Walk on the wild side this May
Everybody has the chance to enjoy a guided walk on the wild side this May thanks to Northumberland Wildlife Trust. The wildlife charity is offering walks at two of their urban reserves; Northumberlandia in Cramlington and Weetslade Coutry Park on the outskirts of Newcastle.
The events have been made possible by the Land Trust and both of them are free. On Friday 8 May, from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, stuff from the Trust will be around to take members of the public on an informal and relaxed walk around Weetslade Country Park.
Those who attend will be able to find lots of great information about how the country park was developed from a former colliery site and hear about the Wildlife Trust’s work to conserve the site, which attracts over 75,000 visitors each year. It has a range of habitats, including grassland, repaired scrub wildflower meadows and woodland areas.
This is a great time to visit, as the site is alive with the songs of dozens of skylarks, who have their own breeding enclosure, while later in the summer visitors can enjoy the aerial shows of swifts, martins and swallows.
Then on 14 May another opportunity for a guided walk comes up at Northumberlandia in Cramlington. This walk takes place between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm and walkers will be able to learn how this natural sculpture was created and what the Northumberland Wild Life Trust is doing there and what wildlife can be spotted on the site as individuals protect it.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust Community Events Co-ordinator Frances Smiles commented:
“Weetslade Country Park and Northumberlandia are two wonderful sites to walk around at any time of day, at any time of year, but to have an expert take you round the site pointing out what lives where and when is even better. The event is free thanks to the Land Trust, which is event letter, so come along and join us.”
To book a place please see here .
Charity lottery players enable new season of talks at Hawksley
Hauxley Wildlife Discovery centre at Druridge Bay will be the site of a new season of summer wildlife walks and talks put on by Northumberland Wildlife Trust thanks to the players of the Postcode Lottery.
At the same time they will be able to learn more about how geology has shaped the history of the area the roseate terns of Coquet Island, bird ringing and the red squirrels of Northumberland. There will also be talks about the rescuing and releasing of grey seals on the Northumberland coast.
Director of Northern Experience Wildlife Tours and North East Cetacean Project Coordinator Dr Martin Kitching, will kickstart the new season with a talk about the 21 different species of marine mammals in North East England.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust Druridge Bay Landscapes Manager Alex Lister, commented: “The Hauxley talks are always a great focal point for wildlife lovers in the area, so I’m delighted that we have another programme of walks and talks planned for the rest of this year.
“Even better, we are now able to offer the events free of charge and a discount in the café thanks to players of the Postcode Lottery. Such generosity will ensure that more people will be able to discover more about the wonders of the natural world on their doorstep. All you have to do is visit www.nwt.org.uk/events, book a place and come along and join us.”
