Where?
Beacon Lagoons can be found between the villages of Easington and Kilnsea. From Kilnsea Wetlands Reserve carpark at TA406167 take the track to the bird hide and from there past the viewing screen to the junction of pathways. At this point turn left for views over the lagoons. Please note that this route is imminently subject to amendment due to the National Coast Footpath design.
Map reference: https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=15/53.6334/0.1333
Situated between Easington and Kilnsea, this was the first reserve purchased by the Society. The lagoons are of national importance for rare marine lagoon habitat and species. Part of the site is host to rare breeding Little Terns. The Little Tern Project is run by Spurn Bird Observatory who rent the site from the Society. A great deal of effort is put in each season to make sure the Little Terns are successful.
In addition to the lagoons area more land was purchased and leased to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to be managed as Kilnsea Wetlands. A fantastic place to observe many kinds of wetland birds, some of which breed on site.
The whole connected wetlands here are an example of close partnership working between organisations with similar aims.
The present reserve is to the west of the Beacon Area on land which formerly comprised pasture and shallow pools. With gradual coastal erosion the area became increasingly vulnerable to flooding with sea water, a process which led to the creation of the lagoons of today. High tides now completely flood the area every year producing expanses of open water.
What can be seen there?
Beacon Lagoons is not just about breeding Little Terns. From July to September the reserve hosts large numbers of migratory waders in high tide roosts, sometimes numbering over 10,000 birds. These include Dunlin, Knot, Grey Plover, Redshank, Curlew and Black and Bar-tailed Godwit, often with small numbers of Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint. The sight of these flocks commuting between this site and the Humber Estuary is always worth seeing. During the winter, large numbers of wildfowl can be seen on the main pond. These can include several hundred each of Brent Goose, Wigeon and Teal with small numbers of Shoveler, Pintail, Gadwall and Goldeneye.
A visit to Beacon Lagoons at any time of year is sure to be rewarded with plenty of birds to see and maybe something a bit more unusual – there have been a few sightings of otter in the area in the recent past.
No dogs allowed.
Warden controlled in breeding season.
This Society is a stakeholder in this reserve for it represents a significant investment in local habitat conservation management and co-operation in the furtherance of our aim to, “Create a better Place for Wildlife”. This reserve is not included in the Society’s liability insurance cover.