A Selection of Useful Links
“Any help is very much appreciated”
An adult Kittiwake
resting on the sea at North Shields
by David Hirst
Here you can view a selection of Useful Links for websites and organisations that support the Kittiwakes that nest along the River Tyne. By sharing links you can help RAISE AWARENESS for the Tyne Kittiwakes and inform others about their current status. Help safeguard the local breeding colonies by sharing how important the local breeding population of Kittiwakes are. If you would like to help contribute to this section please contact us
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
The RSPB work with members of the Tyne Kittiwake Partnership. The Tyne Kittiwake Partnership was set up to help safeguard the Kittiwake population along the Tyne. The Partnership includes the Natural History Society of Northumbria, RSPB, Northumberland and Durham Wildlife Trusts, Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside and South Tyneside Councils, Newcastle University and individual researchers and ornithologists. They work together to improve our understanding of the birds and their conservation needs.
The Worlds First Inland Colony
Text by John Miles
Artwork by Barry Robson
Amazingly illustrated, ‘Kitty the Toon’, tells the story of Kitty the Kittiwake. Newcastle hosts the furthest inland colony of Kittiwakes. This story follows a pair as they nest in the city, have babies, enjoy a game of football and head back out to sea. A great edition to any wildlife library.’
More information is available on YouTube – Kitty the Toon
Return of Kitty the Toon
Text by John Miles
Artwork by Sarah Farooqi
Return of Kitty the Toon was published April 2020, with artwork by local artist Sarah Farooqi To purchase both books by John Miles please visit ‘Chick Books – Reconnecting Children with Nature‘ Here you can also find many more fantastic books by John Miles – Reconnecting Children with Nature.
Mini Expeds – Wild Intrigue
Tyne Kittiwake – Walks and talks
- June/July every year
Inspire ● Educate ● Rewild
In collaboration with the Tyne Kittiwake Partnership, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, and Proven Doughnuts Co; Wild Intrigue offer mini expeditions to visit Tyneside’s Kittiwake Colony along the River Tyne.
“Kittee-wa-aaake, Kittee-wa-aaake”
“An amazing opportunity to learn more about
the Tyne Kittiwakes”
This also feature an illustrated talk by local ornithologist Dan Turner who has been studying the local Kittiwake breeding population for 25 years and there are some tasty doughnuts from Proven Doughnut Co. Visitors are also able to get up close to the Kittiwakes by spending time on the viewing platform at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Wild Intrigue do amazing work with their partners in helping to raise awareness for the Tyne Kittiwakes.
Wild Intrigue hosted a short wildlife Safari along the North Shields Fish Quay during the summer of 2021. This was followed by a night celebrating our Geordie Kittiwakes with live music from Hector Gannet.
Blyth Wildlife Rescue
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation across Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside.
At times when Kittiwakes become trapped in anti-bird netting,
Blyth Wildlife Rescue help to save and rehabilitate many of the injured Kittiwakes.
Donations towards their generous efforts are always welcome.
click here to donate to Blyth Wildlife Rescue
Save Newcastle Wildlife
Save Newcastle Wildlife
Standing up for wildlife and green spaces in and around Newcastle upon Tyne.
Please help them if you can. Add your voice to the ‘Chorus’, defending Newcastle’s green spaces and wildlife.
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
The UKs largest dedicated contemporary art institution.
Home to over a hundred nesting Kittiwakes during the Spring/Summer months.
Old Low Light – North Shields, North Tyneside.
Old Low Light
Bringing People together from North Shields and beyond.
The home of fabulous wildlife walks with David Hirst
Explore the wildlife wonders of the mouth of Tyneside’s
Big River; The River Tyne.
Beyond the Tyne
Kittiwakes are a member of the Gull family of which there are many more species. Would you like to learn more? Would you like to observe and enjoy more seabirds? There are some links below to a wide variety of places where you can enjoy the company of wildlife; such as the much loved Puffin or Grey Seal.
Birdwatching Sites in the North East of England
An Interactive Guide to Bird Watching Sites
North of the Tyne and the Wall , NE England.
Sites for South of the Tyne currently being developed.
Natural Newbiggin
The Fauna, Flora and Geology of Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland.
Considered by many to be one of the best sites to view seabirds in Northumberland.
Farne Islands, Northumberland.
A group of over twenty islands off the Nothumberland Coast, close to Bamburgh and Seahouses.
They are home to over 100,000 nesting seabirds including one of the UK’s favourite birds, the Puffin.
Coquet Island
Coquet Island Seabird Sanctuary
Coquet Island maybe small but it boasts Britain’s largest colony of Roseate Tern. Approximately 90% of the UK’s population of nesting Roseate Tern choose Coquet island. These are joined by thousands of Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns, together with one of our favourite seabirds the Puffin.
Holy Island and the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, Northumberland
Holy Island which is part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve is a beautiful site to visit, with amazing panoramic views and fresh coastal air.
Follow the progress of the local Kittiwakes
You can read about the progress of the Tyne Kittiwakes colonies in the new Tyne Kittiwakes Diary . More in-depth information for the local breeding population of Kittiwakes has also been published on the Colonies Page.
