Northumberland Wildlife Trust is inviting National Lottery players to enjoy free refreshments and discover the story behind one of the region’s most iconic species during The National Lottery Open Week 2026.
Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre
If you want to see wildlife in Northumbria, then you could do a lot worse than take a trip to Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre. Perched on the Northumberland coast just south of Amble and at the northern end of Druridge Bay, it is said to be one of the best wildlife watching spots in the North East.
It’s a great place to see butterflies and birds (especially tree sparrows). You can see different wildlife at different times of the year and so there’s something to see all year round. From its promontory position adjacent to the beach, it offers great views down the length of Druridge Bay and is internationally renowned for its birds.
It has also been noted that “the eco-friendly Visitor Centre, constructed by an army of dedicated volunteers has been a labour of love. It’s a straw-bale building and has a number of other highly innovative ‘green’ features that make it an appropriate home for a Wildlife Trust team”.
National Lottery Open Week and Red Squirrel Recovery project
Northumberland Wildlife Trust has announced that from the 7 to 15 of March, you can claim a free regular tea or filter coffee at the Lookout Café at the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, Druridge Bay if you show a valid National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game.
Friday 13 March, 11am to 1pm, sees a particular highlight of the week, when the Red Squirrel Recovery Network team will host an informal drop-in session.
If you go to this session, you can learn about the far-reaching five-year recovery project to help red squirrels, which was launched with £4.8 million of National Lottery funding in 2025.
If you can make this great session you will learn a lot and will receive a free red squirrel biscuit, freshly baked for the occasion. No booking is required.
It has been noted that “Red squirrels are classed as endangered on The Mammal Society’s Red List for Britain’s Mammals. The population has fallen from a high of around 3.5 million in the UK, to the current rough estimate of 287,000. Around 75% are found in Scotland, with the population in England thought to be as low as 38, 900 ”.
Natasha Hemsley, Community Officer for the Red Squirrel Recovery Network, commented:
“We’re thrilled to be part of National Lottery Open Week again. The support we’ve received from National Lottery players has been vital to so many of our projects.
This year we’re excited to share more about our red squirrel conservation work and to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped make it possible. If you’ve ever bought a National Lottery ticket,we’d love you to come along, enjoy the reserve and see the difference your support is making.”
More on Hauxley Wildlife Centre
Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and reserve is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The car park is locked at 5 pm.
You can get food and refreshments at the Lookout Café, which is open Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 4:30 pm although hot food stops at 3:30 pm, with takeaway cups available until 4 pm.
Northumberland Wildlife trust also advises that “all groups of 10 or more need to book their visit (this allows us to limit numbers on busy days), unfortunately we cannot accommodate coaches in our small car park”.
Based on a press release form Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
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