Description
Join NHSN Naturalist, Mark Welfare, for six field trips exploring the natural history of the River Wansbeck, from source to sea.
About This Course
Course tutor: Mark Welfare
Course length: 6x trips, April-July 2026. Please check the program below.
Course structure: Six field sessions at different locations.
Course cost: £100 NHSN Members / £120 Non-Members
The River Wansbeck runs for approximately 50 km, from above Sweethope Lough to its mouth at the sea in Cambois. This course explores the wide variety of habitats within the river’s drainage system and the wildlife they support.
Participants will have the opportunity to observe and learn about the birds, invertebrates, and plants that are associated with these habitats. There will be a particular focus on dragonflies, bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, with likely highlights including Banded Demoiselle, Southern Hawker, and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, as well as scarce plants such as Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem and a variety of orchids. A wide range of bird species may be encountered, including Redstart, Dipper, Goshawk, and Osprey - and, with a little luck, even otter.
The course will also examine how geology, human activity, and history have shaped the Wansbeck and its surrounding landscapes. Habitats visited may include upland moorland and grassland, forestry plantation, a limestone quarry, the river itself with its various modifications, still waters such as Sweethope Lough, ancient woodland, the urban fringe, and the tidal zone.
A full programme, including meeting points and exact times, will be shared ahead of the course starting. All trips will start at either 10am or 11am and last until 1pm or 2pm.
For key dates, please see below.
Course Programme
- Morpeth to Mitford - Monday 20 April
- Wansbeck Riverside Park (Sheepwash to Sea) - Monday 18 May
- Morpeth to Bothal - Monday 7 June
- Greenleighton Quarry - Monday 15 June
- Angerton to Middleton - Monday 22 June
- Sweethope Lough - Monday 13 July
Accessibility
Many trips are planned with accessibility in mind and include areas of flat, even walking. However, some excursions will involve uneven ground, rough terrain, or steps, and at times we may cover several miles in a single session. While several sites are accessible by public transport, many will require personal transport. Parking is available at or near all locations, and car-sharing will be encouraged wherever possible. In most places, there are no toilet facilities
Additional Information
Questions (and identification queries) are welcome at any time by emailing james.common@newcastle.ac.uk.
Please read the terms and conditions for NHSN education courses before booking.
Recommended Equipment:
During this course we will observe fauna and flora – bring botany lens and relevant book and binoculars if you possess them - although they are not necessary they will increase your enjoyment. A small camera or phone helps record and identify things using apps such as Obsidentify. The leader will also carry appropriate materials.
About the tutor:
Mark is a generalist naturalist and worked as a medical educator. He is passionate about the Wansbeck and biological recording locally.