Whittle Dene

The reservoirs provide drinking water for the city and are connected to each other, and also Catcleugh reservir by a network of tunnels and aqueducts. The reservoirs are situated in the surrounding farmland puntuated with pine and deciduous shelter belts and the entire area is designated a nature reserve.

The northern reservoir is perhaps the most interesting as it has a hide and nesting platforms provided for terns. There is regular breeding great-crested grebe (inset) and tufted duck, countless herons, reed bunting and in summer it is possibly the most reliable site for the declining yellow wagtail. There is an annual passage of osprey and birds will often stay for days if not weeks. Regular waders include curlew, common sandpiper and passge greenshank.

Park on the minor road B6309 between the two southern reservoirs and explore the area on foot. Caution: The B6318 still has extremely fast traffic so care should be taken when crossing the road to the northern reservoir.

Birds you may hear at Whittle Dene

Good at any time of the year with April to June the most productive months. Summer visitors such as common tern, yellow wagtail and common sandpiper join the resident birds. Check the trees for spotted flycatcher and the surrounding habitat for owls, grey partridge and finches.