birdwatching

don't forget your binoculars & discover remarkable birdlife

The Heart of Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland National Park is a premier birdwatching destination, offering remote moorland and ancient woodlands, home to Black Grouse, Curlew, and Rare Ospreys. Key spots include the Cheviot Hills and Greenlee Lough for upland species. 

TOP BIRDING SPOTS IN OR NEAR NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK

Greenlee Lough National Nature Reserve
A key location for Waders and Wildfowl, featuring a bird hide, boardwalk and views of species like Grebes and Ducks

Kielder Water & Forest Park
Renowned for Osprey breeding (reintroduced in the area) as well as Goshawks, Crossbills and Redstarts

Cheviot Hills / Harthope Valley
Ideal for upland birds like the Ring Ouzel, Raven and Red Grouse

Cawfields Lake & Hadrian's Wall
Good for viewing rugged landscape birds, including Raptors during a walk along the historic wall

Allen Bank & Staward Gorge
A National Trust site known for woodland birds, including Wood Warblers, Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts

KEY SPECIES TO SPOT

Moorland / Upland
Black grouse, Curlew, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Raven, Red Kite

Woodland
Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Treecreeper

Wetland / Waterfowl
Osprey (summer), Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Goosander

The Heart of Hadrian's Wall area is one of the last places in the country where you can see our native red squirrels. Keep a lookout while you're walking or cycling around the countryside and you might be lucky!