Where are they?
My wife and I love wildlife and nature but are struggling to find the perfect place to go. Can anyone recommend a CL site anywhere in the UK with direct access to nature reserves either inland or coastal. We are based in the East Midlands but distance not a problem. Can I say not wanting main sites but may consider if need to.
Thanks.
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We live in North East Wales and find that the club site at Wirral CP to be ideal for accessing the nature that can be found on the River Dee.
Normally we would use CLs like yourself but there is a lack of them on the Wirral. You can walk out of the site, along the Wirral Way, an ex railway line and see waders on the shore and songbirds along the Way itself. There is some an excellent web site maintained by local birdwatchers at:
There is a CL at Alkborough, College Farm, number 948 in the S.D. You can access nature reserve from site. CL is excellent as well. When I remember some more I'll post again.
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Hi
A couple of CLs near to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve in Lancashire. Try Brow Foot Farm (806) or a bit further away Brackenthwaite Farm (805). you can walk to the reserve from either site.
If in Suffolk then, if don't mind a Pub CL there's no better location than the Eel's Foot Pub (1459). Right on the doorstep to Minsmere Reserve. If you don't mind a bit further to walk then use Fishers Field (1457). It adds about about a mile to the Eels Foot. Decent pint and grub at the pub.
If in West Sussex then Bird Pond Nursery (1545) in Sidlesham. It's adjacent to Pagham Harbour, an excellent area for migrating birds.
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One more that I've just remembered.
Furnace Farm CL (2073) on the Welsh coast, not far from Ynys Hir reserve, about 400 yards to road down to reserve but we found that walking up the lane opposite the site and onto the hills that you can see from the site just as good for nature particularly in Mid May when the Flycatchers and Wood Warblers etc. are back. Not far from the CL is the Dyfi Osprey centre where you can see nesting Ospreys.
Nice Cl as well, plenty of space.
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It's only me again.😁
One of the best for cliff nesting Seabirds can be found at Hartendale Farm, a CL in Flamborough. You can straight out of the site onto the coast path and if fit enough walk to Bempton Cliffs. The views by Flamborough Lighthouse is just as good except for the Gannets which are best at Bempton.
It's a good CL as well. Number 1675 in SD.
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A couple more have sprung to mind during today.
Suffolk - Lark Valley CL. Whilst it states that it is adjacent to the Nature reserve you can't access it very easily on foot. Instead it requires a 5 minute drive up the road to the main entrance. The Lakes are excellent at all times of the year. The Cl is a good one with H/s for winter and Grass for summer if required. Not far from Bury St.Edmunds. No 1432 in SD
Easington in East Yorkshire - Kew Villa. No been here myself but have toyed with the idea. Doesn't sound the best of CLs but you have direct access to Spurn Head Reserve. In act I think the CL is run by the Nature Reserve. You can also access Easington Ponds from the CL and Hornsea Mere isn't too far away. 1685 in book
Norfolk - The Shieling CL, on the outskirts of Cley, which has one of the best reserves in the country. Easily walkable from the CL and the Coast Hopper bus runs through the village for access all along the North Norfolk Coast. 1093 in book
Thetford CAMC site, a non facility - Walk to the top of the site for Nightjars at this time of year plus great moths and some adders around. Don't forget to visit Breckland for the Stone Curlews.
For non CAMC sites try RedKite touring Park in Powys, obviously for the Red Kites. Has excellent reviews and several members have given it the thumb up.www.redkitetouringpark.co.uk
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Some good suggestions there WN. North Norfolk Coast area has dozens of nice CLs close to Nature Reserves, Bird Reserves.
Bit further afield, look at Marazion and Godrevy Club Sites, and CLs in same area for Marazion Marshes NR, and RSPB Hayle. Great for bird spotting.
I can recommend Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland as well for wildlife. Plenty of sites up there.
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There are a couple of sites on Angelsey that might appeal, both close to nature reserves
Gorsgoch Farm, Holyhead (2024 in SD) is nearer to South Stacks and the coastal path.
Brambles, Llangefni (new into the SD) is one we were going to say at before the lockdown came. Sounds ideal for nature on site and not far from the coast and Newborough Warren (Red Squirrel land)
Having had no response from the Opening Poster I'm not inclined to carry on. If he/she wants some more then let me know. Thanks.
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