The reserve is scientifically important for its uncommon flora and fauna, which includes bittern, kingfisher, otter, coralroot orchid and purple hairstreak butterfly.

The reserve has hides and boardwalks that enable visitors to view waterfowl, waders and reed bed birds at one of the most popular birdwatching sites in the Newcastle area.

The latter also includes details about cetacean sightings, information on the Farne Islands grey seal colony and an account of butterfly and moth records.

NHSN continues to provide a range of field trips,[1] events and education courses] designed to inspire wonder in the natural world, as well as informative public talks on Monday evenings throughout the winter period.

NHSN remains active in conservation and research in North East England, contributing to various committees concerned with the protection of the region's wildlife.