Slaley Forest

Something of interest all year including crossbill, but probably at its best during mid May to late July. The area bordering Blanchland moor is easily accessible by car. Walking across Blanchland moor will soon produce golden plover, curlew, red grouse, cuckoo and raptors, including merlin, sparrowhawk, kestrel and common buzzard.

The forest and clear fell areas should be checked for woodcock at dusk and the crepuscular nightjar . Tawny owls can be very vocal as demonstrated below !!!

If looking for nightjar, please do not walk onto the clear fell areas ,or play sound recordings (something that seems to be on the increase) this will disturb the birds in a serious way. And please note, Midges can be unbearable at this site so a net and midge repellent is highly recommended.

Listen to Mike's recordings from Slaley below.

Birds you may hear at Slaley

Slaley forest is best visited in April / May where the moorland fringes host migrant nightjar and tree pipit. A walk accross Blanchland moor will produce red grouse, curlew and the plaintive golden plover.