Television's queen of walking Julia Bradbury has stepped up to back a pub group that's encouraging people to enjoy being outdoors with new, self-guided Walk Inn breaks. Celebrating the nation's rekindled love for walking - and its fondness for the great British pub - The Inn Collection Group's Walk Inn breaks combine the best of an idyllic inn stay with self-guided walking routes in some of the UK's best-loved walking destinations. Television presenter and co-founder of online resource The Outdoor Guide, Julia Bradbury is famous for sharing her enthusiasm for walking, which, she says, goes hand in hand with pubs. Said Julia: “Pubs and walking – they're two great British institutions and together are a match made in heaven. “Now that there's an end in sight to travel restrictions with UK pub stays set to resume from May 17th, we're all looking forward to a change of scenery and what better way to experience this than pulling on your walking boots and setting off to explore some of the best scenery the UK has to offer – while staying in a pub. “I can't wait to be heading out on a trail which will end at a welcoming, family friendly pub, where I know grand grub and my favourite drink will be waiting for me – just the perfect combination after a day's walking. She added: “With light at the end of the tunnel for lockdown restrictions easing, now's the perfect time to plan where and what we'll be doing when we can. Local businesses like our pubs and the network of food and drink producers who supply them need our support right now, which is why I'm delighted to be stepping forward with The Inn Collection Group and their Walk Inn breaks.” With another staycation boom on the horizon following lockdown restrictions lifting alongside Brexit, many of us are already planning an outdoor adventure in the UK. Data released by VisitEngland[1] in their latest COVID-19 consumer sentiment tracker wave revealed a further rise in the number of people intending to take part in outdoor activities such as walking or cycling when travel restrictions ease. It also showed an added uplift in people's intentions to visit outdoor areas including mountains, beaches and trails. Kate Bentley is rooms director for The Inn Collection Group. She said: “We have seen a surge of demand for outdoor breaks which market intelligence from VisitEngland also confirms. “People are looking forward to being able to enjoy the freedom and wellness benefits of being outdoors and experiencing somewhere new once travel restrictions are lifted. “Walking ambassadors like Julia, along with our newfound connection to walking built through lockdown, has rekindled a love of the outdoors and walking for so many of us. “Our Walk Inn breaks will encourage people of all walking abilities to discover new places and scenery that is literally on the doorstep of our inns when domestic pub stays resume from May 17th, with the reassurance of our flexible cancellation policy and full refund guarantee so people can book with peace of mind knowing there is nothing to pay until they arrive. Our 'Inn Safe Hands' policy includes no quibble, full refunds within seven days as a result of closure.” She added: “We have a such a diverse collection of pubs in locations handpicked for their USP – whether that's on the sea front in Northumberland, close to vast moors in North Yorkshire or surrounded by magnificent fells in the Lakes. One thing they all have in common is their access to an array of walking routes that are suitable for all ages and abilities.” Running until 31 October 2021, Walk Inn breaks include a welcome drink on arrival, two-course dinner on your first night, two night's bed and breakfast, a pack of 20 Ordinance Survey walks plus a hearty packed lunch as well as the reassurance of free cancellations, nothing to pay until you arrive and a full refund within seven days in the event of closure. Also included is a free boot clean or access to wash down, drying and cleaning facilities. And if you're planning to take a four-legged friend, dogs stay free of charge on Walk Inn getaways[2]. Prices start from £125 per person for two nights, based on two sharing a double or twin room, offering a saving of up to £40 per person. For more information visit www.inncollectiongroup.com

Today the team behind Ad Gefrin announce that they have now received the final go ahead for the highly anticipated visitor experience and bespoke whisky distillery development in North Northumberland. There could not be a better start to 2021 for all involved and the Wooler Community! Despite all that has happened in the past year, the core Ad Gefrin team has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that when this moment came, they could hit the ground running. This means that work on Ad Gefrin can start immediately, and North East contractors Brims Construction Ltd, have now moved onsite. This will make Ad Gefrin the first project in the Borderlands Programme for Northumberland to break ground. Ad Gefrin has received £3m from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal which is funded through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and has also received £1m from the North East Rural Growth Network – Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF) through the North East LEP, and £600k through Northumberland County Council. These successful funding bids show the project has gained supporters with the promise of a resurgence to Northumberland tourism, an exporter trade boost, and environmental considerations integrating the site into the surrounding landscape. Located in Wooler on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, this exciting and innovative multi-million-pound regeneration project plans to deliver economic growth to the local and wider communities of Glendale. Those living within, passing through or visiting this outstanding area of the county will see the new visitor experience start to take shape during 2021 with the opening expected in Autumn 2022. Commenting on the exciting news, Eileen Ferguson said, “We have never doubted that we could fulfil our vision to create a world class visitor destination in this beautiful county. The people of Glendale haven’t doubted either. Throughout everything we have continued to be overwhelmed by everyone’s good wishes – even when it looked on the surface as if progress was slow to the point of coming to a halt. We can’t thank everyone enough. “We really want to thank all those who have worked so hard to get us to this point. We especially wish to thank Northumberland County Council and their officers who have given so much support to the development of Ad Gefrin. We hope this news lifts everyone’s spirits and means we can all start 2021 on a real high looking forward to much better times ahead.” Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “It’s fantastic that work can now begin on a new multimillion pound visitor centre and distillery at Ad Gefrin – a hugely important site showcasing Northumberland’s heritage.”  “The new centre and distillery, backed by £3 million investment from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, will provide a magnet for tourism as well as an important export boost for the region.” “We’re levelling up across the country by investing in projects which create jobs and drive economic growth, making our regions great places to live, work and visit.” Also delighted, Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council commented: “This is extremely welcome news which will bring more jobs, investment and visitors to this beautiful part of our county. We’ve worked so hard behind the scenes to support this fantastic project and we’re looking forward to seeing construction start imminently and hopefully open for business by the end of next year.” With the ambition to create upwards of 50 FTE new jobs, this funding approval will help revitalise the rural economy in the Glendale valley and couldn’t have come at a better time to support a COVID-19 recovery. Tourism is a key economic driver for Northumberland and will likely be boosted by the expanding market for UK staycation tourism.  Ad Gefrin will showcase Northumberland’s unique Anglo-Saxon heritage and celebrate its ancient hospitality alongside the very best arts, crafts and produce the county offers today, as well as re-awakening a 200-year-old local tradition for whisky distilling, bringing a much-needed boost to the valley’s economy and wider region come 2022. Helen Golightly, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Ad Gefrin is one of the most important economic and tourist developments for many years in North Northumberland and will undoubtedly boost economic activity in Wooler and the wider Glendale community.  “I am delighted that funds from our Local Growth Fund have been invested by the Rural Growth Network into a second iconic development on the fringe of Northumberland National Park, complementing The Sill, on Hadrian’s Wall. The development team are congratulated on their vision and commitment to deliver this unique scheme on this highly visible gateway site into Wooler and The Cheviots. Tony Gates, Chief Executive of Northumberland National Park, responded to today’s announcement: “This is exciting news for North Northumberland and for tourism and heritage in the county more generally. “To have a new visitor destination which will foster rural economic growth and which reflects the rich heritage of our landscape at a key gateway to Northumberland National Park is a significant boost for the area. The Ferguson family’s vision and passion for the landscape and heritage of Glendale will come to life at Ad Gefrin, symbolising the unique qualities of Northumberland in more ways than one. I wish the project every success and we in Northumberland National Park look forward to working closely with Ad Gefrin to showcase the best of this special place.”

Northumberland County Council has today welcomed the exciting news that the Lindisfarne Gospels are set to return to the region in autumn 2022. The world-renowned Lindisfarne Gospels will travel from the British Library in London to the Laing Art Gallery (part of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums) in Newcastle for three months as part of a cultural programme across the North East. The Gospels were created on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland in the 8th Century and are one of Britain’s greatest artistic treasures. Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of the council, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for the region and for Northumberland. We fully supported the bid to bring the Gospels back to their home region and the Laing Art Gallery will be a spectacular venue for the exhibition. “The Gospels hold a special place in the art, heritage and culture of Northumberland. This exhibition will allow residents and visitors to experience this unique opportunity and discover for themselves these wonderful, world-class treasures which celebrate our region’s contribution to the world. “This exhibition, along with the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall also being celebrated next year, means that 2022 is set to be a very exciting year for Northumberland, making us a must-see destination for visitors.”

Inspectors from the world’s most prestigious restaurant guide have declared a shining new North East star on the UK’s fine dining landscape. Restaurant Hjem has put Northumberland on the Michelin Guide map after being awarded a coveted star by the illustrious restaurant bible for its 2021 edition. Less than two years since welcoming its first guests, Hjem - located in Wall in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country – is already a destination restaurant, attracting food lovers from all over the North East and far beyond thanks to its exquisite tasting menu and unique atmosphere. Having attracted the attention of Michelin Guide inspectors just weeks after opening in May 2019 – resulting in commending Michelin Plate entry in the 2020 Guide – Hjem, which combines the best local produce with Scandinavian values and cooking techniques, will now join fellow star recipients Newcastle’s House of Tides and The Raby Hunt in Darlington at the North East’s top table. Head chef Alex Nietosvuori from Sweden, who runs Hjem with his partner, Northumberland-born Ally Thompson, said: “It’s such a fantastic honour to be given this recognition and we could not be happier. “As a chef, this is one of the achievements you aim for… which makes this a day for big celebrations!” The announcement was made during a digital but nevertheless emotional launch, presented by TV personality Davina McCall and Michelin International Director, Gwendal Poullennec. Speaking at the launch, Mr Poullennec, said: “This has been a hugely challenging period for the hospitality industry and our thoughts remain with all those who have suffered from the pandemic and by the restrictions that have been put in place. He continued: “We were heartened by the number of chefs who called us during the year to ensure we were still going ahead with the Guide and our yearly awards. The Michelin Guide is about so much more than recognising those at the top of their profession; it is about promoting the hospitality industry as a whole and we want to shine a light on the hard work, tenacity and commitment of chefs and restaurant teams.” Ally, who along with Alex, was watching proceedings from the comfort of Hjem’s elegant 24-cover dining room, said: “We are absolutely over the moon and can’t quite believe it. “It’s fair to say this has been the worst year for hospitality anyone can remember, so to get this news is such an amazing boost for the whole Restaurant Hjem team, who work so incredibly hard – and of course our wonderful North East suppliers. “We couldn’t be prouder to be Northumberland’s only Michelin starred restaurant and look forward to being able to open our doors again to celebrate with friends and guests.” Like the rest of the UK hospitality industry, Restaurant Hjem has been operating under a range of Government restrictions throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and is currently closed due to lockdown. Alex, who lists some of Scandinavia’s most celebrated restaurants on his CV including Maaemo in Oslo (3 Michelin Stars) and Daniel Berlin Krog in Skåne Tranås (2 Michelin Stars), added: “The past 10 months have of course been very frustrating and uncertain, so to get a Michelin Star during such a challenging time is truly wonderful. “It makes us even more eager – if that’s possible - to get back in the kitchen!” Hjem, which is typically booked up three months in advance, is now a member of the most exclusive of culinary clubs who can boast the coveted Michelin Star, and Ally and Alex are looking forward to receiving the all-important plaque and chef’s jacket in the coming days. Based on five criteria: quality of the ingredients used, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in his cuisine, value for money and consistency between visits, inspectors can award between zero and three stars. Ally said: “We’re so pleased the inspectors visited Hjem during the few months when we were able to open in 2020. We felt like we had come such a long way since their first visit in 2019 and could not be more thrilled that they seem to agree. “On a personal note, I’m also pretty excited as Alex always said he’d propose when he got a Michelin Star!” In normal times, Restaurant Hjem serves a tasting menu for £85; with wine and juice pairing options. There are also Dinner B&B packages available. To find out more and to be the first to hear when bookings will reopen, visit www.restauranthjem.co.uk or keep your eyes on Hjem’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts

The Inn Collection Group has confirmed its status as being among the best in the country after being revealed as a finalist in a trio of national awards.The Northumberland-based pubco features on the shortlist for three categories in the prestigious Publican Awards, which champion the very best operators in the pub industry. In the running for Best Accommodation Operator and Best Managed Pub Company, the group is also looking to retain the sought-after title of Best Pub Employer, an award the group has held for a record two consecutive years.Sean Donkin, managing director of The Inn Collection Group said: “It’s pretty amazing being shortlisted for these awards. To reach the finals in three categories is a real boost in these difficult times, as the sector continues to be hard-hit by the ongoing pandemic.“More so, it’s a fitting tribute to the extraordinary team we have at The Inn Collection Group who display time after time their resilience, passion to succeed and agility to adapt, evolve and deliver. “It’s down to each and every member of our team that the company continues to overcome adversity and that we push together to be the best as one, without losing sight of the reason why we do what we do – and that’s giving our customers the best possible experience when they eat, drink, sleep and explore from our inns.”He added: “We will continue to reinvest in our staff with the latest innovations in training and supporting their well-being throughout these difficult times. We are continuing to carry out exciting refurbishments and upgrades across our inns and investing in the environments and communities we operate within, so we emerge from lockdown in a strong position that is ready to go from the outset – hopefully with some premium new silverware in the cabinet, too.”Ed Bedington is editor of The Morning Advertiser which organisers the event. He said: “While the awards are certainly going to be different in 2021, following a year of almost total shutdown, the aim remains the same, to celebrate some of the excellent work that operators have been doing despite the challenges.“Ours is a sector that has been battered long and hard by the storm of the crisis with limited support that continues to tail off. Yet despite that, we’ve seen some fantastic responses from operators in the trade and these awards, as ever, aim to recognise that excellence, as well as shining a light on how our sector continues to push onwards, despite the difficulties it faces. “It’s been inspiring to see some the entries this year despite everything and I look forward to celebrating your successes down the line.”A panel of judges made up of leading industry experts will start the second stage of the rigorous judging process, conducting virtual head office visits to assess finalists before Dragon’s Den style panel interviews conclude the judging process. An online evening awards ceremony on Tuesday 30 March will replace the usual Publican Awards ceremony at Battersea Evolution in London. The Alchemy-backed group has venues across Northumberland, County Durham, Cumbria, Yorkshire and Lancashire while a 40-bedroom, new-build site on Sunderland’s seafront at Seaburn is currently under construction. Its Eat, Drink, Sleep and Explore pubs-with-rooms brand includes all day, every day food service and affordable accommodation.

- A weekend of Roman riders at Chesters Roman Fort-The most intelligent and well paid soldiers with the most beautiful grey horses from northern Spain - Chesters Roman Fort was home to 500 horses and prestigious soldiers from the Roman Army and over the weekend of 17 and 18 August visitors can experience mounted cavalry and gain an insight into the late Roman period, the time of the myth of King Arthur.Feel the pounding of the horses underfoot, wonder at the ability and agility of the horses, five riders will display some of the techniques and elaborate manoeuvres this elite cavalry would be involved in.Comments Jon Hogan, Events Manager English Heritage;“An event with horses is always an exciting and thrilling one. Visitors can really sense the speed and precision with which these warriors performed and we are welcoming them to Chesters to step back in time and learn more about this fascinating period.”“The all-mounted ‘alae’, like the one based here at Chesters, contained the elite cavalry of the Roman Army, they were best-suited for large-scale operations and battle and were heavily protected, with chain-mail or body armour. Their weapons included spears, swords, javelins, bows and arrows and also the kontos - a very large double ended spear, all of which can be seen at the event next week..”There will also be hands on activities fun with children’s Archaeology Detectives, based at the site throughout the weekend.http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/king-arthurs-cavalry-crf-17-aug/Admission:£6.50/ £5.50/ £4.50 £1 extra admission per child for the Time Travellers Go…activities.EH Members free

Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant in Wark, near Hexham, is delighted to have been crowned a Three Star Sustainability Champion for a second year by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA). The hotel’s restaurant is one of only five restaurants in the North of England to have achieved the title of ‘Three Star Champion’, the highest accolade bestowed by the SRA and demonstrates the hotel's continued commitment to an ethos of green credentials and a responsibility to the local community and environment at large. To become a Three Star Champion, Battlesteads Hotel received a rating of over 75% in three core sustainability areas; sourcing, the environment and the community.Multi-award winning Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant is renowned for its superb food, welcoming hospitality and outstanding ‘green’ credentials. In fact, it’s widely recognised as one of the UK’s top sustainable tourism destinations.Originally built as a farmstead in 1747, the stone-built pub, hotel and restaurant features a cosy open fire, sunny walled beer garden and conservatory. The food is prepared using only fresh, local produce, much of it grown on site. The bar offers a great choice of organic, Fairtrade and biodynamic wines plus four cask ales, including two from local micro-breweries. The SRA is a not for profit organisation that helps restaurants become more sustainable and aids diners in making informed choices of where to dine. Their star ratings system enables restaurants to be independently judged by an SRA representative across 14 key areas of sustainability and benchmarked against a One Star, Two Star or Three Star rating. A Sustainability Champion Star Rating Badge is the hallmark of a restaurant that goes the extra mile to achieve sustainability, with a highly commended status rewarded by Three Stars. Mark Linehan, Managing Director of the SRA, said: ‘Attaining an outstanding Three Star Sustainability Champion award for the second time is an exceptional achievement for Battlesteads. The restaurant demonstrates outstanding standards across all areas of the business, exemplified in its total commitment to sourcing quality local and seasonal produce. Consumers tell us they want to eat in restaurants that share their values. Battlesteads is meeting that demand and setting an example for other restaurants in the area to follow.” Richard Slade, owner of Battlesteads Hotel adds: ‘Sustainability is a word we hear banded around often, but true sustainability is seen through commitment, hard work and a dedicated drive to make positive changes to your business. We’re delighted to have maintained our Three Star Rating and through initiatives such as our ‘Responsible Visitor Charter’ and promotion of our environmental policy, we can help inform guests of the big steps we are making so our business makes a small one on the environment.’ ‘This isn’t an award you can win on your own, and huge thanks must go to our fantastic local suppliers, our invaluable staff and the Hexham and Northumberland community at large, who we continue to engage with and who have offered us great support over the years.’ Sustainability is an on-going focus for Richard, Battlesteads and the team, with plans for further eco-development of the hotel and restaurant in the pipeline for 2014.For more information and to book a visit to Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant please email [email protected] or call 01434 230209Other awards recently won by Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant:* Sustainable Restaurant Association 3 Star Rating 2012* Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award 2012 and 2013* Your Northumberland Guide Best Sunday Lunch in Northumberland December 2011* Green Hotel of the Year in the 2011 Hotel Cateys* Best Accommodation for the Environment in the 2011 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards* Pub Wine List of the Year in the Academy of Food and Wine Service Awards for Excellence 2011* Considerate Hotel of the Year 2010/11 by the Considerate Hoteliers Association* Silver in the Sustainable Tourism category of the 2011 EnjoyEngland Awards for Excellence* Great British Pub of the Year 2010 also Green Pub of the Year in the same awards run by The Morning Advertiser

The newest installation in the Kielder Art & Architecture programme is inviting visitors to contemplate time.Timelapse, created by sculptor David Rickard, is a new feature on the Lakeside Way, on the south side of the Bull Crag peninsula.Visitors can sit among the locally harvested timber that the structure is comprised of and take in the area’s timeless beauty.The artist said: “The sculpture derives from the underlying materials that define Kielder Water & Forest Park: timber and time. With trees typically growing in Kielder Forest for several decades before harvest, the forest itself reflects various timespans through the scale of the trees in different plantations. This passage of time is also marked within the timber of individual trees.”Texts from poet SJ Fowler are embedded in the floor and ceiling of the sculpture, subtly referencing the way gravity slows time, as first defined by Albert Einstein in 1907.Kielder Art & Architecture Curator Peter Sharpe said: “A visitor’s first impression of the sculpture might be to mistake it for one of the large stacks of timber often seen alongside roads in the forest. But on closer inspection, this new stopping place and orientation for visitors enjoying the Lakeside Way reveals alternative ways of appreciating the structure’s complexity. On the one hand, it’s a carefully arranged mass of timber that encourages visitors to consider the temporality of the forest; on the other, it’s simply a place from which they can appreciate the sweeping view down the Whickhope inlet to the expanse of the main lake beyond.”Timelapse was made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England. It was made with support from Forestry England, as part of its centenary celebrations in 2019, and timber supplier A J Scott Ltd.The Kielder Art & Architecture programme is led by the Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, which comprises Northumbrian Water, Forestry England, Calvert Kielder, Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumberland National Park Authority and Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society.People can find out more about Timelapse and the wider Kielder Art & Architecture programme at: http://kielderartandarchitecture.com/art-architecture/timelapse.html (Pic by Neil Denham)

The partnership responsible for developing one of Britain's most beautiful tourist destinations is going digital to help even more people enjoy its charms - including an osprey's eye view "flight".Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust (KWFPDT) has commissioned two companies to develop virtual experiences, which will enable more visitors to engage with wildlife and the natural environment in the Park.This first commission is part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project, entitled ‘Building the Capacity and Resilience of Kielder'. The project aims to explore how digital technology can assist in attracting a larger, and more diverse, audience to the Park. It also hopes to offer new, high quality experiences that visitors are willing to pay for, which in turn will help sustain the Park's future. The Trust is working with Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley to deliver this exciting initiative. Middlesbrough-based Animmersion, which creates exceptional photorealistic 3D visualisation, is developing a prototype for an immersive digital experience, which will enhance visitors' knowledge and understanding of Kielder's precious ospreys. Through this, visitors will be able to take a virtual flight through the Park, as though they were an osprey. David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The proposed virtual osprey flight experience will enable visitors of all ages to experience for themselves what it is like to be an osprey at Kielder. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, more people will gain a greater understanding of the behaviours and habits of these special birds and will be able to contribute to the future sustainability of Osprey Watch activities.”The second project is also being delivered in partnership with Digital Catapult, as part of the North East Social Tech Fund. London-based immersive technology specialist Arcade is creating a prototype for an immersive application, which will encourage visitors to engage with the Park's origins, flora and fauna. Using the app, people will be able to see a 3D scale replica of the Kielder area on their table top, and then explore the space and the stories about Kielder's past and its role today as a living habitat for wildlife and human activity. They will have an opportunity to ‘adopt' an area and become a ‘Guardian of Kielder', choosing which plants or animals they want to add to their ‘plot'.If they then visit Kielder, they will be able to view their plot in person and see what they have created.Lynn Turner, Director of KWFPDT said: "Digital innovation can help us to increase visitor numbers, and attract a wider diversity of people to the area, including young people and those from disadvantaged groups. In the current climate, digital is becoming an increasingly important way for us to engage with our customers, and we hope these prototypes will lead to new experiences, which can be enjoyed both at Kielder and by those who aren't able to visit us in person." Anna Malley, Project Manager at Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley said: "KWFPDT is such an amazing example of a typical non-digital organisation that has really embraced the adoption of new technologies to improve its visitor experiences. When people think about the great outdoors, technology is not necessarily the first connection they might make. But through our workshop with a variety of partners involved at Kielder, we soon identified multiple ways technology could be of benefit to them. We're all really excited to try the digital prototype experience when it's ready. I know many of our team loved visiting Kielder (before Covid-19 restrictions), which is such an important part of our region, and it's great to know that people could soon be able to bring a bit of Kielder into their own homes."The North East Social Tech Fund has been funded by Comic Relief, County Durham Community Foundation, Newcastle Building Society and Northstar Foundation.ENDSAbout The National Lottery Heritage FundUsing money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead and resource the UK's heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund

English Heritage is set to revive the celebrated Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland, thanks to a £1.88m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The property, one of English Heritage’s key sites in the north east, will benefit from a total investment of £5.5m, which also includes support from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Foyle Foundation and other donors.The extensive project includes major work to rejuvenate the renowned gardens, conservation work to the roof of the Hall, the Coach House and parts of the Castle. It also includes the provision of a brand new family-friendly space and facilities and an extensive woodland play-and-learn area with an outdoor classroom. Forming part of the charity’s major programme of interpretation, presentation and conservation at sites in its care, work is due to start in spring 2020, with a phased completion in 2021 and 2022. Belsay Hall will remain open during the full season of 2020 – with an ambitious conservation-in-action programme – a scheme which allows visitors unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to see the conservation work taking place in situ.Andrea Selley, Historic Properties Director for English Heritage North says: “Belsay Hall, together with its medieval Castle, and unique 20 acres of gardens, is one of our jewels in the north east. Conservation of this very special Classical Greek Revival hall is a priority, and we see the addition of these new visitor facilities and new interpretation as essential to improve the experience of this special place for visitors.We are also pleased to be working in partnership with the Belsay Trust, which manages the wider landscape around Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. The gardens will benefit from restoration work to its acclaimed ‘picturesque’ style landscape, rejuvenating the plant collection and opening up new areas to visitors. We will also invest in an imaginative children’s play area. Our key aim is to ensure that a wide range of people enjoy everything that Belsay has to offer and conserve this gem of a property for future generations.”The project includes a range of skills training, work experience, traineeships and research opportunities. In addition, there will be exciting volunteer roles designed to include the whole family, from garden volunteers, conservation tour guides and ecological survey volunteers.John Watkins, Head of Gardens for English Heritage adds: “The picturesque landscape, and gardens including the Quarry Garden at Belsay are unique, this project aims to restore lost views and garden features design and rejuvenate the important plant collection, as well as providing opportunities for apprentices and volunteers to be part of the revival of one of the North East’s great gardens.”David Renwick, Director, England: North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund says: “As we celebrate our 25th birthday this year, it’s incredibly inspiring to see that our funding continues to impact some of the most unique heritage across the country, of which Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is a wonderful example. Thanks to National Lottery players, the future of this architectural gem in the North and its picturesque surroundings brimming with exotic plants will be secured, and paves the way for many more visitors to enjoy discovering the heritage of the historic site.

Runners inspired by the weekend's Great North Run still have an opportunity to take part in Britain's most beautiful half marathon next month.Spaces in the Active Northumberland Kielder half marathon have already reached full capacity, with entries into the 13.1 mile, off-road challenge around Northumbrian Water's Kielder reservoir now closed.However, runners still wanting to take part in the event, which takes place on Sunday, October 13, 2019, can do so by taking one of the limited places reserved for the water charity, WaterAid.As the official charity partner, WaterAid has 15 exclusive places at the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend, split between the full marathon distance, half marathon and 10K races.Entries cost £20 and runners need to commit to raising a minimum of £50 in return, which will be used by the charity to help transform the lives of families by installing taps and toilets in communities where there are none.WaterAid aims to provide clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for everyone, everywhere by 2030.It's the tenth anniversary of the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend and with places in the Half Marathon already sold out, places in the Marathon, 10K and Run Bike Run won't be far behind.Organisers are urging anyone thinking of registering to take part in any of the events, whether through WaterAid or through the normal entry channels, to do so now, so as not to be disappointed.Race Director, Steve Cram, said: "The last decade has seen our event grow and grow, and we're in for a very busy weekend this year as we prepare to celebrate our tenth anniversary."The half marathon is already full to capacity, but those who really want to secure a space in it, still have time to do so by running in support of WaterAid…but I'd advise them to get in quick!"The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend 2019 will attract more than 3,500 runners, to Northumbrian Water's picturesque Kielder Reservoir and waterside sites in Northumberland, where the events are based.Christine Mellor, Water Industry Partnerships Manager for WaterAid, said: "We're delighted to be the official charity partner of the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend in partnership with Northumbrian Water - one of our founding partners."The spaces we have available are a great way of being able to join in the events, even if they are otherwise full to capacity, and offer a fantastic opportunity to support our work."You'll not just be crossing the finish line, you'll be helping to transform lives and get clean water and decent toilets to some of the poorest people around the world."The weekend is delivered by Events of the North in conjunction with Northumbrian Water, Active Northumberland, Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.For more information on the events taking place at the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend 2019, visit www.kieldermarathon.com.Entries in aid of WaterAid can be secured by visiting wateraid.org and searching for ‘Kielder Marathon'.

Data from Kielder Water & Forest Park today (20 August) indicates that one of this year’s two tracked osprey juveniles. Chesters, from Nest 1A, set off on migration on this morning.This is quite early for this part of the country, although she has been flying around a lot so has experience under her belt. You may wish to amend draft. The nine remaining osprey chicks from this year’s breeding season are currently earning their ‘wings’ and getting set to follow her on the epic journey to Africa or Iberia. This is the best year since 2016 with 18 eggs known to have been laid and 11 chicks surviving to be ringed. Unfortunately, Cragside, the heaviest ever chick from Nest 5A has been missing since Sunday 4th August, so the chance of her survival is slim. This year has proved to be particularly challenging for the birds with three chicks dying on different nests due to the wet and windy weather and fledging ages were slightly above average, again, probably due to the weather, as there were days with above average rainfall and feather development is slower in damp conditions.Kielder Osprey Project Lead Volunteer, Joanna Dailey said: “To start seeing ospreys flying around Kielder is wonderful given the tough conditions they were born into this year. The youngsters are now gaining flying and fishing experience with the adults before they head off to sunnier climes.”Osprey mothers usually leave on migration around the middle of this month, with the fathers and youngsters following individually at the end of August.Enthusiasts can read this year’s timeline of activity at https://kielderospreys.wordpress.com/timeline-2017/ and watch the birds through a nest camera broadcasting at Kielder Castle Café.The Kielder Osprey Project is a partnership between Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Forestry England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and Calvert Kielder.