Experts say Dunston Staiths, a former coal-loading site on the River Tyne, attracts an annual surge of wildlife.
Birds such as curlews and lapwing migrate to the mudflats for the winter, while crustaceans and otters inhabit the area.
Heather Devey from Wild Intrigue calls the site an under-rated oasis supporting diverse species in a bustling urban environment.
The Grade II-listed timber structure, built in the 1890s, spans over 500 meters and ranks as Europe’s largest timber construction.
Devey explains that the Staiths framework traps mud and silt, creating rich feeding grounds for marine invertebrates like lugworms, crabs, and shellfish.
Migratory Birds and Feeding Habits
Redshanks with bright orange legs and lapwing populate the mudflats during migration, feeding on hidden invertebrates.
Devey notes, “Birds use long bills to reach life beneath the surface. They return every winter and are loyal to the site.”
She says the wildlife peak lasts from autumn through November, when the estuary becomes most active and vibrant.
The soundscape transforms in autumn, creating a rich natural ambiance that contrasts with Newcastle and Gateshead’s urban bustle.
Preservation and Public Engagement
The Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust and the National Trust maintain Dunston Staiths, which forms part of the nine-mile Tyne Derwent Way trail.
Wild Intrigue leads conservation efforts, offering public bird-watching walks, nature safaris, and educational events along the riverside.
Devey emphasizes, “Dunston Staiths is peaceful, a hidden gem where people experience an under-rated spectacle amid the city.”
The site survived industrial decline and fires since the 1970s, yet continues to provide critical habitats for wildlife and migratory birds.
