Red kites are currently roosting in large numbers in Spen Banks Wood, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.  Up to 34 kites arrive at the wood during late afternoon before going to roost each evening - a spectacular sight!

The best place to watch this evening display is from the bus turning circle in the Sherburn Towers housing estate in Rowlands Gill.  Northern Kites staff and volunteers will be at the bus turning circle from 3pm-5pm each afternoon on the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 21st February.  They will be joined by staff from the project's partner organisations, who will be on hand to show you the kites through binoculars and telescopes, and to answer any questions you may have about the kites and the project.

These 'Roost Watch' events will give people the opportunity to see kites and find out a bit more about them, the project and the partners.

To get to Sherburn Towers Estate, Rowlands Gill, from the A1, follow signs for the A694, signposted Consett and the National Trust Gibside.  Head south along the A694 towards Rowlands Gill village.  Before reaching the centre of Rowlands Gill, the turning for the Sherburn Towers Estate is on your right - during the event, the turning will be signposted with a Northern Kites banner.

However, if you would like to come along and see the red kites we would ask you to park at the public car park at the Derwent Park entrance opposite the fish-and-chip shop in Rowlands Gill, and to take the short walk up into the housing estate.  This will avoid congestion in the estate.

To reach the car park, continue past the turn-off for Sherburn Towers (towards Rowlands Gill) then turn left onto Burnopfield Road.  Turn immediately left opposite the fish and chip shop, go down the steep hill, and enter the car park close to the caravan park.

For more information please contact Northern Kites: 0191 496 1555, or e-mail: info@northernkites.org.uk.