Gateshead Birders

Dunston, Riverside Mudflats

An area of intertidal mudflat about a kilometre upstream of where the R.Team joins the Tyne. The mud is best viewed from near the weighbridge building, and obviously low tide is the best time for viewing wading birds. The mudflats, known as Timber Beach, are close to the minor road running parallel to the river, behind the Metrocentre, at grid reference NZ224628. Further upstream there is anothweer view point which is easuly walkable from the Metrocentre. The spot is on the riverbank on the other side of the road to Costco, a large discount store.

The mud attracts varying numbers of wading birds, with the largest flocks being seen in late autumn and in the winter. Redshank, Curlew are seen throughout the year, whilst Teal, Lapwing and Golden Plover are mainly winter visitors here. In spring and autumn the mud often attracts Common Sandpiper and sometimes rarer species such as Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit. Out on the river can be seen Cormorants, gulls, in winter Goldeneye, and in summer, a few terns.

Both Otter and Common Seal have also ben recorded here, both on several occassions.

The the river is tidal here, salt tolerant plants such as Sea-Aster and Common Scury-grass are quite common. On the adjacent rough are, some of which was the old Dunston Power Station, the wild flowers are taking root. Among the plants present are Northern Marsh Orchid, Wild Majoram, Welted Thistle, Blackwort and Common Centuary. The commoner butterflies are also present including Common Blue and Wall Browns which are particularly abundant and Painted Lady appears annually. Several small colonies of Dingy Skipper have been recently seen.

The birds of Timber Beach [Photo Steven Fryer]

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