Annstead Dunes Nature Reserve

Annstead Dunes, also known as Annstead Links, is a nature reserve located between Beadnell and Seahouses on the Northumberland coast. Managed by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, it is a prime example of a mature sand dune ecosystem.

The foredunes along the seaward edge rise up to 10 metres high and slope steeply down to the beach. Behind them, the fixed dunes vary significantly in height, reaching their tallest towards the southern end of the site. Near Annstead Bridge at the northern end, the dunes are lower than the foredunes.

To encourage biodiversity, the Trust has fenced off sections of the dunes for grazing by Exmoor ponies. This grazing helps control marram grass and scrub, creating space for wildflowers to flourish. The dunes come alive in summer with a variety of bird species, including stonechats, swallows, corn buntings, sand martins, house martins, grasshopper warblers, and linnets. Peregrines can often be seen hunting overhead, and at dusk, you may spot a barn owl gliding silently across the landscape.

The beach, extending down to the low water mark, provides vital feeding grounds for wintering waders such as redshanks, curlews, turnstones, and oystercatchers. Various gull species, including herring gulls, black-headed gulls, great black-backed gulls, and kittiwakes, are also common. During breeding season, you might see dunlins, sanderlings, and ringed plovers.

Offshore, gannets and fulmars can frequently be observed fishing, while Arctic terns are often seen closer to shore. Further out, look for eiders and cormorants.

The reserve is also rich in flora. Plants such as bloody cranesbill, lady’s bedstraw, bird’s-foot-trefoil, and restharrow add colour to the landscape. At low tide, rock pools on the beach reveal a variety of marine life.

There are several narrow grass paths throughout the reserve, leading to the beach via kissing gates and stiles. The easiest route begins at the kissing gate opposite Annstead Farm, offering a relatively level path over 100cm wide. However, as you approach the beach, the path narrows, and reaching the beach requires stepping up onto a decking area. Returning from the beach involves a steep climb through soft sand.

A bench overlooking the beach is located just beyond the entrance opposite Annstead Farm. For amenities, including toilets, shops, and parking, visitors can head to Beadnell or Seahouses, situated south and north of the reserve, respectively.

Please note, dogs are welcome on the reserve, but must be kept on a lead at all times.