Into the wild

Aug 19 2008 by Mieka Smiles, The Journal

AFISHY attraction will catch the children and adults alike when they visit Kielder Water and Forest Park this summer.

The newly-opened Kielder Salmon Centre adds another splash of entertainment, education and fun.

The refurbished hatchery and visitor centre features state-of-the-art facilities for rearing both salmon and other rare species such as freshwater pearl mussel, and is a brand new attraction for summer 2008.

Kielder Water and Forest Park is a nature lovers’ heaven and home to around 75% of mainland England’s endangered red squirrel population and a host of other wildlife including badgers, roe deer, otters, birds and seven species of bat.

The park’s popular events programme features activities for all the family including mini-beast hunting, family nature walks, deer safaris and pond dipping.

Elisabeth Rowark, director of the Kielder Partnership, said: “The great thing about Kielder Water and Forest Park is that there is always something for everyone, whether your passion is walking, fishing, mountain biking, water sports, nature or art and architecture.

“The huge variety of habitats from ancient woodlands to marshy grasslands and damp conifer woods means we attract a wide, varied amount of wildlife.”

Bakethin Conservation Area features a number of diverse habitats which makes it a great place to see the local wildlife including newts, toads and frogs in the wildlife pond and a number of wading birds, herons and ducks from the bird hide.

Tonia Reeve from Northumbrian Water said: “In today’s current climate of increased fuel and air travel costs, the UK is fast becoming a popular holiday destination.

“While Kielder Water and Forest Park is normally reached by car, the forest stores around 82,000 tonnes of carbon a year; neutralising the carbon footprint of visitors travelling there.”

There is also the addition of the Lakeside Way – a unique, multi-user trail suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, pushchair and wheelchair users and horse riders. Parts of the trail are already open (13 miles) and when completed in early 2009, it will encircle Kielder Water, stretching for 27 miles.

The Bird of Prey Centre boasts 74 different birds and focuses on conservation, education and a hands-on experience. Its newest additions include a pair of great white pelicans and a wallaby with a newborn joey in its pouch.

With plenty of picnic spots and places to eat throughout the park, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to spending a day trip, weekend break or holiday in one of the most tranquil areas in England.

Kielder Water and Forest Park is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe.