Wildlife

Do you want to know more about native species and habitats? Explore our wildlife pages and learn about the plants and creatures on your doorstep. If you're searching for perfect places to see wildlife, find a nature reserve near you.

For an area historically known for its industry, the Tees Valley is wonderfully rich in wildlife. From nationally important wetlands, ancient woodland and the moors, to rivers, ponds and the beautiful North East coast, there is an incredible variety of habitat to explore. These special places support thousands of species and make the Tees Valley one of the best areas in the North East for enjoying nature.

Tees Valley is a wonderful place for birding. The estuary and coast attract huge numbers of wading birds and wildfowl throughout the year, while species such as little tern, avocet, common tern and sandwich tern breed locally and return to our beaches year after year. In winter, thousands of migratory birds arrive to feed and roost on the mudflats, wetlands and marshes, making Teesside a nationally important destination for birdwatching.

As well as birds, the Tees Valley is home to a variety of mammals, with the Tees estuary particularly important for its seal population. Harbour and grey seals can often be seen resting on mudflats or swimming in the River Tees, especially around Seal Sands, Greatham Creek and the Tees Barrage. Other mammals found across the area include roe deer, otters, foxes, brown hares and the shy water vole, which can sometimes be spotted along local becks and waterways.

The area is also home to some remarkable plants and insects. Former industrial sites have developed into species-rich grasslands, where colourful wildflowers such as bird's-foot trefoil and common centaury thrive. These unusual habitats support nationally declining butterflies including the grayling and dingy skipper, alongside skylarks, grey partridge and many other species that depend on open grassland.

Whether you're exploring the coast, wandering through woodland, or visiting one of the Tees Valley's nature reserves, you'll discover a landscape full of wildlife surprises and opportunities to connect with nature.