Quayside Wildlife Safari

Explore the urban wilds of the River Tyne

Amongst the spectacular architecture of Newcastle, incredible wildness can be found in our everyday explorations of the city.

Between Newcastle and Gateshead runs the tidal vein of the River Tyne. With its comings and goings between sea and land, the scenery of the urban Quayside is ever-changing, and so too is the wildlife which lives within and alongside it.

Our Quayside is renowned as being home to the world’s most inland breeding colony of Black-legged Kittiwakes, but also an incredible array of other, perhaps surprising, species. From familiar curb-side Feral Pigeons, to awe-inspiring Peregrine Falcons, which sit atop bridges, viewing the city like magnificent gargoyles. 

The River Tyne was once a heavily polluted, industrial river, but now you can see Otters and Grey Seals feeding in the river, Kittiwakes breeding on the stunning architecture and iconic Tyne Bridge, Shelduck, Teal, and Redshank foraging amongst Dunston Staiths and a whole host of other species.

Join a Wild Intrigue guide for a journey along the Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside, to discover the wildlife that calls this city home. You’ll discover the history of the River Tyne, and how its industrial past has shaped the wildlife that can now be found in the heart of this urban landscape.

This walking tour will be approximately 5 miles long, following footpaths along the River Tyne. We’ll stop for lunch along the banks of the river to enjoy a delicious packed lunch from local social enterprise, Big River Bakery.

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