Image Credit: Jim Stephenson
RSPB Saltholme is a Ramsar wetland site of international importance nestled in the Tees Valley. Our status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) stems from our wetland and wet grassland habitats, which are crucial for waders and wildfowl: in the winter months, migrant wading birds such as black-tailed godwit, ruff and green sandpiper rest in Saltholme’s tranquil pools and reedbeds before continuing their journeys. Other species spend the whole winter here, long-eared owls lurk in scrubland whilst short-eared owls hunt over the central meadow. Huge, shimmering flocks of golden plover and lapwing gather on the pool edges and grassland; wildfowl such wigeon, teal, shoveler and gadwall amass in their thousands around the hides.
Avocets are an example of a ground-nesting bird that thrives at Saltholme. The installation of a predator fence in 2021 led to many more chicks surviving until fledging age. Image Credit: Lockhart Horsburgh
Spring brings a change of shift; lapwings perform incredible aerial displays as they begin nesting, common terns nest on the cockleshell-covered islands as sand martins and swallows skim across the pool surfaces surrounding them. Caddisfly nymphs and water boatmen lurk beneath the surface, waiting to metamorphose like the iridescent dragonflies and damselflies that flit though the air have done.
Bittern have bred at Saltholme for the first time in 2022. Image Credit: Mark Stokeld
Throughout the constant cycle of seasons, we work to improve the habitats at RSPB Saltholme for both wildlife and visitors. For example, this year we have re-landscaped the wet grassland and Paddy’s Pool. This has provided more nesting places for ground-nesting birds, and has improved views for visitors. This year will see the official opening of the Dragonfly Boardwalk, which is the last phase of the project that created the series of dragonfly pools along the path to Saltholme Pools. This project has led to the first record of southern migrant hawker dragonflies at our reserve and in Cleveland. Management of reedbed structure and water flow have led to bitterns breeding on-site for the first time, and many unusual species (including lesser yellowlegs, collared pratincole and nightjar) have added to Saltholme’s species list.
Saltholme's visitor centre boasts a wide range of facilities, and offers spectacular views over the main lake. Image Credit: Andy Hay
Also new for 2023 is our upgraded playground. A favourite with families, this area will be updated this Spring to make it more accessible for all to enjoy. Other improved visitor facilities include an improved heating system in the visitor centre and renewing the rainwater harvesting system.
These are just some of the reasons we received a VisitEngland Gold Award for the second year running.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our partners and visitors; we need to continue this important work to protect the landscape and wildlife for future generations. In the wake of rising energy costs, increased cost of living and a deepening nature and climate emergency, we need to adapt to ensure we remain at the cutting edge of conservation.
So, from 1 April 2023, we’re making some changes.
Our entry fees will be increasing for non-members. These will be as follows:
A child is classed as anyone under the age of 18. The first child in any group is free (as are any under 5s).
For example, if you have two adults and one child, you would pay for the two adults and the child is free.
Entry to the shop and cafe only will still remain free.
RSPB members will continue to receive free entry as a thank you for regularly supporting our nature conservation work – why not join the RSPB today and get free entry to all RSPB nature reserves.
If you would be interested in volunteering for us at Saltholme, there are many different opportunities for you to get involved in. You can get involved by helping on our conservation work parties, welcoming visitors in our visitor centre or becoming a guide in our hides. If any of these opportunities interest you, then we’d love to hear from you: saltholme@rspb.org.uk.