The Land of Oak & Iron has a wonderful landscape of oak woodlands, grasslands, river corridors and farming land. There are many small local nature reserves just waiting to be explored and exciting wildlife discoveries to be made. Walk through the solitary mining bees at The Spetchells in Tyne Riverside Country Park at Prudhoe or catch a glimpse of a kingfisher at Far Pastures Pond in Derwenthaugh or maybe even an otter at Shibdon Pond.
Blaydon Burn – wonderful example of nature reclaiming an industrial site.
Clara Vale – community managed site with wildlife all year round.
Derwent Gorge and Muggleswick Woods – fantastic ancient oak woodlands in beautiful gorge setting.
Derwent Walk Country Park and Derwenthaugh Park – great place to red kites.
Milkwellburn Wood – peaceful oak woodland with interesting bird life.
Ryton Willows – see colourful dragonflies and damselflies on the ponds.
Shibdon Pond and Meadow – herb rich grassland and pond loved by otters.
Stargate Ponds – wildlife rich ponds on reclaimed quarry and opencast site.
Summerhill and Stella Meadows – wild flower meadows with wonderful views and ancient history.
The Spetchells – rare chalk grassland with solitary bees and many butterfly species.
