Accessible by boat from Seahouses, the Farne Islands are renowned for their bustling seabird colonies. During the breeding season, visitors can observe puffins, Arctic terns, kittiwakes, and guillemots in their natural habitat. The islands also host a significant population of grey seals.
Located off the coast near Amble, Coquet Island is a vital breeding ground for the endangered roseate tern, as well as puffins, eider ducks, and various gull species. While public landing is prohibited, boat tours offer close-up views of the island’s vibrant birdlife.
Also known as Holy Island, this reserve is internationally significant for its wintering populations of wildfowl and waders, including pale-bellied brent geese, wigeons, and bar-tailed godwits. The island’s diverse habitats support a wide array of bird species throughout the year.
This coastal park features a mix of habitats, including dunes, grasslands, and freshwater lakes, attracting species such as gadwalls, red-breasted mergansers, and long-tailed ducks. The area is also frequented by divers, grebes, and various geese during the winter months.
Situated near Amble, this reserve offers excellent facilities for birdwatchers, including hides and viewing screens. The site’s diverse habitats support a range of species, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts.
Located north of Bamburgh, Budle Bay is an extensive intertidal mudflat area that attracts large numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders, such as geese and various shorebirds. The site’s accessibility and rich birdlife make it a popular spot for birdwatching.
Situated near Amble, Hauxley is renowned for its rich birdlife, including tree sparrows, shelducks, and grey herons. The reserve features accessible trails leading to multiple hides, a visitor centre, and a café, making it an ideal spot for both avid birdwatchers and families.
Located near Seaton Burn, Big Waters encompasses a large subsidence pond surrounded by reedbeds and wet woodland. This Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) supports a variety of bird species, including great crested grebes, mute swans, and tree sparrows. The reserve offers boardwalks and hides for optimal wildlife viewing.
Positioned on the Scottish border, Whitelee Moor is one of the UK’s most extensive upland peatland reserves. Its diverse habitats support species such as red grouse, curlews, and mountain bumblebees. The reserve’s remote location offers a tranquil experience for visitors seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Holystone Burn Woods
Nestled within Northumberland National Park, Holystone Burn Woods is an ancient woodland characterised by sessile oaks and diverse mosses and lichens. The area is notable for its rich moth and butterfly populations, with over 180 species recorded, including the juniper pug moth.
Druridge Bay Country Park
Stretching along the coast, Druridge Bay offers a mosaic of habitats, including dunes, grasslands, and freshwater lakes. The park is a haven for birdlife, attracting species such as gadwalls, red-breasted mergansers, and long-tailed ducks. Its accessible trails and visitor facilities make it suitable for all ages.
Prestwick Carr
Located near Ponteland, Prestwick Carr is a low-lying wetland known for its diverse bird population, including breeding water rails, barn owls, and short-eared owls. The reserve’s mix of fen, carr, and raised bog habitats also support a variety of dragonflies and damselflies, making it a hotspot for insect enthusiasts.
One of the most renowned wildlife destinations in the UK, the Farne Islands are home to a large colony of grey seals and are a popular spot for dolphin sightings during the summer months. Boat tours from Seahouses offer the best opportunities to see these marine mammals up close in their natural habitat.
This coastal town offers great viewing points along the estuary where dolphins are occasionally seen chasing fish upstream, especially during the warmer months. Seals are also commonly spotted lounging along the riverbanks or bobbing in the estuary waters.
From the harbour town of Amble, boat trips to Coquet Island provide excellent chances to see seals basking on the rocks and dolphins playing in the surrounding waters. The area is also a protected bird reserve, adding to the richness of the wildlife experience.
Capture the natural beauty of Northumberland at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and golden. From the rolling Cheviot Hills to coastal spots like Bamburgh and Druridge Bay, these hours bring out the depth, colour and tranquillity of the scenery.
Whether you’re photographing red squirrels in the woodlands or seabirds on the coast, patience is key. Move slowly, stay quiet, and consider using a zoom lens to capture animals in their natural behaviour without disturbing them.
Add a unique Northumberland touch by incorporating landmarks like Dunstanburgh Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, or the Farne Islands into your compositions. These scenic elements add context and storytelling to your nature shots.
Departing from Seahouses, Serenity Boats offer guided trips around the Farne Islands, renowned for puffins, grey seals, and seasonal dolphin sightings. Expert commentary enriches your journey, making it ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
These expert-led tours specialise in birdwatching and wildlife photography, covering key Northumberland habitats from coastal reserves to upland moors. Full-day and multi-day options include transport, guiding, and tailored itineraries.
Join knowledgeable volunteers and rangers during osprey season at Kielder Water and Forest Park. Using scopes and binoculars, visitors can watch nesting ospreys in action and learn about their conservation story.
Perfect for families and curious minds, these mini wildlife adventures in Northumberland National Park focus on bats, moths, red squirrels, and mini-beasts. Tours are educational, interactive and often take place at dusk or dawn for optimal sightings.
Guided by experienced boat skippers, these cruises sail around Coquet Island, home to puffins, eider ducks and the rare roseate tern. Commentary highlights the island’s protected status and thriving seabird populations.
Led by conservation experts, these seasonal walks explore various reserves like Hauxley and Druridge Bay. They focus on habitat preservation and help visitors spot birds, insects, and flora native to the area.
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
Covering much of Holy Island and its surrounding mudflats, Lindisfarne is a haven for migratory birds and rare plant species. Managed by Natural England, the reserve supports internationally important populations of wintering wildfowl and waders, such as brent geese and bar-tailed godwits.
Kielder Water & Forest Park
As England’s largest man-made forest, Kielder is a key site for species conservation, including red squirrels, ospreys, and roe deer. Conservation initiatives here focus on habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring, supported by visitor education and community engagement.
Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve
Situated on the edge of the Cheviot Hills, Whitelee Moor is one of the largest upland peatland reserves in the UK. It plays a vital role in preserving rare moorland species and peat habitats while contributing to carbon capture and water regulation.
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