The Wilder Side of Northumberland

Northumberland is packed with stunning wildlife, rich in diversity and well worth seeing.

From the frenetic seabird breeding colonies to the blaze of colourful wildflowers in summer, spectacular flocks of waders and wildfowl and curious faces of grey seals in winter, there is plenty to see along the Northumberland coast at any time of theyear.

The Northumberland Coast was designated as an AONB in 1958, covering the coastline between Berwick-upon-Tweed and theCoquet Estuary. Along with the Northumberland National Park, this county is packed to the brim with rare plant and animal species.

• Our heather moorlands are home to the Mountain Bumblebee and Heather Moth and you’ll find our badgers, red squirrels and deer in woodlands like Kielder Water & Forest Park.
• Take a boat trip from Seahouses to the Farne Islands and you’ll see hundreds of grey seals basking on the rocks. You could also take a trip around Coquet Island from Amble and spot the rare roseate tern or a puffin.
• Visit Chillingham Wild Cattle, a herd of cattle believed to be rarer than the Giant Panda. This unique herd of wild cattle are the sole survivors of herds that once roamed the forests of Britain.