Branton Lakes Nature Reserve

Branton Lakes Nature Reserve is a 29-hectare (72-acre) nature reserve located in the River Breamish Valley, within the Northumberland National Park. The reserve was created in the 1990s from a former sand and gravel quarry and it is now managed by Hedgeley Estates.

The nature reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, insects and plants, and those who look after it have worked hard to create a wide range of habitats to encourage as much wildlife as possible. There are areas of open water, reed beds, native woodland, grassland and shingle beds and scrapes which birds use for nesting.

Some of the bird species that can be found at Branton Lakes include common goldeneye, tufted duck, mallard, heron, and kingfisher but you can also see common frog and toad and maybe if you are lucky an adder. The reserve is also a good place to see mammals such as red fox, badger, and roe deer.

The reserve is a popular spot for walking, birdwatching and fishing. There are two circular footpaths that run around the lakes which you can walk around, and there is also a bird hide located at the west lake which is fully accessible. The reserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and there is no admission charge.

Branton Lakes Nature Reserve is a beautiful and tranquil place to visit and the views of the surrounding countryside are stunning. When we visited in Spring the wildflower meadows were starting to come into bloom and the noise from the birdsong was endless. During the autumn and winter months Exmoor ponies and cattle are used to keep the grassed areas under control. You can visit the nature reserve and spend a few hours watching the wildlife then head off for a bite to eat at the Ingram Café or if you are feeling more adventurous you can take in the nature reserve as part of a circular walk from the village of Ingram along the Breamish Valley.