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.

Teams for the prestigious OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycle race have been announced today (Friday 19 July), as the North of Tyne prepares to host the third stage of the race on Monday 9 September.Stage Three will see the world’s top riders and teams contesting a 114-mile route from Berwick through Northumberland, heading along the North Tyneside coast and into Wallsend, before continuing to Newcastle city centre, with a spectacular finish on Grey Street.It will be the first ever Tour of Britain stage to link all of the areas of the North of Tyne Combined Authority, with the route taking in Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle Upon Tyne.Riders announced include Team INEOS (formerly Sky), Team Jumbo-Visma and Movistar Team, all of which were involved in The Tour of Britain when it last raced through Northumberland in 2017. Team INEOS famously won the 2012 Tour de France with Bradley Wiggins, and again in 2013 with Chris Froome. Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert of Jumbo-Visma recently won Stage Ten in the Tour de France, which is currently underway. Tweedmouth Middle School and cycle club The Berwick Wheelers joined Northumberland County Council Leader Peter Jackson and Cllr Cath Homer, cabinet member for culture, arts, leisure and tourism with the official OVO Energy Tour of Britain mascot, ToBI, and race car at the Stage Three start in Berwick.Cllr Jackson said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part-hosting the third stage and what better way to welcome the riders into England than in our border town of Berwick.“Following the success of previous Northumberland stages that witnessed huge crowds throughout the county, we can’t wait to see thousands of residents and schoolchildren lining the streets to watch this year's race.”In Whitley Bay, North Tyneside pupils from Wellfield Middle School greeted mascot ToBI onto school grounds as they gear up for the Coast to Coast challenge from 20-23 September. Twelve Year 8 pupils are in training to take part in the 140 mile challenge from Whitehaven to Tynemouth over four days.ToBI and official organisers then visited Spanish City in Whitley Bay to pose for some photos and grab an ice cream on the beach.Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn, said: “Excitement is mounting as this prestigious race draws closer. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our own efforts to get more families involved in cycling, and I look forward to welcoming all the riders and spectators to our fantastic borough when the race passes through.”The final miles will see the race heading alongside the banks of the River Tyne on the Quayside, before the final turn on to Dean Street and Grey Street for a spectacular city centre finish.North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll and Newcastle City Council’s Cllr Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality, met with Tour of Britain organisers Sweetspot outside the Theatre Royal on Grey Street to discuss the Stage Three finish.Cllr Ainsley said: “It is a pleasure for us to host the finish of the third stage of Tour of Britain in Newcastle city centre, closing what will be a wonderful weekend of sport in the city including the Great North Run and Rugby World Cup warm-up between England and Italy. “We love cycling events in this city, it’s a sport that has a huge following and I can’t wait to see the impact this spectacular event will have as we continue to encourage more and more people onto their bikes.”North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll added: “The Tour of Britain is a really exciting sporting event. You’ve got elite cyclists coming from Berwick, along the Northumberland coast, through North Tyneside and then along the Newcastle Quayside, with an uphill sprint finish along Grey Street to the Theatre Royal, all in a single day. “I’m a keen cyclist, but that’s a test of endurance that’s worthy of admiration. “Our challenge is to get the message across that you don’t have to be super fit to take up cycling. As a means of transport and just staying healthy it’s a great way to tackle the climate emergency we’re facing. And the lycra is strictly optional.” Stage Three will feature three SKODA King of the Mountains climbs at Ford Common, Belford Moor and outside Longhoughton.Three intermediate Eisberg Sprints will also feature on the route at Seahouses, Warkworth and Seaton Delaval.For further information, please see the North of Tyne Tour of Britain website - www.northoftyne-tob.co.uk

National Trust rangers from across the North of England have travelled to Parliament to meet with their MPs, to call for them to pass ambitious new laws benefiting people and wildlife, and back efforts to halt climate change.Eight rangers [1] made the journey from the North of England to London on Wednesday 26 June to join the Trust’s Director-General Hilary McGrady and thousands of people from around the country – including school children, nuns, farmers, doctors and surfers – urging MPs to back action on climate change.‘The Time is Now’ mass lobby [2] was organised by Greener UK and the Climate Coalition to urge politicians to put in place policies to halt the UK’s contribution to climate change and ensure an upcoming Environment Bill includes ambitious legal requirements to improve air quality, protect wildlife and tackle plastic pollution.Gwen Potter, Countryside Manager for the Northumberland Coast, who travelled by train to attend the event, said: “Despite being a long way from my usual place of work, I was really pleased to hop on the train to London today. It was amazing to see people from all walks of life come together to call for more action on climate change to help both nature and people.The complex effects of a changing climate on nature are becoming increasingly frequent and difficult to solve. I’m now seeing frequent summer storms washing out nests on a regular basis and a decline in the numbers of surface feeding species such as terns. I’m calling on the Berwick-upon-Tweed MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan and all politicians to back stronger laws that will restore a healthy, beautiful natural environment – both on the Northumberland Coast and across the UK.MPs were taken from the Palace of Westminster by rickshaw to meet constituents in the area around Parliament. Organisers say more than 12, 000 people travelled to speak to over 220 MPs.At 2pm, those attending the lobby rang thousands of alarm clocks, mobile phone alarms and sirens to symbolise that ‘The Time is Now’ to act.The lobby was held following an announcement by the government that it will set in law a target of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases to ‘net zero’ by 2050. Campaigners at the lobby called on politicians to support measures aimed at achieving the goal.Adam Royle, Head of Advocacy at the National Trust, said: “It’s great that the Government has committed to setting a date for net zero emissions. But to make this a reality, we need bold and ambitious measures, starting with locking up carbon in our natural environment by looking after soils and planting more trees. To tackle declines in nature, we also need a new, world-leading Environment Act with targets for healthy air, clean water, thriving wildlife and green spaces where people live.“Fifty of our rangers have travelled from miles around to be here today, with each one bringing with them powerful examples of the loss of nature and the effects of climate change where they work. These stories can’t be ignored; if the Government is to fulfil its promises to the public, it must act now.”Director-General of the National Trust Hilary McGrady said: “It is incredibly encouraging to see so many people here today, standing up for nature together.“I’ve seen first-hand the impact of nature’s decline and a changing climate on our fields and forests, built heritage and beaches - from species of wildlife diminishing to erratic weather damaging our historic properties. We’re working hard to restore nature and find ways to adapt but are facing increasingly tougher challenges.“It doesn’t have to be this way. We can be the first generation that leaves our seas cleaner, cities less polluted, and wild places healthier than when we found them. But to do so, we need the government to take urgent action.”

This week, a further 240 water voles have been released into streams flowing into the east end of Kielder Reservoir (to link with water voles released last year), by the ‘Restoring Ratty’ water vole reintroduction project. This release takes the total number released to 1205 since June 2017.The released voles have been bred in captivity from individuals captured in the Pennines and North Yorkshire and over the border in Scotland.Now in its fourth year, ‘Restoring Ratty’ is a five-year partnership project between Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Forestry England and Tyne Rivers Trust. The project is aimed at the reintroduction of water voles to the Kielder Water and Forest Park area of Northumberland and has all been made possible by National Lottery players through a grant of £421,000 from The National Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).This release, the fifth since the project started, included the release of the 1000th water vole and by the end of the year, approximately 1400 water voles will have been released.The release also marked the end of a year-long university placement with Northumberland Wildlife Trust for Joel Ireland, student at Trent University, who celebrated the end of a wonderful year by releasing his first water vole.Joel said: “This is a great project to have been involved in and releasing my first water vole was such a wonderful way to end what has been a great year with Northumberland Wildlife Trust.”All signs indicate that water voles released in 2017 and 2018 are thriving well with some of them travelling up to 12km from their release sites, with potentially breeding voles being found around 5km from their original release sites. With survey season just starting and volunteers are out and about looking for signs of more water voles. At a site near Kielder Campsite, they seem to be doing especially well. Up to 80% of a water vole population can be lost over winter; hopefully the mild winter of 2018/2019 will mean a higher survival rate and a good breeding season.Graham Holyoak, Restoring Ratty Project Officer said: “Over the past two years we have learnt so much about water voles from the past four releases. Knowledge such as the fact that water voles will happily stay where they have been released and form populations if they are in very narrow burns, whilst, on bigger streams a few will stay but many tend to disperse more, will help form our future water vole conservation efforts.”

Two North East attractions are in line for a cash windfall as part of an initiative to help children access jobs of the future.Woodhorn Charitable Trust and Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society, both based in Northumberland, look set to receive £635,000 when the Cabinet of the North of Tyne Combined Authority meets on June 4.The meeting will be the first to be chaired by newly elected North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll following his election victory on May 3.A report recommends that the organisations receive the grants following a call for projects which were considered by the combined authority’s investment panel.The cash is intended to encourage more young people to choose a career in STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics and develop digital skills to meet demand in key areas of the labour market.North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll said: “Kids have such great natural curiosity – and that’s the foundation of science, technology and engineering. The more we can fire their enthusiasm for a career in these industries, the stronger our future economy will be. “I was really pleased when I took office that the interim Mayor and the cabinet had started this programme. Naturally, as an engineer I want to see more of our young people pursue careers in these sectors.”Cllr Wayne Daley, Portfolio Lead on Education for the North of Tyne Combined Authority, and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Northumberland County Council added: “It’s really important that we give our young people the best possible start in life, and we have a unique opportunity to make sure they are given every chance to develop the right skills and qualifications to take up good quality training, apprenticeships and jobs.“We’re delighted to be working with Woodhorn and Kielder Observatory to deliver these STEM projects, in innovative and inventive ways outside the curriculum, which will help lay the foundations for future generations.” Woodhorn and partners will use their £395,000 grant to work with 15-20 first and primary schools in the North of Tyne Combined Authority area to explore STEM subjects and careers, using the area’s STEM heritage up to current day.A STEM club for 20 children aged 7-11 will be hosted by Woodhorn Museum in the school summer holidays of 2021.The money will also deliver three short programmes for secondary schools in the area on digital careers and invite professionals to work directly with students.The Kielder Observatory project will receive £240,000 to inspire primary and secondary aged children with science by using the charity’s state-of-the-art astronomy equipment.Over the next three years, this funding will enable up to 10,000 children and young people each year to take part in school-based science week experiences when they’ll be taught by members of the observatory’s inspiring young science team and have the opportunity to experience their portable planetarium. In addition, each host school will receive an astronomy kit complete with telescope and be given access to a dedicated website so that staff and children can continue their studies remotely. They will also have opportunities to visit the Kielder Observatory with staff and families and stay overnight if they need to, thanks to the Observatory’s close links with nearby Calvert Kielder. Chief executive of Woodhorn Charitable Trust, Rowan Brown, said: “We're absolutely thrilled to be considered for this incredible opportunity to support children and young people with the acquisition of science, technology, engineering and maths skills, building on our internationally important technological heritage, and helping to create a more positive future. “We are also very grateful to our partners, Northumbria University STEM and the combined authority for their proactive approach to investing in our region's young people.”Peter Standfield, Chair of the Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society said: “We’re delighted that the combined authority is thinking of investing in our outreach programme that will allow children and young people to experience the wonders of the universe as a means of inspiring closer engagement with the STEM subjects that will help them to access the jobs of the future.”

Students who designed and constructed a brand-new piece of public architecture in Northumberland have been joined by community representatives and partners at its unveiling.As the most recent addition to Kielder Water & Forest Park's Art & Architecture Programme, The Nick is the latest in the series of creative projects that have been developed through the partnership between the Park's Development Trust and Newcastle University's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.Situated at the highest point of Forest Drive, The Nick provides varying levels of shelter and seating alternatives from which different aspects of the landscape can be viewed. It was funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Revitalising Redesdale Landscape Partnership, Forestry England and Newcastle University, with support from James Christopher Consulting and D.G. Walton and Son.The piece is oriented along an axis connecting the villages of Byrness and Kielder, reflecting and highlighting the importance of Forest Drive in connecting the Rede and Tyne valleys and communities.A group of seven students from the University took part in the creation of The Nick, working with members of the Redesdale community throughout 2018, generating ideas and developing the proposal and design. The structure's design captures different elements of this remote landscape; focusing the eye on the nearby flora that makes up this rare peat upland ecology and framing the distant fells, culminating in a stunning view towards the head of the North Tyne valley. The students prefabricated much of the artwork in the university workshops before transporting and assembling its individual parts to create the finished piece at Blakehope Nick.The Nick was commissioned by Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust through its Art & Architecture programme, which is supported by Arts Council England, working with the Revitalising Redesdale Landscape Partnership, Newcastle University and Forestry England.Alex MacLennan, Recreation and Public Affairs Manager, North East for Forestry England and one of the members of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: "The Nick is another fantastic example of partnership working to enhance the wonderful surroundings of the Park through art and architecture. It encourages visitors to stop, look around and fully experience the raw wilderness of the area - this ties nicely into our centenary, 100 years of Forestry as you really get to see how the vision back in 1919 has today turned Kielder into such an iconic area in the UK. It's been great to once again work with the students of Newcastle University to create something truly unique."Graham Farmer, Head of Architecture, Newcastle University, said: "The Nick is our seventh permanent Testing Ground project and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with various project partners to deliver it. The Nick presented a really interesting design challenge for our students and they had to develop a sensitive response appropriate to the remote and ecologically sensitive site whilst also celebrating the unique qualities of the location and landscape at Blakehope Nick. Their design approach has resulted in a structure that is both practical and engaging and it is a project we are all very proud of."Revitalising Redesdale Landscape Partnership representative, Maria Hardy said, "The Nick is an inspiring place to pause at the top of the watershed between the North Tyne and Rede valleys, to appreciate the landscape of managed forests and wild heather moors viewed through the frame of this unique architecture. The project has given students an opportunity to learn community consultation skills and is the first step in our aspiration to strengthen artistic connections between Kielder and Redesdale."ENDS Photo captions: (left to right) - Alex MacLennan- Forestry England, Lynn Turner – Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Maria Hardy- Revitalising Redesdale, Dominic Davies- Newcastle University student, Professor Graham Farmer- Newcastle University, Peter Sharpe, Kielder Art & Architecture Curator.

We're so proud of the team at St Mary's Inn who've won 'BEST PUB IN NORTHUMBERLAND' as part of the Annual National Pub & Bar Awards.The team are proud to represent Northumberland in pursuit of the 'Best Pub in the UK' accolade, to be announced at the ceremony in London on Wednesday 22nd May.To thank our loyal customers for supporting the pub, using the code BEST2019, guests can claim a further 10% off overnight stays, either via our site or over the phone. The code will be valid until 31/05/2019.At St Mary's Inn, we believe that vegetarians deserve choice too! As such, we've expanded our veggie and vegan options on our menu.To celebrate, we're offering 2 lucky guests the chance to win a 3-course veggie dinner, on us! You can enter the competition via this link here

Northumberland hotel and restaurant Battlesteads, near Wark, has been shortlisted for what is widely considered the Oscars of the hospitality industry – the Cateys 2019.Battlesteads has been shortlisted for the Sustainable Business Award and will be going up against the best of British hospitality at the awards ceremony, held on 2 July at London’s Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott hotel.The Cateys, now in their 36th year, recognise the most talented individuals, biggest brands and strongest performers in the hospitality industry. The shortlist was chosen by a panel of industry judges selected for their expertise and industry knowledge, making the Cateys the ultimate accolade in peer group recognition.Owner of Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, Richard Slade, said: “The Cateys represent the best of the best in the hospitality industry, so I am absolutely thrilled that Battlesteads has been shortlisted this year. Over the past 10 years we have been striving to be the most sustainable hotel in the country, as well as championing tourism in Northumberland, and it feels fantastic to be recognised for this by the judges. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for the ceremony in July, and hoping we bring back the trophy!”Battlesteads Hotel offers a sustainable tourism experience combining a warm Northumberland welcome, accommodation including five eco-lodges, a restaurant showcasing the best local produce and home-grown ingredients, and a Dark Sky Observatory where visitors can discover the magic of the night skies.The hotel has previously been recognised for its sustainability by the Good Hotel Guide, the AA, and at the Visit England Awards for Excellence.For more information about Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, visit www.battlesteads.com or call 01434 230 039.

The Northumberland launch of the award-winning National Park Experience Collection takes place this Friday 22 March at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.The event is free to local tourism-based businesses and provides an opportunity to find out more about how to get involved in a tourism programme aimed at telling the stories of England’s National Parks to new international audiences.The English National Park Experience Collection is a collaboration between England’s National Parks and local experience and accommodation providers to offer international visitors a taste of life in some of our most beautiful areas of countryside.Earlier this month it received one of the country’s top tourism accolades, winning Visit England’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism 2019’ award.Hoping to encourage more Northumberland-based businesses to develop new visitor experiences of their own and help them to capitalise on the opportunity the National Park Experience Collection offers, Northumberland National Park Authority and Northumberland Tourism have teamed up to host a regional launch event.Attendees will hear first-hand from several local businesses involved in the development of the Northumberland National Park Experience Collection on what they have achieved during the development of their international tourism products. There will also be presentations on international market research, becoming travel trade ready and a toolkit for developing experiential tourism.Duncan Wise, Northumberland National Park Authority Visitor Development & Marketing Manager, explains: “Visit England’s National Park Experience Collection presents an exciting opportunity to showcase the special qualities of Northumberland and our wider National Park family to a broader international market seeking a high-quality visitor experience.“To develop the Northumberland National Park Experience Collection we have collaborated with enthusiastic and ambitious local businesses, keen to introduce our unique landscapes, history and communities to new audiences and we would encourage anyone wanting to find out more to join us. There are lots of opportunities for more tourism businesses to get involved from activity companies and attractions to accommodation providers.”Northumberland National Park and Northumberland Tourism worked with other English National Parks to secure £1.2m from Visit England’s Discover England Fund to develop the Collection. More than 70 experiences and 80 accommodation providers are in the new Collection across nine National Parks throughout England. Initially aimed at key overseas markets including Germany and Australia, the Collection has taken centre stage at a number of international tourism shows, and the programme team have welcomed international media and tourism representatives from around the world.Highlights from the Northumberland National Park Experience Collection include dining and stargazing at the Battlesteads Hotel in Wark, foraging and wild cooking with Northern Wilds, exploring the bloody borders with Northumberland 300, living like a Roman with Ancient Britain, flying birds of prey with Falconry Days, joining a Ranger patrol of Hadrian’s Wall on Ebike and discovering your artistic nature with Footsteps Northumberland.Partner accommodation providers include Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant at Wark, Carraw B&B in Humshaugh, Hesleyside Hall B&B and the Hollybush Inn at Greenhaugh.Jude Leitch, Director of Northumberland Tourism, said: “Since its conception over a year ago, the National Park Experience Collection has gone from strength to strength here in Northumberland. Businesses have created offers that are now attracting key players in the international travel trade and it won’t be long before this increased profile starts to bring further global visitors to our area.“From the outset, we have had great confidence in this project and in conjunction with the Peak District central team, Northumberland Tourism have provided training and support to our businesses that we feel will better equip them to progress in the international markets and engage with exciting new travel trade contacts. “The regional launch at the Sill is a celebration of all that our businesses have learned and achieved. With the project now the proud recipient of the Visit England Outstanding Contribution to International Tourism Award for 2019, this is proving to be the start of an exciting international journey for the Northumberland National Park Experience Collection.”The Northumberland launch of the award winning National Park Experience Collection takes place at The Sill: National landscape Discovery Centre on Friday 22 March from 10.00 – 13.00. To register to attend the please book via Eventbrite.

Join us at the Old School Gallery this Saturday 16th February to launch our first exhibition for 2019, PRANG - A collision of two artists.Stephen Jefferey is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art and an established artist and illustrator producing work for The Economist, New Scientist, Radio Times and The Wall Street Journal. Scott Rance 'Man in the Woods’ creates intriguing work celebrating the British countryside and our relationship with it. His work channels the British folk art tradition using tapestry, painting and printing. Exhibition runs until 29th March 2019