Bakethin Nature Reserve

BAKETHIN NATURE RESERVE (Conservation Area)

Bakethin Nature Reserve, Butteryhaugh, Kielder.  The nearest postcode is NE48 1HF

Tel: (0191) 284 6884 email: mail@northwt.org.uk

http://www.nwt.org.uk/reserves/bakethin

Bakethin Nature Reserve, car park, wildlife hide and walks are open all day every day.

Best for: wildlife watching, variety of habitats, animals and plants, nature walks

Bakethin Nature Reserve is the water and shore of the northern end of Kielder Water.  At the main car park  there is a visitor welcome point providing information, shelter and seating for visitors. There are easy access walks to Bakethin hide and connecting you to Kielder Castle, the Salmon Centre and the Lakeside Way. Follow our "Wild Walk" trails to explore some of the more special places.  Both the Welcome Point and Bakethin Hide have been designed and built by Architecture Students from Newcastle University and funded with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.

Come here to:

• Watch wildlife in the woods and on the lake from the wildlife hide - there is lots of fascinating wildlife interpretation in this accessible hide
• Explore the mossy forest floor, spot water creatures from our pond platform, marvel at gnarled lichens clinging to the branches, and search for signs of squirrels amongst the pine trees
• Bring paper and crayons to do brass rubbings of pond creatures at the dipping pond 
• Stroll amid the treetops on your way to enjoy the views from the top of Kielder Viaduct
• Explore areas of ancient semi-natural woodland and veteran trees on our Wild Walk trails
• Go geocaching – free GPS treasure hunting – sign up at www.geocaching.com and download cache locations before you come or from WiFi at Kielder Castle
• Enjoy a rest on the wildlife carved bench created by chainsaw sculptor Tommy Craggs
• Enjoy our "forest clearing" which includes a bug hotel, forest colour palette, look down to look up and a bug periscope

You can access the river from the bank on the path between the main car park and Kielder Viaduct, but to conserve wildlife, there is no access to the lake shore in the nature reserve.