Northumberland Coast AONB - Natural Environment

Birds and the Farne Islands are key components of natural beauty	Bloody Cranesbill is a characteristic plant of the Northumberland coast	Cowslip forms part of the dune flora
Dune habitats are fragile and easily damaged by increased visitor pressure	Dunstanburgh Castle is built on an outcrop whin sill	Exposed geology at Cocklawburn beach
Extensive dune system at Bamburgh	Grazing coastal grassland provides diversity and prevents the development of rank grassland	Grazing is vital for good management of herb rich grassland
Grey seal on the Farne Islands	Puffin is a characteristic species of the Northumberland coast	Salt marsh is a natural sea defence
Sky lark is an indicator good biodiversity	The dune systems of the Northumberland coast is home to many plants and animals	The Northumberland coast is a vital staging post and winter quarters for many migrant waterfowl