Druridge Bay’s
Not Just a Beach…More a ‘Living Landscape’
As well as sand, the shore includes areas of rock pools, a layer of ancient peat with preserved tree stumps, and a fascinating strandline of natural and man-made debris.
Druridge Bay is best known for the space of its huge sandy beach, and as a superb place to enjoy the seaside with the family or go for a walk. But there is a wealth of interest for the visitor which may be less immediately obvious. Take a closer look, and discover some of the secrets of the area.
Behind the 7 mile sweep of uninterrupted sandy beach stretching from Cresswell to Amble, lies a legacy of the coal industry. Some sections of this hinterland have been restored as wetland nature reserves, with ever-increasing numbers of birds and other wildlife, while other areas seem sparse with a regularity of field shapes and sizes much changed from those still remaining around Cresswell, dating from the time of the Anglian settlement. Further south towards Lynemouth, the Bay shows increasing signs of its industrial past.
The Druridge Bay Partnership has an overall vision that Druridge Bay in 2025 will be:
…nationally recognised for the outstanding quality of its landscapeand environment. The positive management of these assets is the basis for an exceptional visitor experience and strong, sustainable and vibrant communities
To achieve this, the Partnership are developing a project (funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund) to integrate management of the dunes and hinterland, further establish the mosaic of interlinked wildlife sites, work with changing environmental conditions, and tell the story of the development of a landscape that could have a real pulling power for wildlife and visitors, so that Druridge Bay can play a much more prominent role in assisting in the rejuvenation of this part of Northumberland and as a model of sustainable tourism.
Your Say!
We want to here from you on a range of issues concerning Druridge Bay. So join in the debate
Look out to sea for a while and try to spot birds, boats or even seals. There’s more out there than you think! Look also at the shoreline for wading birds, especially in winter.
Historical features tell the story of people in the area, from Bronze Ageburials and medieval ruins, to World War II defences and coal mining
The dunes are a natural barrier created by the build-up of blown sand and have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Their hummocks and hollows provide homes for many different plants and animals.
Explore the path network leading inland through farmland and woods. Some paths are lined with ancient hedges and trees, such as Warkworth Lane at the south of the bay.
The Country Park with its cafe, toilets, self guided trails and children’s play areas, is a great place to start your visit to the bay.
Lakes, ponds and marshes are home to many birds. Northumberland Wildlife Trust protects some of these areas as nature reserves. Find out about the Trust’s valuable work at their visitor centre at Hauxley.
