Annstead Dunes. Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
Sitting between Beadnell and Seahouses, the beautiful beach at Annstead offers great views across to the Farne Islands. Behind the beach, the dunes are grazed by Exmoor ponies to encourage stunning displays of wildflowers such Pyramidal Orchid, Restharrow, Bloody Cranesbill & Vipers Bugloss.
Pyramidal orchid and narrow-bordered five-spot burnet moth. Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
Common restharrow. Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
Bloody cranesbill. Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
Viper’s bugloss. Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
Narrow-bordered five-spot burnet on Field scabious. Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
The colourful Narrow-bordered Five-spot burnet moth can be seen in large numbers feeding on the flowers, whilst birds such as Stonechat and Meadow Pipit can be heard. If you’re lucky you may spot one of the sites other colourful characters; brick red Toads, bright green male Common Lizard, Cinnamon Bugs, or Tiger Moths.
Cinnamon bug . Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
Control of invasive non-native species is a focus of management. In recent years this has been funded through the EU LIFE Wader project, a multi organisation collaboration, spanning the North Northumberland coast and river Tweed. The project focuses on four key issues: the need to improve water quality across the Tweed Catchment and Northumberland coast; excessive levels of macro algae in intertidal areas; control of invasive non-native species in river, dune and intertidal areas; and the effects of human recreation on wildlife.
Japanese Rose removal. Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
The two main species we’ve been tackling are Japanese Rose and Sycamore, which both threaten the special flowers and associated invertebrates. A variety of other garden escapes have also been targeted, including Martagon Lilly and Daffodil. Volunteers and staff have spent many days digging up roots and bulbs.
Other woody species are found on the dunes, plants such as hawthorn, bramble and native roses, providing valuable cover for nesting birds and other wildlife.
Common bird's-foot-trefoil. Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
Once patches of non-native species have been controlled the area will be reseeded, the seeds collected on the reserve from areas in good condition. New carpets of flowers, such as Birds-foot-trefoil, will hopefully lead to an increase in numbers of associated insects, such as the Common Blue butterfly.
Common toad. Photo by Geoff Dobbins.
Another important aspect of management is access. With the England Coastal Footpath running through the reserve, and many people visiting to enjoy the beach, there is high visitor pressure, which leads to erosion of the dunes and disturbance to wildlife. Those visiting the reserve are encouraged to keep dogs on leads and to stick to the main footpaths. Some of the main routes through the dunes have been improved to reduce erosion, while still blending in. An increase in erosion from winter storms has complicated management, waves gradually munching at the dune front.
The dunes, while forming the bulk of the reserve, are not the only habitat. There is also an area of saltmarsh, reed-bed and wet woodland. The woodland is home to a heronry, the birds can often be seen at low tide foraging in rock pools beside the beach.
