Seaton Common and Dunes
Seaton Common and Dunes is a protected nature reserve made up of two distinct areas: the common and the dunes. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under Section 28E of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
From the Tees Road to the North Gare (Blue Lagoon) car park, the land may appear to be just open fields but this area is rich in wildlife and habitats, including:
- sand dunes
- rocky and sandy beaches
- freshwater marshes with dykes (locally called fleets and stells)
- pools and seawalls
Seaton Common
Seaton Common covers around 75 hectares and is a vital wet grassland. It supports:
- large numbers of migrating birds in winter
- breeding birds in summer
- wetland plants, amphibians and insects
The area is carefully managed. Grazing cattle help control tall grasses, and the dykes maintain water levels needed for wildlife.
Seaton Dunes
Seaton Dunes spans about 32 hectares and is one of the largest dune systems between Lindisfarne and the Humber. In summer, the dunes are full of colourful wildflowers.
You are welcome to explore the dunes but please stay on the main paths, take your litter home and do not light fires.
Wildlife highlights
This site is a great place to visit all year round. You may see:
- kestrels, merlins and short-eared owls
- finches, buntings and waders
- fieldfares and redwings in spring
- large flocks of wigeon in winter
How to get there
Seaton Common is south of Seaton Carew, just off the A178 Tees Road, north of Hartlepool Power Station.
Parking:
- North Gare Car Park
- Seaton Coach Park
Access:
You can reach the site on foot, by bike or on horseback via Seaton Bridleway from Seaton Carew.