SE 020575
Specialities |
| Black-headed Gull |
| Great Black-backed Gull |
| Lesser Black-backed Gull |
| Cuckoo |
| Stonechat |
| Ring Ouzel |
| Red Grouse |
| Raven |
| Oystercatcher |
| Common Sandpiper |
| Whinchat |
| Whitethroat |
| Raptors (various) |
| Meadow Pipit |
| Osprey (passage) |
The high moorland reservoirs of Upper and Lower Barden produce few species, but the numerous paths across these moors give access to wonderful scenery and some unique upland birds. Breeding Ring Ouzel and Red Grouse have their strong hold here. The large Black-headed Gull colony is located here at Upper Barden Reservoir. This is one of the largest inland breeding sites for this species in the North. Parking available at Barden Tower, Barden Scale and Halton Height. Access to all the high moors of the Chatsworth estates is permitted, however only from the designated access points (see numerous maps in the area.)
At Barden Scale, near Barden Tower a small car park affords excellent views across the valley to Barden Fell. In winter many raptors can be seen, whilst spring often provides good views of Ospreys on passage to their breeding sites in Scotland.
Lower
Barden Reservoir |
Notable
Sightings - 2003 |
| 1st February 2003 11 Great Black-backed Gulls. |
| 23rd March 2003 24 Whooper Swans flew from Lower Barden Reservoir heading north east. |
| 31st March 2003 31 Oystercatchers at Lower Barden Reservoir. |
| 14th April 2003 500 Golden Plover |
| 15th June 2003 Red-backed Shrike seen and photographed. |
| June 2003 Two Great Black-backed Gulls. |
| August 2003 A Yellow Wagtail |
Notable
Sightings - 2004 |
| 2004 About 12 Ravens were seen in the area during the year. Four were noted here in February, with five in April, eight in August and at least six, (and possibly 12) in October. |
| 31st March 2004 nine Whooper Swans. |
| April 2004 500 Golden Plover had gathered in the area |
| 12th July 2004 12 Crossbills 12 at Lower Fell Plantation. |
| August 2004 Three Twite. |
| 30th October 2004 Oystercatcher sighted for final time |
Notable
Sightings - 2005 |
| 17th April 400 Golden Plover |
| Summer 2005 53 Red Grouse |
| 25th June 2005 The first juvenile Black-headed Gulls were seen on 25th June, and, thanks to the efforts of the East Dales Ringing Group, some 450 young were ringed at the Upper Barden Reservoir colony. |
| 12th July 2005 A Ring Ouzel. |
| July 2005 A family group of Whinchats |
| 9th November 2005 A Ring Ouzel (late date) |