The area is drained by the major rivers of the Tyne, Coquet, Till, Beamish, Irthing and Lyne, all of which are of significant importance for their wildlife.

The Kielder Forest, where extensive commercial forestry takes place, dominates the south western part of the area. This is England’s largest forest and has 27 miles of lake shoreline, 13 way-marked cycling routes and 12 walking trails.