Up in the north near Middlesbrough, is a vast landscape full of unique wildlife and spectacular views.
Upon arrival, we had a second take of a road sign. it was certainly a special road and this filled us with more excitement than i care to mention!
As usual for any visit, new or old, it was coffee time and a chance to investigate the hearty menu available. It looked delicious and the coffee was strong and tasteful.
I had read the views from Saltholme's visitor centre were quite something. They weren't wrong!
Coffee and a view? Why wouldn't you want to spend your morning in such a manner?
From this vantage point, we saw sand martins swooping into the nesting wall placed at the waters edge by the RSPB. We saw numerous water fowl and a hovering kestrel!
Venturing out onto the windy reserve, we discovered a garden of giant ponds and wobbly pathways. Enchanting for any mind young and old. Filled with a variety of plant life, this was sure to persuade a mix of wildlife to the vicinity.
The Hides were new, clean and updated. so much so, the windows had a turning wheel to open them!
I may or may not have been slightly obsessed with this snazzy mechanism...
Wherever you looked was a sight which filled you with a warm glow (I know, hard to believe what with the wind!). With the industrial working life of Middlesbrough just across the water, the wildlife had adapted and settled to live alongside this built up area.
Time for lunch! The wind had battered us too much and I was beginning to feel a little chilled.
Having looked at the menu during coffee time, it was still a struggle picking something from this delicious looking menu. In the end I went for a vegetable lattice slice. It was incredible! No question about it, it certainly warmed me through.
After lunch, we explored a different section of the reserve. It is good reserves such as this one, have activities and statues for the interests and development of children. I'm only 4 and the well splash was my favourite addition!
Not to mention the house built into the wall of one hide. A tiny house specially put there for a mouse. With a dinner table and food, it was adorable!
Our last stop was a very long water pump. Well, the water pump itself wasn't long, just the water course. With mini dams and water gates to control the level of flow, why wouldn't any child love this?! It was certainly alot of effort pumping that much water but given how windy it still was, I was glad for that extra bit of warmth!
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