The Hirsel


Birdwatching at The Hirsel Borders region Scotland. Free guide to the UK's best birdwatching sites

Situated on the outskirts of Coldstream on the Northumberland Scotland border with both the river valley and the large artificial Hirsel lake  designated as part of the Hirsel Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) . A superb birding location at any time of the year, but especially April-May. The Estate covers some 3,000 acres and is run as a commercial farming and forestry enterprise.

There are five colour coded walks, which take you along a variety of routes through the Estate. One takes you by the Hirsel lake, which is one of the largest manmade expanses of water in the area and provides habitat for a variety of wildfowl whilst the woodland has many of the breeding species found at locations further south.There is a hide situated on the bank of the lake which allows good views of the lake and surrounding area.

The famous Dundock Wood with its kaleidoscopic colouring and breathtaking scents from the collection of rhododendron and azalea's, has breeding Redstart, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Marsh Tit and the illusive Hawfinch.this wood being at its best in April / May.


We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.


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