Despite ongoing calls for Holy Island visitors to adhere to safe causeway crossing times, incidents of cars getting trapped on the causeway continue to occur, posing a serious threat to life. Visitors who don’t adhere to the safety warnings not only put their own lives in danger, but also those of the emergency services as well as islanders who are unable to leave or access Holy Island until their stranded cars are removed. As a part of Northumberland County Council’s ‘Love it Like its Yours’ visitor management campaign, the council has joined forces with HM Coastguard and the RNLI to urge people not to cross the causeway outside of safe tide times. Further measures are being implemented to help combat incidents, these include new signage to bolster the existing safe crossing times signs, visible on both sides of the causeway. People can also access safe crossing times on the Northumberland County Council and Visit Northumberland websites, and add the times to their smartphone calendars. In addition, RNLI volunteers will also be on hand throughout the summer to advise drivers when it’s safe to cross. Martin Lowe, HM Coastguard Area Commander for North East of England, said: “We rescue people from the causeway all year around, but we definitely see the most incidents during the summer months, when we have lots of visitors to the island. “It is very easy to get caught out, so you should always check the safe crossing times first and you should never drive over the causeway when water covers the road – tides do not come in and out in a straight line and you can easily find yourself surrounded and cut off from dry land. “We understand it is inconvenient to have to wait for the tide to turn, but the alternative is much worse, and every year we rescue people who are discovering this firsthand. If you see anyone in distress at the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.” HM Coastguard and RNLI volunteers work together throughout the year to rescue those who get stuck between Holy Island and mainland Northumberland during high tide. Nick Ayers, Regional Water Safety Lead at the RNLI, said: “It is disappointing to see that incidents on Holy Island continue to occur, despite our best efforts to raise awareness of the dangers. “Our message to motorists visiting the island is ‘don’t chance it’ as you can’t outrun the North Sea. Please, check and comply with the safe crossing times, posted at each end of the causeway. “We’ve also set-up a Holy Island task force, made-up of RNLI water safety volunteers from Berwick and Seahouses. Visitors will spot the team throughout the six week holidays, relaying useful information including the crossing times at the island’s car park. “When in doubt, please speak to Holy Island locals in shops and cafes or check the crossing times online. If the water has reached the causeway, do not attempt to cross it as it gets very deep around the centre of the crossing.” Holy Island is located in the North Sea, a mile from the mainland and cut off twice a day by fast, incoming tides. It is therefore essential that visitors check the crossing times before they travel. Molly Luke, HM Coastguard Station Officer at Holy Island, said: “The summer holidays in July and August are our busiest months, our visitor numbers go up significantly and the causeway can become very busy. “It’s wonderful to see so many visitors, most of the local community enjoy the busy months but, unfortunately, people do end up needing our help. “As the only emergency service team on the island, we can get called to a wide range of issues when the tide is shut. When the tide is shut, it is shut and no one can get on or off the island without the help of the coastguard, or a local boat – that’s not always truly understood by visitors, who can get quite a shock to see the sea cover the causeway. “It’s why it is crucial we are all based on the island, and ready to respond to any call for help.” Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Looking after our Communities and Chair of the Fire Authority said: “We continually work in partnership with the RNLI and HM Coastguard to ensure visitors have all the information they need to enjoy a safe trip to Holy Island. “We want everyone to take home good memories, so please don’t drive to Holy Island without first checking the safe crossing times. The same applies to visitors walking across the sand flats at places like Budle Bay and Holy Island - please be careful as the tide rises quickly. By following this simple guidance, we can help to protect lives and help ensure a visit to this special place is memorable for all the right reasons.” Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, added: “As we enter the summer holidays, we’re expecting visitors from across the region and beyond to make their way to Holy Island over the coming months. “While we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to Northumberland’s popular tourist destination we’d like to remind people to adhere to the safe crossing times in order to stay safe and so everyone can enjoy what the island has to offer.”

Kielder Forest is excited to announce the launch of the Zog colouring competition, an exciting opportunity for young artists to showcase their creative skills and win a fabulous Zog prize bundle. With a range of roar-some goodies up for grabs, including a Zog soft toy, and activity book, this competition is not to be missed! With prizes for the winning picture, and two runners up, Kielder Forest invites participants to unleash their imagination and be as colourful, arty and sparkly as they like! Whether you prefer bright colours or subtle shades, the Zog colouring sheet is a blank canvas just waiting for your artistic touch. So, grab your colouring tools and get ready for an adventure with Zog! To enter the competition, follow these simple steps: Pick up a colouring sheet from Kielder Castle and get creative, feel free to be as colourful and arty as you like! Let your imagination run wild and make Zog roar-some with your unique style. Ask a grown-up to fill in your contact details on the back of your masterpiece. This information is vital to ensure that we can reach out to the lucky winners. Put your completed entry into the Zog colouring competition post box, which will be located at in the visitor centre. Make sure to drop off your entry before the competition closes on 31 October 2023.  Now, here's the exciting part! The Forestry England team at Kielder will carefully evaluate all entries and select the winner and the two runners up based on their artistic talent and creativity. Once the judging process is complete, the lucky winners will be contacted directly and announced on social media. Winners will be rewarded with an incredible bundle of Zog goodies, including an adorable Zog soft toy who will become your loyal friend, and an engaging activity book to further explore the world of Zog; an extraordinary collection of goodies that any Zog fan would treasure. So, don't miss this incredible chance to win the ultimate Zog prize bundle! Head to Kielder to let your creativity soar, and submit your entry to the Zog colouring competition today. Remember, the deadline for entries is 31 October 2023. For more information and updates on the Zog colouring competition, please visit forestryengland.uk/zog or follow Kielder Forest on Facebook. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Zog! Good luck to all the aspiring artists, and may the most colourful and imaginative creations triumph!

Northumberland has an amazing variety of rocks and fossils, equal to any around the UK, that underpin wildlife and habitats and now, the public has 31 days to vote for Northumberland’s favourite rock and fossil. Literally the bedrock of the world’s heritage, economy and tourism, rocks have lots to tell scientists about things that are happening to landscapes as the world’s climate continues to change. Following on from Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s 50th Anniversary Rock Festival and subsequent best-selling book aptly titled Northumberland Rocks, the wildlife charity, together with its partners: The Natural History Society of Northumbria, Visit Northumberland, Northumberland & Newcastle Society and North Eastern Geological Society, has decided to keep the enthusiasm for geology going by launching the first online public vote to find the county rock and fossil for Northumberland. For the whole of August, voters will have a shortlist of five great rocks and fossils to choose from: For the rock, votes are open for: Dolerite of the Whin Sill, the foundation for much of Hadrian’s Wall and the coastal castles Granite of the Cheviots - an ultra-hard, mineral-packed rock that forms the mountains of the Cheviots Coal - part of our heritage and vital for industry in the 19th and 20th century Sandstone - used in building the majority of our towns and monuments, including Grey Street in Newcastle, Hadrian’s Wall and Alnwick Castle Limestone - full of fossils, it forms unusual landscapes, from pavements to caves and potholes, and creates botanical hotspots for unusual plants. For the fossil, votes are open for: Lepidodendron and stigmaria the 300 million year old fossils of tree trunks and roots Anthracosaurus - aka the Coal Lizard - a vicious predator long before the dinosaurs that hunted in coal swamps and on display today in the Great North Museum: Hancock Corals - animals that live in the sea, usually when it’s shallow, rocky, clear and clean. Crinoids - an ancient ‘lily of the sea’ and often referred to as St Cuthbert’s Beads. Brachiopods - sea shells that lived in the warm tropical seas that covered Northumberland 320 million years ago. Visit: www.nwt.org.uk/rockandfossil to cast a vote. Ian Jackson, geologist and trustee with Northumberland Wildlife Trust says: “Rocks and fossils are a great way of getting people to enjoy and experience nature and the surrounding landscape. Ultimately, we believe that the more people really connect with nature, the more they’ll act to protect it. “Most US States have a state rock and fossil but, to the best of our knowledge, no British county has done this, so Northumberland will be the first county to have them voted for by the public which is very exciting. “The Northumberland Rocks book placed easily understandable information on a variety of county rocks and fossils on book shelves and inspired people to visit 50 special places across Northumberland, so I’m hoping this venture generates even more interest and debate.” The vote will open on Tuesday 1st August and close on Thursday 31st August 2023 with the result being announced early September 2023

In November 2021 Storm Arwen caused significant damage across Northumberland. Thrunton Wood was one of the areas most affected, with trees blocking roads and making the forest unsafe for any public access. Forestry England are pleased to welcome visitors back to certain parts of the forest as they continue clearing the remaining storm damage. They hope to open additional parts of the forest in due course, but exact timescales are dependent on their contractors being able to work safely, with the public following all signage to stay away from work areas - even if it looks like no activity is taking place. Forestry England are now pleased to offer a waymarked trail (follow green waymarking- see map) for walking, cycling and horse riding. As work progresses they hope to open an additional route in due course. Access to Long Crag is now available, but please be aware when returning that access is currently restricted to a trail leading to the main car park (see map). They would like to thank visitors for their patience and support whilst these works take place. In future tree planting will take place in cleared areas and they will share further information both here and online when they are able.

On 26 November 2021, the north of England experienced significant northerly winds leading to storm damage which affected trees, buildings and other infrastructure. Storm Malik and Storm Corrie over weekend 29th/30th January 2022 and Storm Dudley on 16th February has led to more trees falling over and slowing down the recovery process. Forestry England are still working through the implementation of the safe and prompt removal of windblown trees across our forests and multiple sites, including our access trails. The good news is now we are into only 9 areas of significance remains to be impacted for access across the forests within Northumberland. Key sites such as Thrunton Woods have several work sites underway, however these are being hampered by the public ignoring safety signage and in turn slowing down works. Additional safety fencing and even more signage has been added to ensure the work sites can continue safely. Kidland Forest although badly affected with damaged areas does have a good forest road network leading out to the Cheviots and legal access route diversion signage is being installed and the remote Uswayford Forest in time for Easter weekend. At Harbottle the popular Drakestone Walk is open, and the main forest car park will also be open around Easter weekend in addition the full loop of the walk (working in collaboration with Otterburn MOD Foresters) will be reopened to support local businesses. Kielder Forest Forest Walks Facility / Route name Open / Closed / Partially Open Updates Skyspace / Kielder Observatory Open with diversion using forest road. Will remain closed into late 2023. Wild Trails (near Kielder Castle) Closed Reopening late summer 2023, work underway to recover area. Sidwood Bastle Trail Closed Tree recovery work now underwaytrail to be assessed for repairs. Cycle Trail / Mountain Bike Facilities Facility / Route name Open / Closed / Partially Open Updates Lonesome Pine Trail Descent sections Closed - Lewisburn section linking to Bloodybush trail open and also Skydive section open. Skydive section ONLY open. Long term closure on rest of trail- could be late 2024 reopened. Due to complexity of site and works. best bits of descent badly affected by storm Arwen. Cycle Skills Loop Closed Closed until 2023. Information on routes available to walk or cycle are available on the Visit Kielder website: www.visitkielder.com   Wider Northumberland Forests   Forest Name Open / Closed / Partially Open Updates Thrunton Closed Partial reopening by 21st July 2023, Waymarked routes will follow forest roads. Kidland Forest roads open Rights of way blocked- Kidland forest roads fully open.  Forestry England continue to ask that everyone stays on the main forest roads and tracks and always adhere to all information/ warning signs and barriers. We thank you for your patience and co-operation.

Enjoy a day out fit for a King and his Queen Consort at award-winning Bamburgh Castle where a majestic line up of special events is planned to celebrate the Coronation Weekend (Saturday May 6th to Monday May 8th). Based on Bamburgh’s royal past over the centuries and the monarchs who have called the Castle home or visited the village, events will be running at the iconic coastal fortress inspired by kings from the Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria right through to King Charles III. Starting with the 6th century, King Oswald is in the Castle with his army of followers in the form of the brilliant Acle Re-enactors. Visitors are invited to step back in time to 633 when Bamburgh was a royal citadel and home to the Kings of Northumbria. King Oswald will be looking for volunteers to train as his warriors - but are you brave enough to fight for King and country? Rule from on high and have a coronation of your own and be crowned King or Queen of the north, 150 feet above the shore on the Castle's Throne - a replica of the throne Saxon warriors once swore allegiance to the King in medieval times - see the original throne inside the Castle Staterooms. History lovers and fans of The Last Kingdom and newly released feature length special Seven Kings Must Die, will know Bamburgh Castle is the real Bebbanburg and Uhtred the Bold was once its ruler. Coronation special 'Follow in the Footsteps of Uhtred' tours with Ragnar the Viking will be taking place over the weekend. Tours includes entry into the Castle grounds and Staterooms where an exclusive The Last Kingdom exhibition with new interpretation of costumes and props can be seen. Visitors can ascend and sit on the famous Wessex Throne where monarchs in the series were crowned. Princes and princesses can pit their skills at the Uhtred Warrior School with Ragnar where they will learn warrior techniques including sword training and finding out who has the loudest battle cry. Historian and Bamburgh Castle expert Carol Griffiths will be giving fascinating talks about the monarchs who've influenced the Castle over the centuries. Talks are included free with general admission on May 5th, 7th, 9th and 9th. The Royal family are famous for their love of horses – and Shetland pony Marley will be trotting in to the Castle to meet visitors on May 7th and 8th. And crowning the activities on Sunday May 7th will be a community sand art event. Bamburgh Castle has teamed up with sand artist Claire Eason of Soul 2 Sand to create a giant commemorative artwork on the beach beneath the castle, which the then Prince of Wales visited in 2012. Bamburgh Castle visitor services manager Karen Larkin said: “We are excited to be making our own unique piece of history to celebrate the Coronation of his Majesty the King. “His Royal Highness is a lifetime enthusiast and champion for the environment. What could be more spectacular than an extraordinary tribute to him etched into the shore here on the magnificent Northumberland coast. It will be the most incredible sight to see. “We’d love people to join us and be involved in Bamburgh Castle’s tribute to this historic occasion with a piece of art that will go down in history. Be a part of it either by joining Claire to rake the design – or by watching and photographing the artwork from the Castle as history is created beneath you. “Places to volunteer to make the artwork are free but limited. These are being allocated on a first-come basis via pre-booked sessions between 12 noon and 2.00pm. Anyone who would like to take part should visit the Castle website for details.” Karen added: “Bamburgh has a special connection with monarchs over the centuries. Where better to come to celebrate the Coronation Weekend than by following in the footsteps of Kings and Queens to Bamburgh and to enjoy a day out fit for a King and his Queen Consort. The Coronation celebrations and royal theme will continue at Bamburgh Castle with a special ‘Meet the Author’ audience event with Annie Garthwaite on Friday May 12th at 11am.  Annie’s debut novel Cecily is a is a Sunday Times and Times 'Top Pick' and a Waterstones Best Book. This astonishing story plunges you into the blood and exhilaration of the Wars of the Roses and reimagines the life of Cecily, Duchess of York – mother of Kings, wife and shrewd political player. Bamburgh Castle became the first Castle in England to fall to gunpowder during the Wars of the Roses. A special tour will follow Annie's talk. For more information about Coronation events or to book tickets go to bamburghcastle.com

Farne Islands to remain closed for the breeding season, as first positive cases of bird ‘flu are confirmed this year Visitor landings on islands will be restricted until the end of August to prevent disturbance to birds and spread of the virus As birds begin to return to the islands for the breeding season, three positive cases of Avian Flu have been confirmed 6,000 carcasses collected last year was just ‘tip of iceberg’ Sail around boat tours of the islands will continue allowing visitors to still see these special islands, which are home to rare seabirds including puffins, Arctic terns and guillemots. The National Trust has today announced that a handful of cases of Avian Flu have sadly been confirmed on the Farne Islands, off the coast of Northumberland, as more seabirds return for this year’s breeding season. As a result, visitors won’t be able to land on the Farne Islands until at least the end of August when the breeding season comes to an end. During this time, National Trust rangers will continue to monitor the islands which are home to rare seabirds including Atlantic puffins, Arctic terns and guillemots. Avian Influenza is still prevalent in seabird populations, despite government restrictions on housing poultry being lifted last week. The conservation charity believes it is prudent to continue to take a precautionary approach due to the three confirmed cases and the as yet unknown risk to seabirds for this year’s breeding season. However, sail around tours of the islands offered by local boat operators will continue to run offering a chance to see the wildlife who live and breed on the islands including grey seals. Last year, while the islands were off limits due to the outbreak, rangers contributed to national monitoring and research into the impacts of bird ‘flu on the breeding populations and removed over 6,000 carcasses of birds which had succumbed to the virus. Guillemots and kittiwakes were impacted the most, with 3,542 and 818 dead birds collected respectively, thought to have perished due to the disease. These numbers are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg as many dead birds in the densely packed cliff colonies will have fallen into the sea. The decision has been taken at a crucial time for the thousands of seabirds returning to the islands to begin the main breeding season. Species such as puffins and guillemots are already back on the islands, and Arctic terns will return very soon to nest. Harriet Reid, Lead Ranger for the Farne Islands said:  “Avian Influenza was rife on the islands last year and it was very distressing to see these precious seabirds impacted by the disease.   “Sadly, with confirmed cases, there is a strong likelihood that we will see thousands of birds affected by the virus again this year. Many of the species we care for are rare or struggling already due to climate change. By restricting access to the islands for visitors and limiting disturbance - which can cause distress to sick birds and potentially increase the transmission of bird flu - we hope to give the birds the best chance of survival." The Farne Islands is a National Nature Reserve and home to approximately 200,000 seabirds. The National Trust has cared for the Farne Islands for just under 100 years, and there are no records of anything so potentially damaging to the already endangered seabird colonies. Ben McCarthy, Head of Nature Conservation and Restoration Ecology at the National Trust said:   “The on-going impact of Avian Influenza on our wild birds is unprecedented. As threatened seabirds return to their breeding sites they become more susceptible to infection due to the high densities in these spectacular colonies. “We are working with partners to investigate measures to mitigate the impacts as well as better understand the long-term impacts of this pernicious disease. We are doing everything possible to mitigate the impact on the Farne Islands and our other seabird sites we manage.”   National Trust rangers will continue to manage vegetation and improve nesting habitat on the islands to ensure the birds have the best opportunity to breed successfully. They will also monitor the various bird species to understand how many have returned, the numbers of breeding pairs and how many chicks fledge. While visitors are unable to land the Islands, local boat companies continue to offer a range of sail around tours for visitors to experience the magical nature and marine life around the Farne Islands.  Billy Shiel Farne Island Boats trips is a family business which has been operating trips to the Farne Islands and Holy Island since 1918. The company offer a range of tours and cruises, including Puffin Seabird cruises, Grey Seal cruises, Holy Island trips, Sunset Cruises and Rhib Rides. Rachel Shiel said: “Our boat trips continue to sail around the Farne Islands to view the nesting seabirds and the grey seals at close quarters. These trips provide a fantastic vantage of the fabulous Farne Islands without disturbing the important work being undertaken by the National Trust to monitor and protect the wildlife.” Serenity Farne Island Tour owners Andrew and Toby Douglas run a fleet of purpose- built catamarans based in Seahouses Harbour. Andrew said: “Avian Influenza continues to represent an incredibly high risk to bird populations. Serenity Farne Islands Tours are fully supportive of the National Trust’s actions as the Farne Islands breeding season begins in earnest. “We will continue to offer a variety of tours, including our two-hour Puffin Seabird Cruises aboard our latest double decker catamaran. Grey Seal cruises and trips to historical Holy Island will also continue throughout the Summer. Our fleet accommodate visitors who wish to see the spectacular wildlife of the Farne Islands from the perfect vantage point.  “Whilst unable to land, our knowledgeable guides will still be able to provide full commentary and address all questions keen visitors to the Islands have. Sunset Cruises will be starting again mid-May.” All tour details are available on our website – www.farneislandstours.co.uk. We look forwards to see you all over the forthcoming months. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/farne-islands

Landing access to the Farne Islands to be restricted in efforts to protect precious seabird colonies   The National Trust has announced that visitors won’t be able to land on the Farne Islands, off the coast of Northumberland, at the start of the 2023 season due to fears that Avian Influenza (bird flu) will rip through the seabird colonies once more.   Last year, while the islands were off limits to wildlife enthusiasts, rangers contributed to national monitoring and research into the impacts of bird flu on the breeding populations and removed over 6,000 carcasses of birds killed by the virus. Seabirds including the Guillemot and Kittiwake were impacted the most, with 3,542 and 818 respectively, thought to have perished due to the disease. These numbers are thought to be just the tip of the iceberg as many dead birds in the densely packed cliff colonies will have fallen into the sea.   With the virus persisting in the environment and now impacting wintering birds on both the Islands and mainland UK, the conservation charity believes it is prudent to restrict access to visitors seeking to land on Inner Farne and Staple islands. Sail around tours of the islands offered by local boat operators will continue to run.  The decision has been taken ahead of the main breeding season which will see species such as puffins, guillemots, and arctic terns returning to nest.   National Trust rangers will continue to manage vegetation and improve nesting habitat on the islands to ensure the birds have the best opportunity to breed successfully. They will also monitor the various bird species to understand how many have retuned, the numbers of breeding pairs and how many chicks fledge.   While visitors are unable to land the Islands, local boat companies continue to offer a range of sail around tours for visitors to experience the magical nature and marine life around the Farne Islands.    Billy Shiel Farne Islands Boats trips is a family business which has been operating trips to the Farne Islands and Holy Island since 1918. The company offer a range of tours and cruises, including a 2-hour Puffin Seabird cruise, and 1.5-hour Grey Seal cruise, as well as a diving and snorkelling trips for those who are a little more adventurous.   Serenity Farne Islands boat tours, based in Seahouses will be operating a variety of tours to accommodate visitors who wish to see the spectacular wildlife of the Farne Islands from the seaward side. These trips will include longer sailings for photographers as well as our regular cruises around the Farne Islands.   Golden Gate offer a variety of sail around tours, and also offer landing trips to Longstone to visit the lighthouse. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/farne-islands

Fans of the hit Netflix series The Last Kingdom will be able to get up close to costumes and props worn by actors in the sword-wielding saga in an exhibition at Bamburgh Castle - the original fortress of Bebbanburg in Northumberland. The exhibition includes costumes worn by Alexander Dreymon who plays Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Thea Sofie Loch Næss who starred as Skade, Ola Rapace who played Viking warrior Bloodhair, and Cavan Clerkin who played warrior-priest Father Pyrlig. The Last Kingdom is produced by leading drama specialists Carnival Films, whose shows include television and film sensation Downton Abbey. Nigel Marchant, Producer, Carnival Films said: “It’s truly wonderful that Bamburgh Castle are putting on this exhibition and giving the show’s loyal fans and members of the public the chance to step into the real Last Kingdom. The props and costumes are such an integral part of the series, it seems only right they get to stand proudly on display at Uhtred’s ancestral home of Bebbanburg.” Karen Larkin, visitor services manager at Bamburgh Castle, said: “Fans of The Last Kingdom will be able to see for themselves that Uhtred’s sword has returned to Bebbanburg as he said it would! “The exhibition includes a bespoke selection of key props and costumes from the series. It’s located in the Castle’s King’s Hall on the very footprint of Bebbanburg’s medieval banqueting hall – our Valhalla – where the real Uhtred could have feasted. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!” “Even if you haven’t watched the series, the exhibition will bring to life characters based on Bamburgh’s epic past as capital of the kingdom of Northumbria and the kings and queens of its Golden Age.” News of the exhibition comes as Carnival Films announced the release date for the feature-length movie – Seven Kings Must Die – on April 14th on Netflix. The Last Kingdom at Bebbanburg exhibition opens on Saturday February 18th when the Castle reopens daily to visitors from 10am until 5.00pm (last admission 4.00pm). To mark the launch of the exhibition, Follow in the Footsteps of Uhtred tours will be taking place at the Castle on Saturdays throughout February and March. Included with general admission, tours will be led by Ragnar the Viking aka Robert Jones who’ll be comparing the real history of Uhtred with the fictional version. And to crown it all, you’ll even get the chance to become Queen or King of the North and be photographed sitting in the Wessex Throne. Entry into the exhibition and Follow in the Footsteps of Uhtred tours is included with general admission (adults £15.50 / children £7.65. Under-fives free. Family tickets £41.00). Tickets are available on the gate or at www.bamburghcastle.com

Run in partnership with the Mirror newspaper, VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar recognises and celebrates those in the industry who go the extra mile to ensure tourists in England have an amazing and unforgettable visitor experience. After making the shortlist, the vote is over to the public, and we want to encourage everyone to vote for Ranger Jane.    Ranger Jane was shortlisted for her passion for Northumberland, her sustainable and educational approach to the fantastic tourism product that she offers, and her extraordinary story that led her to start her own business.   Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said, “Ranger Jane is an exemplary example of the fantastic people driving the tourism industry in Northumberland. Her passion for Northumberland’s coast and wildlife, along with her sustainable approach to everything she does, provides visitors with a fun and engaging experience and educates them on how to care for Northumberland’s landscape.   “To be nominated as England’s next Tourism Superstar is a monumental achievement for Jane and recognition of Northumberland’s growing reputation as a responsible tourism destination. It demonstrates the endless experiences and first-class welcome people can expect when they visit.”   Following over ten years' service as a National Trust Ranger, Jane recognised the need to educate visitors to Northumberland’s coast, particularly after the COVID pandemic saw a surge in visitors. Since opening for bookings in May 2022, Jane delivering over 100 guided 'Seashore Safari' experiences before the end of the 2022 season.    Ranger Jane’s Beach School offers a range of tours and activities along the protected landscape of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. During her Seashore Safaris, guests carefully explore the rocky shore learning how to find creatures in their natural habitat with minimum disturbance. Jane’s primary tour objective is to connect her guests with nature and bring compassion and respect for the secret world of the rockpools.  In summing up her nomination, Jane commented, “My passion for rock pooling began with a lost wooden fish box at the age of five in 1975 when I came on family holidays to Low Newton and Embleton on the Northumberland coast. I love sharing my passion for the coastal environment on my safaris, and am humbled to have been nominated by Visit Northumberland and recognised and supported by a number of local holiday cottage owners.”   Jane’s Seashore Safari activities are a 90-minute guided experience at north beach in Seahouses for up to eight people in a group. To vote for Jane and help her take home the gold and win the title of England’s Tourism Superstar 2023, visit  https://www.visitbritain.org/tourism-superstar-2023. The ballot closes at midnight on March 20 with winner set to be announced on March 25.  

As part of Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival a contemporary large scale public artwork that celebrates 1900 years of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site APERTURA by Ed Carter, Nicky Kirk and Tony Broomhead is an interactive sonic sculpture set in the picturesque setting of Northumberland National Park's, Walltown Country Park. After months of development this unique installation is being described by organisers as an evocative intervention in the landscape. Until early October visitors can experience a sound sculpture made up of 1900 copper wind chimes that creates an evolving soundscape the everchanging breeze. Inspired by the World Heritage Site and the stunning landscapes of Northumberland National Park, APERTURA frames, and provides a new viewpoint to this section of Hadrian’s Wall, inviting audiences to experience a constantly evolving, interactive spectacle of shimmering light and sound. The free to attend artwork funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority will encourage people to come together in a shared physical space in order to engage, celebrate and listen. At the heart of the project is the opportunity to engage with local, regional, national, and international audiences, opening conversations about Hadrian’s Wall as an inspiring cultural bridge, rather than a static geographical border. As part of the project the team is engaging with local communities to contribute to the artwork by designing their own sails, which will be added to each wind chime, and bring the piece to life” APERTURA is being delivered by a team led by Gateshead based artist Ed Carter who has been collaborating with Nicky Kirk and Tony Broomhead for over 20 years. As individuals and working collaboratively the team have delivered a number of high profile artistic, architectural and temporary projects locally, in the UK and internationally. At the end of the installation period, the temporary suspended chimes will be given to local schools and community groups as sets of wind chimes, to ensure the underlying concept creates a legacy that remains in the local communities of Hadrian's Wall Jane, Lady Gibson, Chair of Hadrian’s Wall Partnership said: “APERTURA is an artwork that interprets this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site within a contemporary context, the location providing a monumental platform to shape a cultural dialogue about togetherness, dialogue, and commonality. We can't wait to invite visitors from around the world to come and celebrate this special event” Ed Carter said: The history of Walltown Country Park provides the ideal context in which to explore the ideas behind this piece of work. The quarrying work has left a large opening in a central section of Hadrian’s Wall, offering a tangible analogy for the notion that “openings mediate between the worlds separated by architectural barriers” (Rudolph Arnheim).” Individuals, groups, venues and organisations along the length of the wall are being encouraged to get involved and be part of this incredible year by visiting https://1900.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/ and submitting their own activities to the programme! The HW1900 Festival programme to date is available to view at https://1900.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/  The North of Tyne Combined Authority is a partnership of three local authorities: Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, and Northumberland County Council and the North of Tyne Elected Mayor.

Farne Islands to close to visitors due to impact of Avian Influenza on internationally important seabird colonies: · Bird flu now impacting seabirds including Guillemots, Terns and Puffins · Hopes that island closure will help limit spread of the disease and any risks to people · Conservation charity calls on Government to act to do more to protect important seabird colonies · Boat tours are set to continue with visitors able to sail around the islands The National Trust has announced it will be closing the Farne Islands[1], off the coast of Northumberland in the North Sea to visitors, from Sunday 3 July, due to the impact of the spread of Avian Influenza (bird flu), on its precious seabird colonies. The disease which was first discovered in UK domestic bird populations last winter, is now impacting wild birds, with infection proving to be fatal. It is spread when birds come into direct contact with an infected bird, faeces, body fluids or indirectly via food and water. The risk to people is considered to be very low and people are rarely affected. Symptoms are similar to normal flu, with a runny nose, sore throat and fever. Simon Lee, General Manager for the Farne Islands said: “While we have no confirmed test results from the islands, we are now starting to see the terribly sad and distressing impact of Avian Influenza on our internationally important and threatened seabirds who make the islands their home. “Seabirds nesting in dense colonies, most of which are threatened, such as Arctic Terns, are particularly vulnerable now as they have returned to the islands in their thousands to breed, nesting in close proximity to each other. “Our ranger teams work tirelessly to monitor and protect these colonies, but due to finding significant numbers of dead birds, we simply have no other choice but to close the islands. “We understand how many people love to visit the islands, but we must do everything we can to protect and to try to help these much-loved seabirds by limiting the spread of the disease. “The effect of the disease on the colonies we care for could be devastating due to many species having low reproduction rates, which means the loss of adult birds has a huge impact on populations being able to recover. Mr Lee continued: “Many of the birds which nest here, such as the vulnerable Atlantic Puffin[2], are already experiencing huge pressures due to climate change with warming sea temperatures impacting food stocks. “By closing the islands we will reduce the risk of disturbance on the birds, which will hopefully help at least slow down the spread of the disease during this breeding period before they leave the islands in late summer to continue their annual migratory cycle. The Farne Islands, a National Nature Reserve, are home to approximately 200,000 seabirds including Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Shags in addition to Arctic Terns and Puffins. Several hundred dead birds have so far been found with these deaths reported to Defra. Ben McCarthy, Head of Nature Conservation and Restoration Ecology at the National Trust, added: “We are committed to working with Government agencies including the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) to protect our wild birds, and we are also working alongside other organisations including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). “However, time is of the essence. We desperately need Government to do more to recognise the impact on our wild bird populations and to take more effective action, including a National Response Plan that includes practical steps to support our conservation teams, surveillance and monitoring of spread in wild bird populations, research into ways of slowing its spread, and clear biosecurity measures.” The Ranger team will remain on the islands to continue to monitor the birds while the islands are closed to visitors. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised that the risk to the general public's health is very low, but people should not touch sick or dead birds. If found, please report any dead birds to Defra on 0345 9335577.