Low Newton by the Sea
Until recently, I would have used a term like 'Northumberland's best-kept secret' or 'hidden gem' to describe Newton, but word has gradually got out that this is one of the most idyllic spots on the wonderful Northumberland coastline. New car parks have sprung up and the area around the pub and the village square (with its excellent pub) can get very busy during holiday seasons. As is often the case, it doesn't take a lot of effort to leave the crowds behind, and the birding in this area can be very rewarding.
Starting with the road from High Newton, extensive hedges and shrubs around the 'tin church' are excellent for passage migrants. Turning left at the church to the point to the north of the village, seawatching can be productive given the right conditions. Little Terns from the nearby colony at Long Nanny often use the bay for fishing, and other tern species, including Roseate, gather on rocky islands. A footpath behind the village soon brings you to a flooded field which has recently been adapted into a wader scrape. Further along this path is Newton Pool, surrounded by a reedbed and with some further cover which should be checked for migrants.
Special birds at Newton
Newton has received good coverage by local birders in recent years, producing rarities including Collared Flycatcher and Stilt Sandpiper as well as good numbers of scarce species. Sooty Tern was another recent highlight, when a wandering bird appeared here and at a number of other local sites along the coast. Regular birds include the terns mentioned above, and a good variety of waders on the scrapes. Purple Sandpipers are regular on the rocky areas of shore during winter.
When to visit Newton
Both migration periods can be very productive for passage migrants including Red-breasted Flycatcher, Icterine Warbler and Blyth's Reed Warbler among others. Migrant waders peak from late July onwards. Mid-summer is the best time to look for fishing Little Terns while Roseate Terns tend to appear later in the summer after young have fledged on Coquet Island to the south. Strong northerly winds from late October onwards through winter bring Little Auks to this stretch of coast and they can often be seen battling their way north through the surf.
Getting to Newton
Low Newton is signposted off the Northumberland Coastal Route between Beadnell and Embleton.
Nearby
Immediately to the north, Long Nanny in Beadnell Bay hosts a large colony of Arctic Terns with smaller numbers of Little Terns. Classic Northumberland hotspots of the Farne Islands and Holy Island are a little further north. To the south, Craster, Howick and Boulmer can all provide good birding, with the bird reserves around Druridge Bay a little over half an hour's drive away.