A popular Northumberland Estuary
As the river Coquet flows from the coast to the east; or past the village of Warkworth to the west, it passes through Amble. Amble is famous for its small fishing port and tasty fish and chips and is a popular tourist attraction. In recent years facilities have increased with more shops and cafes appearing. Visitors can also enjoy boat trips from the harbour, with Puffin Cruises to Coquet Island. Coquet Island is home to colonies of seabirds, which include Roseate Terns.
A Greater Black-backed Gull
Amble is a great site for birding with a wide range of species present all year round. Goosanders and Eiders can often be seen making their way along the river, whilst Cormorants and a wide selection of Gulls, frequent the area daily. At times Divers and Slavonian or Red-necked Grebes travel from the sea, stopping just off shore or entering the estuary. At these times visitors are rewarded with great views, of a bird, which is usually observed from a distance through a telescope.
During tidal changes, an huge expanse of mud-flats is revealed, which is filled with the calls and feeding activity of a wide selection of waders, especially in the autumn/winter. Grey Herons and at times Little Egrets are also recorded.
A Cormorant
Over the past seven years the harbour has attracted a lot of birders attention with the presence of a Caspian Gull during the summer months. A rare opportunity to see this species in the UK.
Other birds recorded in 2016 included a Yellow-legged Gull and a White-rumped Sandpiper was found only a few minutes’ drive up the coast.
County
Northumberland
Map Reference
NU267041
Habitats
- Coastal
- Riverside
Access
There is free access to the coast and beaches.
Facilities
There are toilets, cafes and shops available in Amble town centre.
Parking
There is a pay and display parking available.