Portrack Marsh
OS Ref: NZ465 194
Portrack marsh has an area of 50 acres (11ha). The original marshes at Portrack were destroyed in the 19th Century, with the straightening of the River Tees. The current site is owned and managed by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Northumbrian Water and is particularly valuable for its prominence and accessibility to urban communities. The site is popular for bird watching and visiting school groups as it is home to some spectacular wildlife. The ditches are home to Water Vole and Kingfisher which are best seen in the summer. During autumn look out for Harvest Mice nests in the reedbeds, and witness the annual Salmon run along the River Tees. Winter is the best time to see the range of birds as vegetation is low so they can be seen feeding in the Hawthorn scrub. The water fluctuation dictates what wetland birds will be seen and when.
| Best For | Water Vole, Kingfisher and other wetland birds, Harvest Mice, Heron, Salmon in the adjacent River Tees. Coltsfoot, Common toadflax, Wild Parsley. | |
| Opening Times | Open All Year | |
| Access/Conditions | Main footpaths are suitable for wheelchair and pushchair access and the boardwalk through wetter areas has a ramp. However, the reserve can become muddy during winter and the pathway on the N edge is not surfaced and has some steps. | |
| Facilities | Information boards; footpath network; annual event programme; guided walks for groups; disabled parking, WC and refreshments available at the Talpore pub adjacent to the reserve. | |
| How to get there | From the A66, follow signs for Tees Barrage, head straight over the roundabout and right into Whitewater Way. Follow the road to the Talpore. Portrack Marsh is a short walk from Stockton and Middlesbrough. | |
| Parking | Parking is available at the Talpore and Tees Barrage. | |
| Walking time | 50 acres (11ha) The full circuit will take approximately 2 hours. | |
| 30 minute visit | Walk along the riverside footpath to the information board and follow the footpaths to the riverside, pond-dipping platform or across the site to the other information board. | |
| Local Attractions | Stockton and Middlesbrough; Teesdale Way runs through the reserve; Tees Barrage; White Water Rafting Course; Maze Park; Newport Bridge and the railway marshalling yards. | |
| Did you know? | Portrack Marsh is the last remaining wetland area on the lower River Tees and its large bodies of water are a magnet for both local and migrating birds. | |
| A member says | “It is an ideal place to visit in spring to see water birds and other spring migrants.” |
