Practically no RSPB reserves in North East England (1 Viewer)

Well said, we actually live about 2 miles from Saltholme so its not that bad for us, but we do seem to be the forgotten North. We do go to Bempton, Leighton Moss during the year and also when holidaying in Scotland visit the RSPB local to where we are staying.

But as you said there should be something in Durham or Northumberland area. I am sure that although not the first place you think of for holidays a lot of people will just drive straight through the areas not knowing what variety we have around. They are keen enough to get the money out of us.

As someone who lives just north of the Tyne I tend to ask myself, 'does my birdwatching suffer at all from lack of RSPB reserves in the area?' I actually think it doesn't. We have some great unspoilt areas for wildlife and to me it matters not a jot that they happen not to be managed by the RSPB. In fact I'd much rather have a wild expansive and unspoilt areas than a reserve which managed by the RSPB, especially if it involves the 'teashop and sales culture', although I accept many RSPB reserves don't have that culture. Sadly IMO, some do. I also remember many complaints being made by local birders who were critical of the money spent on buildings at Saltholme. Several of these critics posted comments on Birdforum. I hasten to add that I didn't agree with them then (or now) and said so at the time. I'm also aware that the RSPB were at one time considering managing the Prestwick Carr Area in Northumberland. I've heard a number of birders say they are pleased that this never came about as such management of the area might spoil what they see as a good area for wildlife that does not require such input. So perhaps in that sense the RSPB are damned if they do and damned if they don't. I just get on and enjoy nature in a wonderful area that is the North East of England.

There seems to be quite a few additions to new reserves in Cleveland by the RSPB, but again nothing new in Northumberland, County Durham or Tyne and Wear. The RSPB have had some new additions to Saltholme in Cleveland in the last 2 years or so and they are Dorman's Pool, Port Clarence Pool and the latest Saltern Wetlands. So why all the new RSPB reserves in Cleveland but no new reserves in the rest of North East England.