Red Kite Safari...

If you enjoy the countryside and wildlife you won't want to miss a Red Kite Safari to 'Kite Country' to track the red kites that have been reintroduced to Gateshead's Derwent Valley. The 2-4 hour coach tour takes in some spectacular views of Gateshead countryside including the Derwent Valley and National Trust's Gibside Estate to see red kites in the wild. Radio tracking equipment is used to track the kites and there are organised kite stops for groups to use binoculars and telescopes for a close- up view of the kites.

Just one mile from Gateshead's MetroCentre you can be in 'Kite Country' where ninety-four red kites have been released into the Gateshead countryside. Kites are spectacular birds of prey, which have up to a six-foot wingspan. They are gregarious birds that soar overhead and can perform aerial aerobatic displays. The Northern Kites Project has returned breeding red kites to northeast England while involving and inspiring local people in restoring the fortunes of one of the UK's rarest birds. Around Gibside you should also look out for red squirrels, kingfishers and other wildlife.

• We recommend that you bring your own binoculars where possible.
• Suitable for anyone over the age of 8, however, children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Northern Kites is managed by the RSPB and English Nature, in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and the Forestry Commission, with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Trust.
  
• Places to source kite information:
  Thornley Woodlands Centre
  Swalwell Visitor Centre
  Visitor facilities in the Gibside estate
  Tourist Information Centre Tel: 0191 478 4222.
  
• Food/refreshments available at:
  Gibside Estate tearoom
  Tea for Two - tea room in Rowlands Gill
  Golden Lion pub - Winlaton Mill
  Huntley Well pub/Chaplins restaurant - Winlaton Mill
  
• How to get there - public transport:
  Catch the Go Northeast 'red kite' bus from Newcastle City Centre or the MetroCentre (numbers 45 and 46) that head into 'kite country' at Rowlands Gill to access places mentioned above