About the Brierdene      

The Brierdene is a small coastal dene on the northern edge of Whitley Bay. The site is of specific ecological significance in the local area.

The Brierdene is situated on the Whitley Bay coast, close to St Mary's Lighthouse and right next to the Tavern and Galley pub. The dene has managed to avoid any agricultural and urban development. It is surrounded by housing on both the northern and southern sides, and by two roads on its eastern and western sides. The natural aspect of this site has been retained, even with urban development.

It was probably once wooded, but tree felling and replanting have occurred in the past. The lower dene is enclosed on its eastern and western sides by two embankments: the Brierdene Burn watercourse enters and leaves the lower dene via culverts in these embankments.

The banksides of the dene contain one of the best examples of semi natural grassland in North Tyneside, with small areas of base flush meadows. The dene is also a locally important site for coastal migrants, mammals, herb rich banksides and a number of butterfly species.

Its value in conservation terms is recognised in the designation as a Local Wildlife Site. It was originally designated as an SNCI (Site of Nature Conservation Importance) in October 1992, and is exemplified by the rich diversity of flora and fauna present in the site.

The Brierdene covers an area of over five hectares and contains neutral semi-improved grassland and scrub habitat, which support a variety of flowering and non-flowering plants, birds, mammals and invertebrates.  Throughout the year, over 300 recorded trees, wild flowers, grasses and herbs can be seen in the dene, with over half of these flowering during the spring and summer months.