoying the blast of cold sea fresh air, and enjoying each others company, with a good list of birds seen, we headed back to the warmth of our cars, and some heading for RSPB Saltholme cafe.
Bird List
Crow - Pheasant – Teal – Fieldfare – Linnet – Ringed necked Plover- Grey wagtail - Twite – Oystercatcher – Redshank –Guillemot –Graylag – cormorant – Lapwing – Eider – Merganser – S**g.
Rabbit – Harbour seals.