Local nature reserves

A site must be of importance for wildlife, geology, education or public enjoyment to qualify for local nature reserve (LNR) status.

LNRs must be controlled by the local authority through ownership, lease or agreement with the owner. The main aim must be to care for the natural features that make the site special.

The following sites have been declared as LNRs (Local Nature Reserves).

To find out more information click on the individual sites listed below:

• Amble Dunes
• Barrowburn Wood
• Bedlington Country Park
• Borough Woods
• Bracken Bank
• Carlisle Park
• Castle Island
• Castlefields Wood
• Choppington Community Woods
• Cresswell Dunes
• Davies Wood
• East Cramlington
• Grasslees Burn Woodland
• Ha’penny Woods
• Heddon Common
• Holywell Dene
• Lanercost
• Paddock Wood
• QEII Country Park
• Scotch Gill Woods
• Ulgham Meadow
• Wansbeck Riverside Park
• Wylam Haughs

Drone use

Launching drones from County Council land is only allowed with the consent of the Council and where a formal license agreement has been signed. The council reserves the right to refuse consent and where consent is granted will require evidence of your Civil Aviation Training Certificate and public liability insurance.

Schools and other groups may use the council’s countryside sites as a natural environment for educational activities.

For information about opportunities and resources, please contact the sites directly at the phone numbers given below:

• Druridge Bay Country Park: 01670 760 968
• Plessey Woods Country Park: 01670 824 793
• Bolam Lake Country Park: 01670 881 234
• Blyth and Seaton Sluice Links and Foreshore: 01670 797 323

An educational activities pack has been produced for Choppington Community Woods Local Nature Reserve. The pack contains ideas and work sheets for school or youth groups who want to visit the site. The activities can also be undertaken at other nearby countryside sites.

The pack can be downloaded by clicking on the links below:

• Educational activities pack - part one
• Educational activities pack - part two
• Educational activities pack - part three
• Educational activities pack - part four