Rivers
The world famous rivers Tyne, Wear and Tees all have the birthplace high in the North Pennines.
Our rivers are home to otter, water vole, brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Birdlife found here includes dipper, common sandpiper, kingfisher and grey wagtail, with gossander where woodland provides opportunities for nesting.
The rivers also have a diverse range of features, such as riffles, shingle banks and pools, which each support a range of plants and animals. Several North Pennine rivers have attractive and sometimes dramatic waterfalls, notably High Force, Low Force, Cauldron Snout and Ashgill Force. As well as being of considerable geological interest, they make an important contribution to a sense of place and are popular places to visit.