Our work at Embleton and Newton Links

Protecting the Long Nanny shorebird site

The Long Nanny shorebird site is located between the villages of Beadnell and Low Newton. It is a nationally important breeding site and 2024 marks 47 years since the National Trust began working to protect the site and the birds that breed there.

Each year we rope off a section of the coast between Beadnell and High Newton to protect the nesting grounds of several important breeding birds, including the Arctic tern, little tern and ringed plover. Rangers are stationed along this stretch of coastline during the nesting season to monitor the birds.

How the ropes help

When the birds are left undisturbed on the beach, it maximises the chances of a successful breeding year with as many fledglings as possible. This helps towards ensuring the survival of the threatened species that call this estuary home.

We make sure that visitors can still enjoy their walk along this beautiful stretch of coastline, while watching these beautiful birds from a safe distance.

Tree planting project

St Cuthbert's Cave

We are thrilled to have begun our tree planting project at St Cuthbert's Cave, repairing the damage caused by Storm Arwen.

We have partnered with the Great Northumberland Forest Project at Northumberland County Council and the Woodland Trust to secure funding and appropriate trees suitable for the location. We plan to re-plant with mixed native species- both coniferous and deciduous to promote a more biodiverse environment for wildlife and our visitors for years to come.

The woodland will be less of a " block" plantation than it was previously, as we are planting shrubby trees to create a canopy that is of differing heights. This will help to create a woodland that is more resilient to future storms. Species include fruiting trees such as Rowan, Holly, Crab Apple and Hawthorn and other trees such as Scots Pine, Wych Elm, Willow, Cherry, Dog Rose and Birch.

We have made a conscious decision not to plant Ash, Oak or Beech in order to minimise habitat for grey squirrels as the site is next door to Kyloe woods, which is an important Red Squirrel Protection Zone. As part of the project we're trialling the use of soil biodegradable tree shelters (made from wood pulp rather than traditional plastic) to protect our newly planted trees from nibbling herbivores, in an environmentally - friendly way.

But perhaps THE most exciting bit - we have been offered some cuttings of Black Poplar from Durham University and we are overjoyed to be planting these here to help preserve such a rare and important native species.

Thank you to our brilliant volunteers for helping us to get these trees into the ground.

Thank you

With your ongoing support, we're able to continue our vital conservation work. Thank you for helping to protect these special places.