Newbiggin By The Sea sits on a headland which juts into the North Sea. It is well placed for observing seabird and wildfowl passage and it is a superb site for migrant bird passage in the Spring and Autumn.

Adult Mediterranean Gulls by  Hector Galley

Since the late 1980s almost 300 species of birds have been recorded ranking it one of the UK’s top birdwatching sites.

Dolphins, whales and seals are regularly observed passing the headland and the bay. The various habitats in and around the village support mammals such as otters, foxes, deer and bats; with a supporting cast of interesting, insects, butterflies and plants.

Newbiggin is the main gathering point on the North East coast for the rather striking looking Mediterranean Gull. What used to be a rare bird in the UK and is still relatively uncommon in the region can be found in large numbers at Newbiggin.
 

A view from Church Point looking north – Newbiggin by the Sea

It is a special place and many of the local people are aware of the remarkable relationship Newbiggin
has shared with nature over the years.  This webiste helps showcase Newbiggin’s wildlife.

Discovering a new coastal hotspot; Newbiggin by Jimmy Steele.

“My patch, to me, is almost as much about the people who live there and an entire culture as it is about the birds. If the place you spend your time in can be more than a list, then life becomes more interesting.  Good birding is more than just good birds”.        Jimmy Steele

Sites

 

Natural Newbiggin  is the brainchild of the late, great Prof Jimmy Steele CBE.

• To Provide the Newbiggin community, and visitors, with an understanding of the Natural History around Newbiggin and provide information regarding access to the key habitats.
• To secure and protect key habitats from development and to enhance the habitat in these areas to increase biodiversity.
• To connect with the local community to ensure interest and awareness of Natural History to all. Longer term, establish partnerships to promote formal access to Nature within the Newbiggin area.