The term 'The Wilds of Wanney' is used by people of Tyneside to refer to the rural areas of Northumberland where the Wansbeck rises.

The River lent its name to the former Wansbeck district which was based in Ashington, and included Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Bedlington and Stakeford.

Between 1974 and 75, a £250,000 barrage[2] with a navigation lock was built near the rivermouth and adjacent to the A189 road bridge.

[3] In so doing the lower three miles of river[4] became a country park[5] and are recognised as England's most northerly inland (locked) navigation.

[6] Very little use of the lock has actually been recorded, although rowing and sailing craft are launched and used in the country park.