Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, is anancient site of historical importance as well as of immense value to wildlife. The island and connecting causeway protect tidal mudflats, saltmarshes and dunes which combine to create a place which is home to fascinating plants and to a food supply that attracts bird visitors from thousands of miles away. The Reserve protects a long stretch of coast, including the dunes of Holy Island.
Highlights: Grey seals abound in the waters and on the rocks around the island, and common seals are occasionally seen. Six internationally important species of wildfowl and wading birds overwinter here. For the pale-bellied brent geese from Svalbard (Spitzbergen), this is their only regular wintering place in Britain. Pinkfooted and greylag geese, wigeon, grey plovers and bar-tailed godwits are the other visitors.
Location: Holy Island is sign-posted from the A1 south of Berwick-upon-Tweed. There are car parks on Holy Island, at Budle Bay, and at Beal, on the mainland.
The island can only be reached at low tide across a long causeway. Before crossing you are strongly advised to check the tide timetables on the causeway's notice board. The Northumberland County Council's website also has crossing information and Berwick Tourist Information (Tel: 01289 330733) has details of the tides and bus service to the island.
Grid reference: NU114432
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These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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