“An area of freshwater, that should be a nature reserve“
Bothal Pond is a small freshwater lake, surrounded by farmland, which sits on private land with no access. The lake can be easily viewed however from the adjacent roads. The site can be great for waders in the autumn which at times can include Greenshank, Redshank and Spotted Redshank; and Common, Curlew, Green and Wood Sandpipers. Bothal is also popular with wildfowl especially in the winter months. At times Great Crested Grebes can be found.
Bothal Pond continues to surprise and impress and has attracted a wide selection of rarities over the past two decades. In 2015 a Black-winged Pratincole and a Gull-billed Tern were discovered.
“In March 2016, a Great White Egret came to visit and remained in the area
for over a week, much to the delight of the local birdwatchers and residents“.
A Great White Egret from 2016
Bothal Pond is only a short drive from the » QEII Country Park and
» Morpeth town Centre and is definitely worth that extra effort to travel to.
County
Northumberland
Map Reference
NZ 244 873
Habitats
- Freshwater Lake
- Farmland
Access
The lake is on private land with no access. The pond can be however viewed
from the embankment off the A197 or from the side of the road at Bothal Bank.
Facilities
The are public toilets and shops in Ashington town centre.
Parking
Visitors can park in a layby on the A197 and walk back towards the pond or to the side of the road at Bothal Bank.