Cotham Flash Site Guide
by Tom Malarkey
I have been bird watching in the Cotham Flash area for over ten years and it has been my local patch since 1994. In that time I have seen over 130 different species and I am aware of at least 10 more recorded by others. There are four members who regularly watch the site - Edmund Staunton, David Hall, Carl Cornish, and myself.
Habitat For such a small area there is a great variety of habitats: three shallow flashes surrounded by arable land and bordered by extensive rough grassland to the north and horse paddocks to the south; to the west is a deep water fishing pit with small reedbeds (Pykett's Pond). The old Newark to Bottesford mineral line forms the eastern border, and there is a grassland SINC (Site of Interest for Nature Conservation). To the south east is an active landfill site (Iceland and Yellow-legged Gull). There are also plenty of mature hedgerows and bushes in the area.
Access From the south on the A46 approaching Newark, turn right at Farndon crossroads towards Hawton. Turn right at the T-junction opposite Hawton church towards Cotham, after approx. 1.5 miles you will see a pair of large metal gates on your left (P1 on map) and 150 metres further on the right a wooden gate, leading to a public footpath (P2 on map). Parking is difficult but if visiting at the week-end use these gate ways, taking care not to obstruct the smaller wooden gate by Pykett's Pond as horse riders use this.
View the flashes from the roadside earth bank behind the hedge (a telescope is essential), do not approach the edges of the flash or encroach on to the farmland for obvious reasons. There is no public access to Pykett's Pond but it can be viewed from the roadside and public footpath. The farmer, Roger Pykett, has extended access on his land under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (see maps on gates) that enables a circular walk through the arable land and back along the road.
Areas of rough grassland to the north of Cotham Flash and the disused railway line can be accessed from the approach road to Hawton Quarry Farm. On Bowbridge Road (Newark to Staunton-in-the-Vale road) turn off at the sharp 900 bend. Park sensibly at the side of the road (it is used regularly by lorries)(P3 on map) and walk up towards the grassland around the disused works building. There are no formal footpaths across this area but access is tolerated. Do not enter the building, which is condemned.
To view the landfill site drive through Cotham village and turn left at the T-junction, view the landfill from the roadside approx. 0.75 miles on the left.
Sadly the site and particularly its focal point, the flash, is under constant pressure from development. The area of rough grassland around Quarry Farm is also under threat from development.
Nearby, Notts Wildlife Trust has a reserve at Staunton Quarry (SK 803462). This has birds typical of scrub, butterflies and bee orchids.
Species The main attractions of the site are passage and breeding waders, wintering Short-eared Owls (up to 3), Peregrine (last 2 years) and wildfowl; Barn, Long-eared and Little Owl are present all year. The area is good for raptors, 8 species have been recorded including Honey Buzzard and Marsh Harrier. Hobbies are regularly seen during the summer months, usually in the evenings. Passage periods have produced several interesting birds over the years including Common Crane, Black Tern, Common Scoter, Temminck's Stint and Whooper Swan. Unusual winter sightings include Smew, Iceland Gull, Tundra (Bewick's) Swan, and once 120 Pink-footed Geese feeding in an adjacent field.
The area is good for butterflies and (I think) 8 species of dragonfly have been recorded. Brown Hares are seen regularly.
All Year: Sparrowhawk, Grey Partridge, Redshank, Snipe, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Skylark, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Sparrow, Linnet, Reed Bunting.
Spring/Summer: Hobby, breeding waders, Common Tern, Long-eared Owl, Turtle Dove, Yellow Wagtail, Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler.
Winter: Wildfowl, Merlin, Peregrine, Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl, Stonechat, Willow Tit, Redwing, Fieldfare, Bullfinch.
Passage periods: Common, Green and Wood Sandpiper, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Knot, Little Stint, Turnstone, Sanderling, Ruff, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Garganey, Black Tern, Wheatear, Whinchat.
