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

Northumbrian Water's Kielder Waterside has kickstarted 2019 with a prestigious award win.Landal Kielder Waterside, based in Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland, scooped the award at the national 2019 Go Active conference and awards dinner that was held in Scotland on Thursday, January 10.The team was awarded 'Best Go Active team in the UK' in recognition of their hard work throughout 2018.David Hall, Head of Commercial Strategy and Transformation at Northumbrian Water, said: "The Go Active award is testament to the hard work and commitment that the team at Landal Kielder Waterside put in every day and I want to congratulate them on such a fantastic achievement."The awards are given following a rigorous two day assessment that looks at everything that the team do - from health and safety, instructor assessments, to guest feedback and trip reviews - and it's clear from the feedback from our guests and these award wins that they are doing an amazing job."I'm so proud of the team and the award is a real reflection of the work we are doing to make Kielder the Best holiday destination in Britain."

Around 360,000 salmon and 20,000 sea trout have been released into tributaries of the River Tyne this year as Kielder Salmon Centre celebrated its 40th anniversary. The centre was built in 1978 to compensate for the building of Kielder Reservoir – the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe – which cut off around 7% of the River Tyne catchment including some of the best spawning streams for salmon.This year has also seen it create a new £100,000 visitor centre which opened to the public in September as the centre focuses on becoming an education and conservation centre of excellence. This received the Royal seal of approval during a visit by the Prince of Wales the same month.Richard Bond, who has been the centre’s hatchery manager since 2005 said: “Over the 40 years we have released millions of salmon and sea trout into the River Tyne’s tributaries to compensate for the fact they cannot reach their natural spawning grounds.“We just give them a helping hand, and it helps to contribute to the now thriving River Tyne. The river has gone from being heavily industrialised to one which is now one of the best salmon rivers in the country.“It is a real success story and one which has happened for a number of reasons, predominantly due to improvements in water quality as well as work by ourselves and our partners to make improvements to fish passage and habitat.”In fact, work to build a fish pass on the River Derwent at Shotley Grove – a final piece of a jigsaw which will see more of the river opened up for fish access - is due to be complete in the coming weeks and is an example of partnership projects which have helped bring the River Tyne and its tributaries to life.The recovery of River Tyne salmon stocks started in the late 1960s and was coincident with improvements to estuarine water quality and was aided by changes to environmental legislation, changing attitudes to conservation and a decrease in industrial pollution.Through the centre, the Environment Agency now works on academic research projects, including innovative work to hand rear one of the UK’s most endangered species, the freshwater pearl mussel.Richard added: “The new visitor centre has created a more interactive experience for visitors and allows them to get up close with species we aim to protect – including the iconic salmon and the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel. It gives people the chance to understand the fascinating world that lies below the surface of the river.”Kielder Reservoir plays an important role in preserving drinking water for the North East as well as supporting other abstractions along the River Tyne. It also has the capability to support flows in the rivers Wear and Tees if required and plays a role in reducing the risk of flooding on the North Tyne.This summer, during particularly hot and dry weather, it played a vital role in reducing the risk of fish deaths in the upper reaches of the Tyne estuary. Additional releases made by Northumbrian Water at the Environment Agency’s request between 22 June and 10 August amounted to 35 billion litres of water – a whopping 14 billion Olympic-size swimming pools.During summers such as in 2018 a lack of freshwater flow coupled with high water temperatures in the Tyne estuary can lead to a lack of oxygen in the water. These conditions make it difficult for adult salmon returning to the River Tyne from the sea to survive. This is an occasional seasonal issue affecting migrating fish which has occurred in the past during prolonged dry and hot weather.Phil Rippon, Fisheries Technical Specialist for the Environment Agency in the North East said: “We continuously monitor the oxygen levels in the estuary during conditions such as we saw this summer and do what we can to help migrating fish reach their spawning grounds.“This includes additional releases of water from Kielder reservoir to increase freshwater flows when oxygen levels in the estuary become critical. Previous research from similar summer conditions has shown that releases from Kielder sometimes triggers upstream movement of salmon and sea trout, helping them during hot and dry conditions. These additional releases have undoubtedly saved many salmon in 2018.” The Environment Agency will continue to work with Northumbrian Water to monitor the conditions in the Tyne estuary.

Leaders of Northumberland National Park Authority have described 2018 as a momentous year for the Authority and tourism in the county.In March, for the second time, Northumberland National Park won the prestigious accolade of National Park of The Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2018.Almost 180,000 votes were cast by nearly 30,000 people, representing the biggest response in the award’s history and resulting in Northumberland National Park winning the strongest and most debated category.This has been followed by Northumberland recently battling it out in a public vote against nine other regions to be crowned the Best UK Holiday Destination at the 2018 British Travel Awards. Northumberland’s gold award brought an end to Cornwall’s four year reign in the hotly contested category.The event is the largest travel-awards programme in the UK with travel and tourism organisations viewing it as the highest of all travel accolades because it’s the visitor that determines the winner.In August, Northumberland National Park Authority’s flagship Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre on Hadrian’s Wall, welcomed over 172,000 visitors at the end of its first year of operation, well ahead of its expected visit or levels. During September the Park also made national and international headlines when HRH the Prince of Wales carried out the official opening of The Sill.Glen Sanderson, Chair of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “This has been a tremendous year for the Park and the county as a whole. Northumberland winning gold in the Best Destination category at this year’s British Travel Awards really cements everything that is wonderful in the county and our National Park.“Winning these awards and the national recognition they bring is fantastic news for the tourism and hospitality industry both in Northumberland and the wider region. Through working together with our industry partners and businesses, we play an instrumental role in ensuring that the visitor experience and the welcome they receive to the area is of the highest quality.”Tony Gates, Chief Executive at Northumberland National Park Authority and a Director of Northumberland Tourism Limited, said: “There’s no doubt 2018 has been a momentous year. Northumberland National Park offers some of the very best outdoor recreational experiences in the UK and currently attracts more than 1.5 million visitors a year to the area.“In December we celebrate the 5 year anniversary of our International Dark Sky Park – still the largest ‘gold tier’ Dark Sky Park in Europe. Our Dark Skies have brought a welcome boost to tourism in the quieter months and a new set of first-time visitors to the county.“Northumberland National Park Authority has been at the forefront of its development as a tourism asset, also encouraging its conservation and working in collaboration with our partners Kielder Water & Forest Park to promote dark skies as part of the county’s visitor economy and ensuring the public appetite for such experiences continues to grow.”Glen Sanderson adds: “Northumberland is a beautiful and rightly ambitious county. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to have exceptional experiences in the National Park in 2019.“For example, the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail and the Sandstone Way Cycle Trail are two of Northumberland’s most popular routes which are managed and coordinated by the National Park Authority and our partners.“In this year’s National Park Visitor Survey, visitors cited peace and tranquillity and our beautiful scenery as the most special qualities they experienced in the National Park and 94% of them scored their overall experience as very good or exceptional.”

Britain's most beautiful marathon returns next year, with entries now open for its tenth anniversary.Founder and Olympic athlete, Steve Cram, was on hand to launch the tenth Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon, taking place on 12 and 13 October 2019, together with a group of runners who've taken part in every marathon since it started.Showcasing the nation's favourite holiday county, the 26.2mile course is based around Northumbrian Water's picturesque Kielder Reservoir in Northumberland, and organisers are encouraging runners to get in early to secure a spot.The weekend of events, which saw just three events Iaunched in its first year - the Run Bike Run duathlon, the junior runs and the marathon itself - now includes a 10k race, added in 2011, and, in 2014, a half marathon and a walk were added.From just 975 participants in 2010, there are now more than 3,000 runners from across the UK and even the world, who take part in the events across the weekend, and it draws in a further 5,000 spectators to the region.It's had its fair share of memorable moments over the years too, including its first marriage proposal in 2013, its oldest marathon runner in 2016 at 77-years-old and not forgetting of course, the 2011 runner who shaved six miles off the course and finished in third place by catching the bus.The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend is delivered by Events of the North in conjunction with Northumbrian Water, Active Northumberland, Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.Race director and founder, Steve Cram CBE, said: "It's fantastic to be launching our tenth Kielder Marathon with our partners and some of our best supporters, the ‘ever presents', those runners who have been with us since year one."The last decade has seen the event grow and develop into something we're all very proud of. The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon showcases the best of a region that's now been recognised as the UK's favourite county destination, and we're delighted that every year we can welcome runners from afar to experience this stunning part of the world."Reaching a decade of delivering the event is also a time to celebrate and thank all of our volunteers, partners and staff who make it possible year on year to deliver. We're all very much looking forward to our special anniversary and 2019 will undoubtedly be a tenth birthday to remember."Councillor Cath Homer, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts, Leisure and Tourism, said: "Every year the Kielder Marathon weekend grows in popularity and profile which is fantastic. With Northumberland recently being crowned as the UK's Best Destination in the British Travel Awards, there's never been a better time to visit."Kielder provides an idyllic setting that gives contestants and their families the perfect spot to explore everything that Northumberland has to offer, often meaning they come back time and time again. I'd encourage those who haven't been before to experience it for themselves, and help make our 10 year celebrations the best yet."Northumbrian Water's David Hall, Head of Leisure Strategy and Transformation, said: "We're very proud to be able to provide the perfect backdrop to celebrate a decade of Britain's most beautiful marathon."It's put Kielder in the hearts of thousands of athletes, creating thousands of memories and we can't wait to welcome visitors back from far and wide for what will be a very special tenth birthday."For more information on the events taking place at Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend 2019 and to book an early-bird entry visit www.kieldermarathon.com. ACTIVE NORTHUMBERLAND KIELDER MARATHON WEEKEND FACTSOver the last nine years, there have been a total of:Nearly 17,000 runners taking part in the weekend of events.17 ‘ever present' runners who've taken part in every Kielder Marathon since it started.More than 1,000 volunteers to help marshal the course and ensure a safe weekend.More than 33 countries represented, from as far away as Venezuela and the Philippines.Around 18,000 cakes baked by Falstone and Kielder villages, with valuable funds raised for both villages and their residents.Memorable moments include:2010 First year of Britain's Most Beautiful Marathon, including Run Bike Run and Junior Run launched. Marathon won by Kenyan Zak Kihara in 2 hours 29 minutes and 10 seconds.2011 A marathon runner shaved six miles off the rain-soaked course by catching the spectator's bus and finishing in third place.2012 Athlete Aly Dixon, who went on to compete for England in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, won the 10k in a record time of 36 minutes and 2 seconds.2013 First Kielder Marathon marriage proposal at the finish line (and she said yes!)2014 Active Northumberland welcomed as new title partners to Kielder Marathon weekend.2015 Launch of Kielder Half Marathon and Kielder Marathon ‘walk' on the Friday before.2016 Oldest runner took part in Kielder Marathon at 77-years-old.2017 The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon was the venue for the Police Sport UK (PSUK) National Police Marathon Championships.2018 Olympic legend Daley Thompson attended the full Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend.

Northumberland hotel and restaurant Battlesteads, near Wark, has been named as one of the winners of the 2019 Good Hotel Guide Editor’s Choice Award for eco friendly hotels.Published on Monday 8 October, the 2019 Good Hotel Guide is the UK's leading accommodation guide with independent advice and reviews of luxury and boutique hotels, B&Bs and inns.The Editor’s Choice Awards highlight the top 10 hotels in the UK in each of 16 categories. Battlesteads has been recognised for its ‘unique blend of sustainable hospitality and astronomy’.Battlesteads has received glowing reviews from many of the Good Hotel Guide’s independent reviewers, including comments like “‘Our luxury lodge was superb, with every comfort,” and “The most fastidious traveller would struggle to find fault.”Owner of Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, Richard Slade, said: “The Good Hotel Guide really is the ultimate guide to the best hotels in the UK, and we are delighted to have received one of the esteemed editor’s choice awards for 2019. We pride ourselves on offering a sustainable tourism experience without sacrificing luxury or comfort, and it is fantastic to have our eco-friendly efforts praised by the guide.”

Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant in Northumberland is setting the standard for energy saving and environmental responsibility in hotels, after recording a carbon footprint five times lower than the industry average.The award-winning eco hotel has been tracking its energy usage and carbon footprint since 2012, and in that time has reduced its carbon footprint from 24.64kg CO2 per room night to just 5.85kg CO2 per room night in 2017.Carbon footprint is measured by the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative, the accepted standard for the hospitality industry, which has set the benchmark for hotels at 31.1kg CO2 per room night – more than five times greater than Battlesteads’ figures for 2017.Owner of Battlesteads, Richard Slade, said: “Since switching to a 100% green energy supplier Ecotricity in January 2014, we’ve been able to significantly reduce our carbon footprint despite increasing our occupancy. Initiatives such as having a biomass boiler, producing solar energy on-site, being very selective with our suppliers and constantly looking for new ways to save energy are helping us to pave the way for a new generation of environmentally-conscious, sustainable hotels.”Will Guyatt, Head of Communications, Ecotricity, added: “We’re proud to be powering Battlesteads – Richard and his team are helping make Britain a greener place, and do a great job spreading the word about renewable power from the wind and sun to both hotel visitors and the wider hospitality industry.”The software Battlesteads uses to record carbon footprint, ConServe, is designed specifically for the hospitality industry and allows businesses to monitor, interpret and improve their environmental performance, while tracking progress of any initiatives introduced to improve their eco-friendliness.Diana Prince-Parrott from ConServe said: “ConServe allows users to easily identify inefficiencies in operations through a correlation of consumption to industry metrics, such as room nights or food covers, through a comparison against automatically-sourced local weather information or through a review of site consumption outside its operating hours. The use of the platform is accompanied by Considerate Hoteliers’ reporting and account management service that makes even easier for clients to track trends in performance and monitor consumption, emission and cost data. “Not only is Battlesteads’ carbon footprint less than a fifth of the industry average, but it is also the lowest figure recorded from Considerate Hoteliers’ portfolio of ConServe users – they are setting a fantastic standard for the industry.”

Today Northumberland National Park Authority welcomed The Prince of Wales on a special visit to commemorate the official opening of The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre on Hadrian’s Wall.His Royal Highness was given a guided tour of the award-winning building, which includes an 86-bed Youth Hostel operated by YHA (England and Wales). The Sill is the UK’s first dedicated National Landscape Discovery Centre and the result of a pioneering partnership between Northumberland National Park Authority, YHA (England and Wales), and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) through a £7.8 million grant made possible by National Lottery players.Named after the nearby Great Whin Sill, one of the UK’s most significant geological features, the Centre provides a gateway to inspire and enable people of all ages to understand and explore the iconic landscapes, history, culture and heritage of Northumberland.To mark his visit, The Prince of Wales unveiled a special commemorative stone on the Centre’s Whin Sill grassland roof, and took time to enjoy the iconic view of the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site.Glen Sanderson, Northumberland National Park Authority Chairman, said: “We are honoured to welcome His Royal Highness here today to join us in celebrating The Sill and its purpose of connecting people with our wonderful countryside.“The Sill provides an important opportunity for people to explore, understand and nurture our landscapes and the people, heritage and wildlife that shape them.“Today’s celebration is testament to years of hard work and the firm belief that our nation’s exceptional landscapes should be enjoyed by as many people as possible. We want Northumberland National Park to be a sustainable cultural asset that benefits the region for many years to come.”Since opening to the public in July 2017, the Centre has rapidly become one of the region’s leading visitor attractions, welcoming over 170,000 visitors and well ahead of the National Park Authority’s original projections in just 12 months.During the tour, His Royal Highness met with local school children from St Agnes School in Ryton and Henshaw Primary School in Bardon Mill, along with several Sill project partners and local stakeholders.Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: “With Hadrian’s Wall, International Dark Skies, stunning landscapes and many other parts of our incredible heritage on its doorstep, The Sill is the perfect starting point from which to explore Northumberland National Park. Thanks to National Lottery players, this state-of-the-art discovery centre has already attracted thousands of visitors and its year-round programme of exhibitions and activities for all ages is sharing this area’s incredible stories and unquestionable beauty with more people than ever before.” Built at a cost of £8.7 million, The Sill represents the single largest investment ever made in a UK national park. In May this year, the building received a RIBA North East Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects for architectural excellence. It has also been nominated in the Construction Industry Research and Information Association’s (CIRIA) Biodiversity Awards.The Centre offers exhibition, learning and event spaces, a café, rural business hub, YHA accommodation and a shop packed with local produce, arts and crafts.Peter Gaines, Chairman of YHA (England and Wales), said: “YHA The Sill is one of our flagship youth hostels, helping us reach more young people and their families and introducing them to the fabulous Northumberland landscape. Since opening we have welcomed more than 8,000 young people staying with their families and schools.“As a leading youth charity it is so important to us that we inspire and support many more young people both locally and nationally and help them on their personal journey of travel, adventure and discovery and our accommodation at The Sill is helping us with that mission.”The building’s fully accessible Whin Sill grassland roof is a world first and planted with a unique community of native plants including slow growing grasses and wildflowers. Its walkway and viewing platforms provide sweeping views of the iconic Northumbrian landscape and Steel Rigg on Hadrian’s Wall.The design and the structural materials used to create the building are inspired by The Great Whin Sill and it is positioned to mimic this dramatic geological outcrop with natural undulations and flowing lines.It was designed by Ponteland-based architects JDDK and built by Sir Robert McAlpine. Local materials were used in its construction, including local sandstone, whinstone and larch cladding. A south facing timber canopy supports photovoltaic cells to provide a renewable energy source as well as shade from the sun.Through The Sill and a pledge to deliver 30,000 activity days, Northumberland National Park Authority is working with schools, community organisations and businesses to provide educational workshops, activities and other experiential opportunities connected to the landscape, which are designed to suit all ages and abilities throughout the Park.