Tag: Orchids

Newcastle, my hometown, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. While it might not seem obvious at first, the city’s streets, parks, nature reserves, and even industrial zones offer plenty to enjoy throughout the year. In the next instalment of a new series on this blog, I’ve put together a curated list of ten places in Newcastle you should visit to enjoy wildlife. Some are well-known, while others might surprise you. And don’t worry, I promise there won’t be a Kittiwake in sight – they already get plenty of attention elsewhere!

1: Jesmond Dene

Jesmond Dene, a picturesque park located in the heart of Newcastle, has a rich history that can be traced back to the 19th century. The park owes much to industrialist and businessman Lord Armstrong, who, in the mid-1800s, transformed the previously private estate into a public park for the enjoyment of the local community. Armstrong’s vision was to create an urban escape that harmoniously blended natural beauty with innovative landscaping. I’d like to think he succeeded…

Much of the interest in the dene centres on its birds. Kingfishers are a firm fixture of the Ouse Burn here and Grey Wagtail and Dipper can also be found. Add to these a typical mix of woodland birds, and treats like Tawny Owl and Sparrowhawk and you have the makings of a great day’s birding. There are mammals here too, though they are more elusive. Local people often report Roe Deer and Otters are occasionally sighted on the burn. Wander at dusk, and you’re also likely to encounter bats.

What about plants I hear you say? Owing to its roots as a naturalistic garden, the dene is quite eclectic. As well as host of woodland indicator species – Bluebell, Wood Anemone, Dog’s-mercury and the like – you can also expect to see a whole host of modern colonists, from White-stemmed Bramble and Autumn Crocus to Italian Lords-and-Ladies. These aside, a personal favourite of mine has to be the North American Salmonberry, a relative of the Raspberry, that blooms in the Dene each spring. While non-native plants aren’t always to be celebrated, here they add another layer of complexity to an already interesting site.

2: Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve

Established as a nature reserve in 1998, Havannah and Three Hills, formerly the site of a drift mine and slag heaps linked to the Hazelrigg Colliery, is designated as a Site of Local Conservation Interest. This urban oasis is notable for its diverse range of habitats, a relative rarity in Newcastle. Notably, it holds one of only two remaining areas of lowland heath in the city, marked by extensive areas of Heather. Elsewhere, the landscape comprises restored woodlands, grasslands, and small ponds.

Havannah is important for its wildlife, especially as the last known spot in Newcastle where Red Squirrels can be found. Though their numbers have declined recently, sightings from 2024 confirm they’re still around. Other mammals like Weasel, Brown Hare, Roe Deer, and Red Fox can also be seen from time to time and birdwatchers will enjoy the site too thanks to species such as Yellowhammer and Linnet, typically rare in the city. The pond attracts various birds, with the occasional visit from a Little Egret.

Invertebrates add to Havannah’s ecological significance. The heathland supports Dingy Skipper, alongside other specialists like Mother Shipton, while the varied habitats contribute to a thriving community of ladybirds, notably featuring species such as Striped and Heather Ladybirds.

Plants can be interesting too with seasonal highlights including the fluffy heads of Common Cottongrass, the flowers of Northern Marsh Orchid, and the yellow blooms of the scarce Dyer’s Greenweed during the summer months.

3: Walker Riverside Park

Nestled on the banks of the Tyne River adjacent to Walker, this diverse site encompasses a popular yet somewhat overlooked riverside park under the management of Urban Green Newcastle. The landscape here includes calcareous grassland atop abandoned industrial ground, amenity woodland, intertidal mudflats, and various disturbed habitats. Within the park, remnants of the former St. Anthony’s Tar Works are rich in wildflowers like Wild Basil, Greater Knapweed, Small Scabious, Clustered Bellflower, and Sainfoin. Along the riverside walls, one can find Musk Thistle, Perennial Wall-rocket, and other noteworthy species. Additionally, areas of relic saltmarsh offer a glimpse of coastal flora, including Purple Glasswort, Sea-aster, and other salt-loving species.

The abundance of wildflowers at Walker is mirrored by a diverse insect community. Similar to Havannah, Dingy Skipper butterflies inhabit the area, accompanied by Common Blue, Small Skipper, and Small Copper. The bee, hoverfly, and moth communities add interest too, while the location recognised as the sole local outpost of the Speckled Bush-cricket. A new arrival in the city!

Located close to the River Tyne, sightings of Grey Seal, Common Seal, and even Otter are not uncommon here either.

4: Gosforth Nature Reserve

Managed by the Natural History Society of Northumbria, Gosforth Nature Reserve is perhaps the oldest nature reserve in North East England. An urban oasis, it features many habitats altogether rare in the wider city including fen, wet woodland, expansive reebeds and even some vibrant meadow areas.

The reserve’s larger wildlife is its greatest draw with visitors regularly reporting sightings of Otter, Red Fox, Roe Deer, Weasel and Stoat. More secretive are the Badgers and several bats species, while birds too are diverse. Depending on the season, highlights may include Bittern, Water Rail, Little Egret, Barn Owl and Green Woodpecker. In the warmer months, large numbers of Swallows and martins can be seen and far rarer visitors appear on occasion, among them Marsh Harrier and Hobby.

Gosforth Nature Reserve is similarly noteworthy for its smaller inhabitants. Insects can be exceptionally diverse with a great many dragon and damselflies and of course, a wide-range of butterflies. The latter includes Purple Hairstreak and White-letter Hairstreak and often, Holly Blue. In Spring, look out for Clarke’s Mining Bee on willow flowers and in high summer, Oak Bush-crickets adorning the trunks of trees in the wood.

Finally, if flowers are your forte, the reserve supports its fair share. Look out for the pompon-like flowers of Devil’s-bit Scabious, the tall yellow blooms of Greater Spearwort and several species of orchid among others.

5: Lower Ouseburn Valley

The Lower Ouseburn Valley is a thing of beauty. An amalgamation of industry, dereliction and rejuvination, it perfectly demonsrates the value human centric habitats can hold for biodiversity. Local CIC, Wild Intrigue, share so much lovely content on the the Ouse Burn and the surrounding area that expansion seems unecessary but suffice to say, for the budding botanist, it is a very interesting site. There a few places locally where you can see scarce natives and archaeophytes such as Gypsywort, Water Figwort, Green Field-speedwell and Small Nettle growing side-by-side with such well established recent escapes. Hjelmqvist’s Cotoneaster, Tall Melilot, Giant Hogweed, and so much more, there is no better place to experience the ‘new’ flora of Newcastle.

For those not so fascinated by botanicals, there is a great deal to see. The Ouse Burn itself holds Otter (check out these AMAZING images), Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Dipper and resident pair of Mute Swans that insist on breeding in awkward positions each year, much to the delight of residents.

Insect wise, look out for large gatherings of ladybirds on the Ouseburn’s ornamental shrubs. Sure, most will be the non-native Harlequin Ladybird but recent records show Cream-spot, Orange, 7-spot, Pine and so many other species.

As someone who visits the Ouseburn area regularly, I must confess, this site is my guilty pleasure. Jampacked with wildlife and people too, it shows how both can live together in relative tranquility.

6: Big Waters Country Park

I love this one. A Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserve shared with Urban Green Newcastle, it is one of the best places in Newcastle to observe our native flora. The ponds are wonderfully diverise with Rigid Hornwort and Fennel Pondweed and the grasslands packed with scarcities such as Fairy Flax and Agrimony. Alas, this isn’t a botanical blog so I will endevor to delve deeper…

Big Waters is most notable for its birdlife. In Winter, you can expect to see an eccelctic mix of wildfowl including Pochard, Teal, Wigeon, Shovler and Goleneye, even the odd Pintail and Whooper Swan. In fact, the site is well known for attracting local rarities including a returning American Wigeon which routinely delights crowds come Autumn and Winter.

Beyond birdlife, this is a phenominal site to observe insects. Bees include Tawny Mining Bee, Buffish Mining Bee, Vestal Cuckoo Bee and more, while ladybirds include the rare 18-spot, a specialist of conifer trees. There are too many records to summarise here but it is worth checking out iRecord for the records of Chris Barlow who has shared much about the site.

7: Scotswood Road

Positioned along Scotswood Road, a significant thoroughfare leading into the city from the west, lies an unexpected haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Despite their urban location, the grasslands, scrub, and wooded areas along the road are rather diverse, providing a home for various species.

An abundance of wildflowers in the grasslands here attracts many insects, especially butterflies. Dingy Skipper, uncommon in the nearby area, are plentiful in spring and later, other butterfly species like Common Blue, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, and Ringlet can be seen. Bees are also plentiful here, including Buffish and Chocolate Mining Bees, along with seven species of bumblebees. Lucky observers might even spot the Mother Shipton moth – a grassland specialist with at first, may appear more like a butterfly in flight.

Insects aside, Scotswood Road boasts a variety of wild plants, particularly species associated with calcareous grassland. In the summer, visitors can enjoy sepcies such as Small Scabious, Greater and Chalk Knapweed, Hoary Plantain, Wild Basil, and Kidney-vetch. Bee Orchids are also thriving in the area, with hundreds spotted nearby in 2023.

8: Newburn and Kingfisher Industrial Estate

Surprisingly, an industrial estate well and truly earns its place among the city’s top spots for wildlife enthusiasts. Despite its somewhat neglected appearance, this area offers a remarkable experience throughout the year. Its main allure lies in the fact that it is one of Newcastle’s premier locations to observe wild orchids. During summer, visitors can easily spot varieties such as Bee Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Northern Marsh Orchid, and Broad-leaved Helleborine. However, the real gem is the flourishing populations of Dune Helleborine, an rather rare plant with some of its densest concentrations found along the River Tyne. The little video below should give a flavour of what to expect…

But orchids aren’t the only floral treasures here. Newburn boasts an array of local specialties including Nettle-leaved Bellflower, Marsh Pennywort, Viper’s-bugloss, and the delicate Blue Fleabane, thriving in the chalky remnants of former industrial sites.

This site is also an underappreciated haven for urban birdwatchers. Green Woodpecker, a rarity in Newcastle, is a frequent visitor, alongside Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, and Peregrine. In winter, Jack Snipe can be found amidst rushes, while the numerous Alders attract sizable flocks of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll. Gazing across the Tyne towards Gateshead, one might even catch sight of a majestic Red Kite on the wing.

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A forest of orchids! 😁

An amazing display of Common Spotted Orchid and their hybrid with Northern Marsh Orchid yesterday at Newburn. #orchids #wildflowers pic.twitter.com/6JhXRW7Smg

— James Common (@CommonByNature) July 2, 2022

9: Iris Brickfield Park

Another park managed by Urban Green Newcastle, and perhaps my favorite of them all, is Iris Brickfield. Despite its small size, this small, green island showcases the rich variety of life that can thrive in tiny spaces.

Thanks to careful management, the park boasts an abundance of wildflowers, with around 220 species recorded in the past year alone. Some notable ones include Sweet Violet, Yellow-rattle, Green Field-speedwell, Field Scabious, and Wood Anemone, among many others. The park also features a lovely small pond, where you can spot Bog Bean, Purple Loosestrife, Mare’s-tail, and other wetland plants not often encountered in the city. Somewhat outdated now, I previously shared a post detailing the flora of this park.

Where there’s water, there’s wildlife. From amphibians like Common Frog and Smooth Newt to dragonflies like Broad-bodied Chaser, there’s plenty to see.

Insects are abundant too, with thriving colonies of several solitary bees such as the Tawny Mining Bee, Buffish Mining Bee, and Gooden’s Nomad Bee. Holly Blue butterflies grace the park in spring, while ladybirds are a year-round highlight. The pond is known to harbor Water Ladybirds, and you might spot 10-spot, Pine, and 2-spot Ladybirds among the trees on site.

10: Sugley Dene

Sugley Dene is a new discovery for me, one I started exploring in 2023. It’s one of the few remaining areas of ancient semi-natural woodland in Newcastle, offering a glimpse into the landscape of times past.

The woodland is thriving with ancient woodland wildflowers like Great Wood-rush, Wood Anemone, and Bluebell. If you look closely, you’ll also find two grasses typical of older woodlands: Wood Melick and Wood Millet. Thanks to its damp and shady environment, Sugley Dene is a haven for ferns, including Lady-fern, Hard Shield-fern, Hart’s-tongue, Hard-fern, and Soft Shield-fern.

Since it’s visited by few people and quite distant from nearby roads, Sugley Dene is an ideal spot to experience the dawn chorus. The melodies of birds like Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, and Song Thrush create a beautiful symphony each spring, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the early morning tranquility.

Northumberland, my home county, is a haven for botanists, offering a rich tapestry of landscapes that range from windswept hills and expansive moors to coastal dunes, wetlands, and impressive woodlands. As a lifelong resident, I may be a tad biased, but the flora here truly spoils enthusiasts for choice.

To help inspire your next stroll in nature, I thought I’d share a curated list of ten great places to enjoy wildflowers in Northumberland. While some may be familiar, a couple might just surprise you, hopefully adding an extra layer of discovery to your next botanical adventure.

As a quick disclaimer, I should add now that list is not exhaustive. There are many other great places out there to be explored…

1: The Snook, Holy Island

Lindisfarne, a part-time island off the North Northumberland coast, needs little introduction. Revered for its religious significance, rich history, and breathtaking scenery, the island is undoubtedly Northumberland’s premier botanical hotspot, offering an abundance that exceeds the scope of a single visit.

Among Lindisfarne’s diverse habitats, ‘The Snook’ stands out with its slacks, grey dunes, and saltmarsh. This peninsula, distinguished by a solitary house famous for its role in the ITV series Vera, is home to botanical treasures too numerous to detail here.

For orchid enthusiasts, early summer unveils a spectacular display of Common Spotted Orchid, Early and Northern Marsh Orchids, alongside various hybrids, Common Twayblade, and a profusion of Marsh Helleborine. Recently demoted to a sub-species but still rather species, drier spots also hold populations of Lindisfarne Helleborine – once thought of as a Northumbrian endemic.

Beyond orchids, The Snook boasts exceptional diversity. Highlights include the rare Seaside Centaury, the delicate Bog Pimpernel, and Scots Lovage, teetering on the southern edge of its range in Northumberland. Brookweed, an unassuming yet notable plant, thrives here, alongside Autumn Gentian and smaller wonders like Lesser Clubmoss, Variegated Horsetail, and Black Bog-rush (okay, these aren’t wildflowers but they are interesting!).

While visiting the Snook, you may also like to pop into the nearby dunes where species like Pyramidal Orchid, Bee Orchid, Blue Fleabane and Viper’s-bugloss also await.

2: East Chevington Nature Reserve

East Chevington, a Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserve perched atop a former mine overlooking scenic Druridge Bay, is well worth a visit. Featuring expansive wetlands, reedbeds, dunes, and grassland, the site is a haven not only for more obvious wildlife but also for a diverse array of plants which we’ll explore here.

As one of the rare pockets of high-quality coastal grassland in South Northumberland, the reserve has an intriguing flora. Standouts include Lesser Butterfly-orchid, Dyer’s Greenweed, Pyramidal Orchid, not to mention Marsh Helleborine and Sea Bindweed, rediscovered at the site in 2023. And, of course, one can’t easily overlook expanses of Bloody Crane’s-bill, Northumberland’s county flower, adorning pathsides and grassy areas.

Beyond the more prominent blooms, attentive visitors will be rewarded with sightings of Zigzag Clover, Fairy Flax, Celery-leaved Buttercup, Long-headed Poppy, and a myriad other plants. For an extra treat, a brief detour to the nearby beach unveils the hardy coastal flora of the county, featuring Prickly Saltwort and other specialists like Sea-rocket and Sea Sandwort.

Accessible to all, like many Wildlife Trust reserves, East Chevington invites exploration.

3: Warkworth, dunes and saltmarsh

The town of Warkworth, nestled close to Amble on the Northumberland coast, is picturesque in its own right. However, the nearby dunes, saltmarsh and coastal grasslands, somewhat overlooked compared to more famous sites like Holy Island, possess much more to be admired.

In late spring, the dune slacks come alive with the countless flowering spikes of the Early Purple-orchid and as summer unfolds, visitors can delight in another local specialty, Maiden Pink, as its diminutive flowers peek out amidst a tapestry of interesting, albeit less vibrant, grasses and sedges.

A close inspection of the sward at Warkworth reveals a miniature world with species like Little Mouse-ear, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Common Stork’s-bill, and an assortment of delicate eyebrights. Yet, larger blooms are equally abundant. Keep an eye out for Viper’s-bugloss, the frothy flowers of Hoary Cress, and treats like Wild Basil and Burnet Rose.

The strandline and saltmarsh at Warkworth add another layer of interest with a rich community of salt-loving plants. Among these, Sea Sandwort, Sea Purslane, Spear-leaved Orache, and the ever-charming Thrift. Undoubtedly, Warkworth is a special place and there undoubtedly new species to be found.

4: Embleton Quarry Nature Reserve

Embleton Quarry Nature Reserve, a hidden gem often overshadowed by more well-known sites on this list, boasts a quiet charm. Managed with dedication by local volunteers, this small but tranquil reserve has much to offer visiting botanists.

Orchids take center stage at Embleton (don’t they always?) and are represented by Common Spotted, Northern Marsh, and, notably, Bee Orchid. Beyond these fan favorites, the site stands out for harboring populations of Purple Ramping-fumitory and White Ramping-fumitory, alongside a cheery array of familiar species such as Wild Teasel, Red Bartsia, Salad Burnet, and Weld.

Much of Embleton’s interest lies its close proximity to residential areas, responsible for introducing a mix of garden escapes. While none have become invasive, the reserve hosts several botanical oddities like Lamb’s-ear, Garden Peony, Poet’s Daffodil, and Hidcote Comfrey, among a plethora of other aliens.

For those with a penchant for exploration, a visit to the nearby Embleton Churchyard unveils another fascinating plant — Deadly Nightshade, thriving as one of its only Northumberland strongholds.

5: Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

Newbiggin and its surrounds stand out as an ecologically rich area that might just surprise visitors. A northward walk from Church Point reveals a varied landscape encompassing sandy shoreline, relic dunes, and the rough grassland of the golf course. Here, several notable wildflower species can be found including the diminutive Bird’s-foot, a member of the pea family, the coastal specialist Purple Milk-vetch, and just occasionally, Bee Orchids. The Church Point car park itself is noteworthy, teeming with Hoary-cress, Thrift, Dwarf Mallow, and other interesting plants.

Exploring the sandy shoreline may yield four species of Orache, among them Frosted Orache and Babbington’s Orache. Additionally, common coastal plants such as Buck’s-horn Plantain and Sea Milkwort are abundant. Heading higher up, the cliffs offer Sea Campion, while the golf course holds rarer species such as Good-King-Henry, Northern Marsh-orchid, Burnet Rose, and Pencilled Crane’s-bill — a notable escapee at the site.

6: Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Managed by the National Trust, Allen Banks boasts a distinctive blend of ancient woodland and ornamental planting, reflecting the influence of the past custodians on the estate. Renowned as one of the premier locations in Northumberland to investigate our ancient woodland flora, the site offers much of interest with highlights of Bird’s-nest Orchid, Early-purple Orchid, and the peculiar-looking Toothwort.

A stroll along the wooded banks of the Allen introduces visitors to other indicators of ancient woodland, including Goldilock’s Buttercup, Bitter Vetch, Wood Crane’s-bill, and Great Horsetail. The presence of Calaminarian Grassland, characterised by its soil polluted with industrial metals, adds another layer of interest. In this area, delicate Mountain Pansies flourish.

For those seeking a longer walk, a well-signposted trail to Morralee Tarn is recommended. Once a Victorian boating lake, it has transformed into a rich wetland habitat. Timing your visit right may reward you with sightings of White Water-lily, Mare’s-tail, and the intriguing Marsh Cinquefoil.

7: Letah Wood, Hexham

Letah Wood, believed to be Northumberland’s last surviving ‘Daffodil wood,’ offers a spectacular display with its abundant Wild Daffodils blanketing the woodland floor each spring.

Beyond the captivating display of Daffodils, the wood boasts a rich diversity of woodland wildflowers. Visitors can expect to encounter Giant Bellflower, Wood Anemone, Pignut, Lords-and-Ladies and the iconic English Bluebell. A special highlight for those exploring the woodland is the much rarer Herb-paris.

Additionally, Letah Wood is a haven for those interesting in trees, ferns and bryophytes. While these aspects are beyond the scope of this post, they contribute to the overall richness of the wood.

8: Hen Hole, College Valley

The Hen Hole stands out as arguably the most spectacular gorge in Northumberland, and earns its place as one of the county’s top botanical sites. While its remoteness may pose a challenge, the awe-inspiring scenery and diverse flora make it well worth the effort. Before embarking on the journey, be sure to pack sturdy walking boots and ample snacks for the hike that awaits!

Hen Hole has been visited by many notable botanists over the years, from Baker & Tate to George Swan, and is celebrated for its rare arctic-alpine plants, including Alpine Saw-wort and Roseroot. While these flowers are elusive, the journey toward the gorge from Mounthooley offers more obvious specialities such as Alpine Willowherb, Pale Forget-me-not, Starry Saxifrage, and Butterwort. Be sure to stick close to the College Burn – most of the more interesting plants seldom grow far from water.

The more abundant flora of Hen Hole includes familiar species like Heath Bedstraw, Goldenrod, Heath Spotted-orchid, Wild Thyme, and Wood Crane’s-bill. Beyond those, however, the gorge treats visitors to superb views, scenic waterfalls, and a plethora of other wildlife, ensuring that the journey is rewarding in any season.

9: Cullernose Point, Howick

Cullernose Point, located between Craster and Howick, is a relatively small but ecologically significant coastal site. As part of the Northumberland Coast Path, it provides easy access for visitors interested in exploring its clifftop grasslands, which boast noteworthy populations of Purple Milk-vetch and Spring Squill – a charming little bulb with bright blue, starry flowers.

Beyond these botanical highlights, the clifftop grasslands support additional plants including Sea Mouse-ear, Thrift, Wild Thyme, Heath Milkwort, Heath Groundsel, and other flora characteristic of coastal environments.

The small size of this site mean it is often better suited as a pitstop, perhaps on route to more floriferous sites further North?

10: Scotch Gill Wood, Morpeth

Scotch Gill Wood, situated just outside the market town of Morpeth, stands out as a prime example of semi-natural ancient woodland. Notably, this woodland offers a much more accessible destination for those interested in exploring our woodland flora.

The wood is home to a variety of plant species characteristic of older woodlands. Careful exploration might reveal Toothwort, Goldilocks Buttercup, Spurge-laurel, Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, and the intriguing Mochstatel, among others.

In addition to the vibrant species listed above, Scotch Gill Wood hosts several less colorful but equally interesting plants, notably the Rough Horsetail. Damp areas within the wood add another layer of botanical interest with the occurrence of Hemlock Water-dropwort, Brooklime, and Large Bittercress.

The accessibility of Scotch Gill Wood makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a woodland walk without venturing too far from civilisation.