Birling Carrs

Island in Northumberland

England

Birling Carrs

Defensive gateway to Warkworth bridge The bridge was probably built about 1380 and was still being used by all road traffic up and down the coast until the 1960s. There were traffic lights and long queues at busy times.

A good description is on the Historic England website, see; <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1020741" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1020741">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Defensive gateway to Warkworth bridge Credit: Chris Morgan

Birling Carrs is a small island located off the coast of Northumberland, England. Situated in the North Sea, it is part of the Farne Islands group, which consists of around 20 islands and islets. Birling Carrs is one of the smaller islands within this group, measuring approximately 1.5 acres in size.

The island is known for its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs rising from the sea. It is largely uninhabited, with no permanent human population. However, it is home to a variety of wildlife, making it an important nature reserve and a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Birling Carrs is particularly renowned for its diverse bird population. Thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, flock to the island during the breeding season. The surrounding waters are also frequented by seals, with both grey seals and common seals often seen basking on the rocks or swimming in the sea.

Due to its remote location, accessing Birling Carrs can be challenging. Visitors typically reach the island by boat, with organized tours and excursions available from nearby coastal towns such as Seahouses.

The island offers stunning coastal views and the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. However, visitors should be mindful of the fragile ecosystem and follow guidelines to ensure the preservation of the island and its inhabitants.

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Birling Carrs Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.363845/-1.5999723 or Grid Reference NU2507. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Defensive gateway to Warkworth bridge

The bridge was probably built about 1380 and was still being used by all road traffic up and down the coast until the 1960s. There were traffic lights and long queues at busy times. A good description is on the Historic England website, see; Link

Chris Morgan

Warkworth, Northumberland

The church of St Lawrence in Warkworth, dating from the 12th century.

Rebecca A Wills

Birling, Northumberland

Looking southeast along the beach at Birling.

Rebecca A Wills

Birling, Northumberland

The coast line at Birling Carrs, Birling.

Rebecca A Wills

Track leading from A1068 to the beach

Someone, perhaps the person who has put up the 'No dog fouling' signs, has sprayed the 'unpleasant droppings' with blue paint. There are scores of them all the way down. Horrible! It spoils a pleasant walk.

Russel Wills

Gateway to 14th century bridge, Warkworth

The gateway at the south end of the medieval bridge spanning the River Coquet. In the foreground is a small park by the A1068 at the north end of the town.

Jim Barton

Lane off Castle Street, Warkworth

A lane giving access from Castle Street to the path alongside the River Coquet.

Jim Barton

River Coquet

The River Coquet rises in the Cheviot Hills and flows some 40 miles east through the Northumberland countryside to enter the North Sea at Amble.

Eirian Evans

Warkworth Medieval Fortified Bridge

Built in the 14th century the bridge is a grade II* listed structure and a scheduled monument. It is thought to be the only remaining fortified bridge in England. It carried the main road over the River Coquet until a replacement bridge opened in 1965.

Graham Hogg

England Coast Path signpost

On a minor road to the east of Warkworth

Graham Hogg

The Bridge Head Tower, Warkworth Medieval Bridge

Built in the 14th century the bridge is a grade II* listed structure and a scheduled monument. It is thought to be the only remaining fortified bridge in England.

Graham Hogg

Warkworth Bridge

Over the River Coquet

Kevin Waterhouse

Crop field near Warkworth

Oilseed rape after the yellow flowers, nearly ready for harvest.

Stephen Craven

Parking for the open day at Shortridge Hall

A strip of crop had been removed to make way for parking. Fortunately for drivers the ground was very dry.

Stephen Craven

Former pill box near Shortridge Hall

Apparently it was feared in the Second World War that enemy troops might land on Northumberland's beaches and push inland. This 'beehive' pillbox is located adjacent to a country road about 1km from the sea. Google Streetview shows that until very recently it was covered in vegetation and therefore not visible unless you were looking for it. The new owners of Shortridge Hall have opened it up and added a 'silent soldier' figure on the new fence alongside the road.

Stephen Craven

Inside a former pill box near Shortridge Hall

See NU2407 : Former pill box near Shortridge Hall for the outside.

Stephen Craven

New yew hedge Shortridge Hall

When mature, these yew trees will form a substantial hedge along a curved line across the garden.

Stephen Craven

Wildflower garden at Shortridge Hall

This garden has been completely reimagined in the last few years under new owners, so the flowers are clearly sown to make a wildflower area, rather than being a natural meadow.

Stephen Craven

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Birling Carrs is located at Grid Ref: NU2507 (Lat: 55.363845, Lng: -1.5999723)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria