Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Northumberland Coast AONB was designated in 1958 and covers 39 miles of Northumberland's coast from Berwick to the Coquet estuary. Within this stretch of coastline is some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the country.

The area is best known for its sweeping sandy beaches, rolling dunes, high rocky cliffs, dramatic castles, and isolated islands. Amidst this striking landscape is the evidence of an area steeped in history, covering 7000 years of human activity. Prominent castles, fortifications and religious buildings provide the best known historic images. But the heritage interest is much broader including Bronze and Iron Age settlements, early Christian history, picturesque fishing villages and 20th century military defences.

The interaction of sea and land has created a rich mix of habitats throughout the area, which support a wide range of wildlife including grey seals, dune flowers, over-wintering birds and summer seabird colonies. Much of the coast is owned or managed by conservation organisations and the whole shore is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
For many people the magnificent wide open landscape of the Northumberland coast provides the wilderness, the tranquillity, the breathing space we all require. Northumberland Coast is indeed one of Britain's favourite views.

Contact:

Tom Cadwallender Natural and Cultural Heritage Officer

Email: tcadwallender@northumberland.gov.uk

www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org