Nature & Wildlife

Tees Valley is rich in wildlife and areas of natural beauty. From the seals and birdlife of the estuary and coast, to the woodland, meadows, marsh and moorland that surround our river and towns.

From a private hide and with binoculars, be introduced to bird courtship techniques including nest-building skills, feeding and singing rituals. Bird watchers can visit the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve covering 350 hectares of Sites of Special Scientific Interest, where local experts lead guided tours, talks and demonstrations. The reserve is home to over 60 types of bird including lapwing, wigeon, oystercatcher, redshank and curlew.

At low tide on the mudflats close to Hartlepool Power station, Common and Grey seals can be seen from an English Nature hide nearby.. and additionally at the Tees Barrage, North and South Gare. Almost 100 are believed to live happily in the Tees Estuary and the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve boasts the only regular breeding colony of common seals on the north-east coast of England.

Many types of wildlife can be spotted at over 14 nature reserves in both rural and urban settings.

For more information visit the wildlife trust