Tony’s Patch

Tony’s Patch is a small nature reserve managed by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust. It was the first reserve owned by the trust and is named in memory of Tony Clissold, who tragically drowned in the nearby Hindshield Darn Reservoir while attempting to photograph whooper swans up close. In 1966, Tony’s brother, Roger, gifted the reserve to the trust in his honour.

The reserve consists of ancient semi-natural woodland, located downstream from an old lead mine. In spring, the woodland floor is blanketed with bluebells, while the trees including oak, ash, hazel, and bird cherry, provide habitat for tawny owls, barn owls, pied flycatchers, and great spotted woodpeckers. Red squirrels and roe deer have also been recorded in the area.

To encourage breeding birds, the trust has installed several nest boxes, attracting blue tits, great tits, and robins. At the southern end of the reserve, an open area of rough grassland is home to skylarks, wheatears, and meadow pipits, and along the stream, visitors can spot dippers and grey wagtails.

A grassy path runs through the site, which is mostly flat but can be muddy and occasionally obstructed by fallen trees. A level bridge crosses the Honeycrook Burn near the entrance. However, access to the reserve can be challenging; visitors must navigate an uneven, sometimes boggy field and a fairly steep bank. Cows and sheep are often present in the adjoining field. Limited roadside parking is available near the reserve.

Please note, dogs are welcome on the reserve, but must be kept on a lead.