About the reserve

Whittle Dene reservoirs are part of a water supply system interconnected by streams and aqueducts offering a mosaic of habitats for varied wildlife. The reserve is popular with swallows, swifts, curlew and even the occasional osprey. There is a bird hide overlooking the Great Northern Reservoir and this is accessed from part of Hadrian's Wall Trail, which passes along the southern edge. There is also a tern nesting platform, an unusual inland nesting site, which is visible from the hide. In late spring large numbers of swallows and swifts feed over the surface of the water. The autumn attracts regular visitors such as curlew, common sandpiper, greenshank and big numbers of wildfowl. The site is managed by Northumberland Wildlife Trust in partnership with Northumbrian Water.

Learn more about the Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Northumbrian Water Environmental Partnership here.