Newbiggin is great for watching seabirds
Church Point in Newbiggin is considered to be one of the best sites to view seabirds in the county. This can be easily accessed from Newbiggin town centre and there are great facilities with free parking, a cafe and both outdoor and indoor toilets. A key feature to watch out for is St Bartholmew’s Church which can be easily seen from the car park. The best areas to watch sea birds from are only a short walk from the church, along the coastline.
“Visitors are recommended to wrap up warm in the winter months
and it is advisable to bring a telescope to view the seabirds offshore”.
Highlights can include Skua’s, Shearwaters and at times Sabine’s Gull’s have been found. A folding seat, can be a great asset for added comfort when sea watching.
The surrounding coastline is rich in waders, especially in the winter months, which can include Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover and Purple Sandpiper. During the summer months, Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns are present and Gannets can be seen offshore. Other key species to watch out for include Guillemot and Razorbill. Divers and Slavonian and Red-necked Grebes can also be found at times enjoying the surrounding coastal habitat.
“Newbiggin-by-the-sea is the best location in the county
to watch Mediterranean Gulls”.
A Desert Wheatear from 2011
An area nearby which is locally referred to as ‘The Mound‘ has proven to be a hub for passing migrants and vagrants. This contains some trees which happen to provide some welcome cover to visiting and resident passerines. In the spring and autumn this is often home for a short time to a wide range of rarities, such as Greenish Warbler, Red breasted Flycatcher and Yellow-browed Warbler.
County
Northumberland
Map Reference
NZ 319 881
Habitats
- Coastal
Access
There is free access to the beach and coast.
Facilities
There are toilets available. There are shops and cafes nearby.
Parking
There is free parking available.
Additional Information
The Fauna, Flora and Geology of Newbiggin by the Sea in Northumberland.
A website specially dedicated to Newbiggin-by-the-sea.
