Conservation and Sustainability
Partnering with Northumberland Wildlife Trust
At Kielder Waterside we work closely with Northumberland Wildlife Trust to improve and maintain our wildlife garden area in the centre of the holiday park. The area is home to a number of species, including adders, newts and an increasing selection of invertebrates. The pond area is managed through the winter to ensure plants don’t overpower the water itself. If you are visiting in the spring and summer, be sure to check out the pond for House Martins and Swallows collecting mud on the edges for nest building.
Storm Arwen 2021
Kielder Waterside was forever changed when the storm hit in late November. Over 500 mature non-native conifer trees were windblown around the site. From this several plantations were clear felled and have subsequently been planted with sympathetic native broadleaved trees, local to the area. Over 5,000 trees have currently been planted in the hopes that it will create a more diverse habitat for Kielder Waterside. Historically, before the reservoir was created, a woodland (now underwater) adjacent to Kielder Waterside was aptly named Rowantree Bank wood. Given this historic name and clue to which tree species was dominant we have planted a higher concentration of Rowan in the hopes that the name lives on through the trees planted.
Ospreys at Kielder
Ospreys have bred in Kielder Forest since 2009. By 2021 the population had grown from one to seven breeding pairs, with other birds in the area each summer. In 2022, the exciting milestone of the 100th chick to fledge successfully was the highlight of the year. We have also partnered with Wild Intrigue, a community interest company (CIC) to deliver unique Osprey watching cruises onboard our Osprey Ferry. A percentage of the revenue generated from these cruises are put back into the conservation of Ospreys at Kielder. In 2022, for the first time, Kielder who live streamed one of the Osprey nests at Kielder, which was viewable throughout each day on YouTube.
Red Squirrels
The site is home to a strong population of Red Squirrel with some lodges being favoured spots to consume hazelnuts on purposefully placed feeders filled with hazelnuts. Keep an eye out of your lodge for this charismatic species scampering up and down trees.
Sustainability and our local economy
We work hard at Kielder Waterside to make sure we are as sustainable as possible in relation to our use of products onsite.
We encourage all guests to split recycling and food waste, with all recycling collected by Hexham Council and taken to their main plant to be fully recycled correctly.
Food produce is sourced from local producers and suppliers first and foremost to boost and support our local economy. With the majority of our employees also living locally, this is vitally important to make sure the economy in the area thrives.
We have a zero single use plastic policy across our site with all food containers and packaging made of Vegware © that is compostable and biodegradable. All items produced from wood that are sold in our shop are FSC certified. We also encourage our guests to consider using a refillable water bottle or coffee cup when visiting our Revive area or Reception coffee machine.
Find out more about us
Discover more about our history, local area and Northumbrian Water Group.
