Photographs Of Newcastle: Marden Quarry

Located near the centre of Whitley Bay, Marden Quarry represents virtually the only exposure of magnesium limestone north of the River Tyne.

The site is set within a disused limestone quarry and reservoir dating back to the late 1600s. Converted to an informal nature park and opened in 1977, the site was awarded Local Nature Reserve Status in the summer of 2005.

The reserve provides a range of habitats including a large wildfowl lake, small pockets of limestone grassland, senescent elder scrub and a small area of mature woodland.

The lake is known locally for its wildfowl and wintering populations can reach impressive numbers. Breeding birds on the site include mute swan, mallard, moorhen, coot and tufted duck. Many migrating bird species use the quarry as a 'fall' site.

The elder scrub provides an important food source for birds, in particular several species of thrush. The site is recorded as having the largest blackbird population in the county, as well as supporting the declining song thrush.

Access to the park is via The Broadway (A193), and is also within walking distance of Whitley Bay and Cullercoats Metro stations.

Text courtesy of North Tyneside Council.