North'd - Caistron

[StevieEvans]

Any info on this place greatly appreciated, especially Access/Entry status.
Read about Caistron years ago, but never managed to get there.
Understand theres some interesting species there today.
Thanks in anticipation, Stevie.

[Michael Frankis]

Hi Stevie,

Not easy at all, I fear. The reserve is officially closed, sold off to a fishing consortium who are even contesting the existence of the public right of way along the south edge. There are moves afoot to try to get the place better protected, but it isn't going to be easy.

The Whoopers should be easy to see from the B6341, but I suspect seeing the Smew might involve trespassing.

Here's a map showing the site:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?grid2map?X=399500&Y=600500&zoom=4

Michael

[StevieEvans]

Hello Michael. Many thanks for your informative & speedy reply (as usual).
Im amazed though...! Who were the previous owners? When & Why did they sell it on to a seemingly 'anti visitor/birder' buyer?
Stevie.

[Michael Frankis]

Hi Stevie,

The previous owners were Ryton Sand & Gravel. They were bought out in a hostile takeover by a waste disposal company, which basically just bought them for their north Durham area quarries to get holes for landfill. They weren't interested in Caistron (too far away from any population centres to be a worthwhile landfill), so they sold it on to the highest bidder, with no environmental scruples at all.

Michael

[StevieEvans]

Hello MF
Thats a shame,
But if the path is on the OS map, then surely its legitimacy cant be argued with ?
Im more intruiged to see the place now, may try & combine visit with a trip to Grindon Lough etc.
Stevie