England · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Tyne and Wear
Explore these places for wildlife in Tyne and Wear. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Rainton Meadows
Near Houghton-le-Spring
- Habitat
- Lakes, wetlands, woodland and wildflower meadows on a restored former coal mine.
- Wildlife to look for
- Lapwing, redshank, brown hare, roe deer, stoat.
02 / 05
Gosforth Nature Reserve
Near Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Habitat
- Woodland surrounding a lake, reedbeds and wetland pools.
- Wildlife to look for
- Roe deer, bittern (elusive), barn owl, kingfisher, otter (elusive).
03 / 05
Shibdon Pond and Meadow
Near Blaydon, Gateshead
- Habitat
- A large freshwater pond bordered by wet grassland, scrub and marsh vegetation.
- Wildlife to look for
- Kingfisher, lapwing, teal (autumn–winter), snipe (mainly autumn–winter), water rail (elusive).
04 / 05
Big Waters
Near Brunswick Village, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Habitat
- A large lake surrounded by reedbeds, wet woodland and meadows.
- Wildlife to look for
- Tree sparrow, great crested grebe, goldeneye (winter), otter (elusive), common hawker dragonfly (summer).
05 / 05
WWT Washington
Near Washington
- Habitat
- Freshwater lakes, a saline lagoon, woodland and wet meadows beside the River Wear.
- Wildlife to look for
- Common tern (spring–summer), avocet (spring–summer), kingfisher (especially autumn–winter), little egret, teal (autumn–winter).