Annstead Dunes Nature Reserve

About

Annstead Dunes — also known as Annstead Links — is a Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserve on the strip of mature dunes between Beadnell and Seahouses. The England Coast Path runs right through it, with wide views out to the Farne Islands.

It's a quietly special place for wildlife. Exmoor ponies graze fenced sections of the dunes to keep the marram and scrub in check, which lets wildflowers like pyramidal orchid, hound's-tongue, bird's-foot trefoil and restharrow thrive. In summer you'll see cinnabar and five-spot burnet moths, and at low tide Annstead Rocks below the reserve reveal rock pools full of life and feeding wading birds.

Good to know

The easiest way in is the kissing gate opposite Annstead Farm, where there's a bench looking over the beach. Paths are mostly narrow grass tracks with some steep climbs, and the way up from the beach is soft sand. There's no dedicated car park — use Beadnell or Seahouses. The Trust asks walkers to keep dogs on leads and stick to the main paths to protect the dunes. Spring and summer are best for the flowers. The Lazy Cow at Annstead Farm is handy for a coffee and cake afterwards.