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We just had a ball. Andy was knowledgeable friendly and good fun. In the rock pools we found everything from quite large lobsters and crabs to tiny sponges and sea anemones. Hermit crabs were endlessly amusing. On the beach and in the sea we identified 35 different birds. We have used Naturetrek on several occasions. Their days out and longer trips are always well organised and good value. Their guides are knowledgeable and keen to share their knowledge. When, due to COVID, things have to be cancelled, Naturetrek have a no nonsense and flexible approach, whether that involves rebooking or a cash refund.
P.C. Lincolnshire, Aug 21
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Rockpooling in Northumberland (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR215A day exploring the rockpools and beautiful sandy beaches of the Northumberland coast in search of an array of marine life, birds and other wildlife.
1 days
from
£60
£60
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Much of the Northumberland coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Marine Protected Area. It is therefore not only very beautiful, but very important for its wildlife. We will be exploring the rich array of life found in rockpools at low tide, but also the many natural objects associated with sandy beaches. This is not just shells, but also the egg cases of marine animals and the various types of seaweed washed up on the shore. As we do all this, we will keep one eye on the sky and out to sea, for feeding terns and gannets, and perhaps even cetaceans.
We will be starting our visit in the little seaside village of Boulmer with its wonderful mix of rockpools and rocky outcrops interspersed with sandy coves. We will examine the various rocky outcrops with their rockpools full of beguiling creatures, then work our way along the coast to also explore the sandy areas. Where dunes abut the shore we will look out for some characteristic dune plants as well as Stonechats and other local birds. Out to sea, we will undoubtedly be distracted by the comings and goings of the five species of tern which nest in Northumberland, including the rare Roseate Tern, as well as diving gannets, etc.
We will explore these habitats on gentle walks, of no more than 6 miles in total, possibly interspersed with short drives to maximise the number of habitats explored.
- Sea anemones, crabs, etc – the microworlds of rockpools
- Wide variety of shells and other mysterious objects, like ‘mermaids purses’, washed up on the beach
- Look out for terns, gulls, etc also using the coast
- Plants of the adjoining dunes
Day Trip Location
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 15th Jul – Tue 15th Jul
SPACES
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Keith Buchanan
Tour Leader: Keith Buchanan
Keith Buchanan has more than 30 years' experience of working on biodiversity and landscape issues in the UK and internationally. Until August 2008 Keith was designing and leading a major project for Natural England to understand the impact of climate change on wildlife and landscapes. Prior to that he was a Programme Director within the Countryside Agency, and responsible for that Agency's work in relation to National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, climate change and land management. Since 2008 he has been freelance, and has led wildlife watching groups to many parts of Europe ,the Caribbean and South America and worked on biological expeditions in Indonesia, Central America, South America, Madagascar and South Africa.
Thu 14th Aug – Thu 14th Aug
2
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Andy Bunten
Tour Leader: Andy Bunten
Andy Bunten has been an obsessive enthusiast about wildlife ever since he can remember. Educated at Cambridge, Newcastle and Imperial College, he then embarked on a career in nature conservation. He has worked for local government, wildlife trusts and, for 26 years, the RSPB. He initially worked in RSPB Scotland then headed south to be the Regional Director for the South East of England for 5 years before, in 1991, moving to the North of England to take up the reins of Director there. An experienced lecturer, Andy has cruised extensively completing over 20 trips ranging from South America to the Philippines and from Argentina to Svalbard. Now an Environmental Consultant, Andy is an enthusiastic traveller and has led wildlife groups to numerous places around the world including the Seychelles, France, Egypt, Costa Rica, Panama, Borneo, Norway and Spitsbergen. Over the last few years, he has led Naturetrek holidays in France, Romania, Hungary, Sweden, Spain and Scotland. He loves leading trips!
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
