Northumberland coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast.

Wild, lonely sweeps of fine sandy bays punctuated by dark rocky headlands characterises this northern outpost of the UK's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Established in 1958, the Northumberland coast AONB is a narrow coastal strip stretching from Spittal in the North to the Coquet Estuary in the south, an area of 135 square kilometres. The AONB was designated to conserve and enhance the special character of the landscape.

The unique character of the Northumberland coast gained additional recognition in 1973, when it became one of the first lengths of English coastline to be awarded Heritage Coast status. The Heritage Coast boundary is slightly larger than the AONB extending from the Scottish Border far enough to the south to include Druridge Bay.

This is essentially a low-lying coast with long views over soft sandstone and limestone plains dipping gently to meet the sea. The AONB contains some of the most important natural and historical coastal landscapes in Britain, offering a great diversity of coastal landscape types, comprising a whole sequence of dramatic textures and colours.

Open miles of beach are often backed by extensive sand dunes. On the island of Lindisfarne expansive, treacherous intertidal mudflats are found. Further south, the rock of the Farne Islands stands firm against the power of the North Sea. Occasionally, the coastline is broken by the Whin Sill, here ancient basalt meets the sea in low headlands and rocky coves, which creates dramatic setting for human landmarks such as Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh Castles and shelter for working harbours such as Craster.

Within the AONB, the natural history complements the landscape. Mudflats and estuaries, teeming with life, are used by flocks of migrating waders and wildfowl as refuelling stations and winter quarters. Seabirds nest on the offshore islands and rocky headlands. Sand dunes, slacks and salt marshes hold a rich diversity of plant life as well as invertebrates.

In recognition of the wonderful natural history to be found here, the coast has received many designations. Of the 135 square kilometres of AONB, 10.5% is National Nature Reserve, 21.5% is Site of Special Scientific Interest, 37.9% is Special Area of Conservation,11.9% Special Protection Area (Birds) and 11.6% Ramsar Site (Birds) (Holdaway & Smart, 2000)

Economically speaking, the AONB comprises small communities, with a population of about 2500 based in centres such as Seahouses and Embleton providing the human element of the coast. The local rural economy is based on mixed arable and dairy farming and livestock fattening together with fishing, however, these traditional industries are in decline. The growth in tourism is now an important supplement to the local economy.

The Northumberland Coast AONB falls entirely within the County of Northumberland and the boundaries of Alnwick District Council and Berwick upon Tweed Borough Council. These authorities, in partnership with the Countryside Agency employ Officers to boost landscape, promotion, interpretation, environmental, access, and sustainable transport initiatives.

Natural and Cultural Heritage Officer:
Tom Cadwallender - tcadwallender@northumberland.gov.uk

References:
The Northumberland Coast - Countryside Agency Report CCP489, 1996
Edward Holdaway and Gerald Smart. (2001). Landscapes at Risk. Spon Press.
Picture Credits Graeme Peacock and Northumberland County Council