· The National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority reveal further details of the Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy, one year on from it being illegally felled · Inspiring plans respond to people’s outpouring of emotion to the loss of the much-loved tree last autumn · Northumberland National Park Authority unveils new exhibition at The Sill entitled, Sycamore Gap: One Year On. Developed by artist Charlie Whinney, it features a large section of the original tree’s wood and invites public participation · Opening the exhibition, 240 children from 13 schools local to The Sill, will take part in a celebration of the tree’s life to mark the anniversary · The National Trust launches ‘Trees of Hope’, an opportunity for people to request one of 49 Sycamore Gap saplings to be gifted to their communities around the UK · As part of the Trees of Hope initiative, all 15 UK National Parks will also receive a sapling that will find new homes in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK A year after the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree which formerly stood proudly in the gap, towering above Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority are today (Friday 27 September) revealing more details about the legacy of the tree – and its plans for how hope will prevail in the face of tragedy. The unprecedented outpouring of emotion after the tree was felled one year ago, overnight on 27 September, sharply bought into focus, the importance of everyday nature spectacles, to people’s lives. Over the last year, the partnership jointly led by the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority and Historic England have been working together with other partners to find inspiring ways to ensure the legacy of this iconic tree lives on. Today, The Northumberland National Park Authority, unveils the first phase of the Sycamore Gap exhibition at The Sill: National Landscape Recovery Centre in Northumberland, entitled, Sycamore Gap: One Year On. The exhibition, developed by artist Charlie Whinney and Creative Communities CIC, will see the largest section of the original tree’s wood installed at The Sill in a temporary exhibition that invites people to be part of the artwork. Opening the exhibition, 240 children from 13 local schools will take part in a celebration of the tree’s life to mark the anniversary. Also today, the National Trust is announcing the opportunity for people to request one of the Sycamore Gap saplings. Its ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative, where 49 saplings – one to represent each foot of the height that the tree was at the time of felling, will be gifted to communities around the country. People from around the UK are invited to apply for a tree to plant in a publicly accessible spaces, which have emotional connections with people and different communities. For more information and to apply visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/TreesOfHope The anniversary exhibition at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre – which centres around the themes of people, place and hope, aims to provide space for people to remember the tree, and then move forward positively, in addition to featuring the largest remaining section of the trunk. This will mark the ‘one year on’ moment, and open to the public at The Sill, the gateway to the National Park on Saturday 28 September. As part of the exhibition, visitors will be invited to make promises to nature. These promises will go on to be incorporated into the second and final phase of the commission to ensure the legacy of the tree reflects people, place and nature. This final exhibition is set to open at The Sill by Easter 2025. Charlie Whinney of ‘Creative Communities CIC’ art collective was announced as artist for the commission in June. Charlie says: “We are inviting people to make promises to nature which will find their way into the final piece of art. “This show is the half-way part of our project, processing what happened, what the tree meant to everyone, and the wonderful regrowth which now counts at 25 new shoots. It marks the beginning of our public engagement process. “Going forward, we hope to empower people with a sense of joy and hope for the natural world through positive actions, which starts now.” The commission has been funded by The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland*. The foundation is providing £50,000 for the project, including from North East Roots fund, which enables people living elsewhere to give back to the region. The Linden Family, Michael and Christine Heppell and Duncan and Sarah Davidson funds at the Community Foundation are also contributing alongside a dedicated gift from Nadara*. Rob Williamson, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation, says: “A year ago, I asked the National Park how we could help celebrate the Sycamore Gap Tree knowing a number of our donors, especially those giving to our North East Roots fund, would want to support a fitting legacy. “We are delighted that some of those donors have come to The Sill today to see the fantastic work Charlie has created, made possible by their generosity. They have fully funded this legacy exhibition so visitors now and in the future will be able to celebrate this north east icon.” Later today 240 school children from 13 local schools, will be taking part in a celebration that will see them bring their own artwork inspired by the tree for display at The Sill, which they have produced with local artists. The children will also take part in workshops with artists, actors and specialists in the environment’ and join in a group rendition of a new musical piece inspired by the tree by local singer and songwriter Catherine Davidson and an interpretation of Spell Songs song ‘Heartwood’. Mike Glenton, Head teacher of Henshaw and Greenhead, who has co-ordinated this project between the 13 local schools, says: “All schools local to the Sycamore Gap have relished being part of this project; it has been really moving to feel the enthusiasm and passion which teachers and children have brought to remembering this much-loved part of our local heritage. “We see the tree every day, as it is our school logo at Henshaw and Greenhead, but this project, which was kindly funded by the North East Combined Authority, has helped us all remember how much Sycamore Gap means to us all. “Working with local artists, it was important for schools to concentrate on regeneration and rebirth as we wanted this event to be a positive memory for our pupils but also for the children to understand that the sycamore tree is still alive and flourishing, despite the adversity it has faced.” Tony Gates, Chief Executive of Northumberland National Park Authority comments: “From the very beginning it was clear what people wanted us to do in response to the tragedy. They wanted us to help nature thrive, provide space for reflection and work with artists. “Since then, all partners have worked diligently to ensure a fitting legacy for the tree in different ways. This new exhibition displays the largest piece of the trunk so that people can see and be with the tree and reflect on events over the last year. I would like to thank the National Trust and of course the Community Foundation for their generosity in allowing this commission to happen and for giving the opportunity for people to reconnect with the tree.” Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties says: “The last 12 months have been a real roller coaster of emotions from the hopelessness and grief we felt when we discovered that the tree had been illegally felled, to experiencing the stories shared with us about just what the tree meant to so many. “One of the first actions that served us so well was the collection of some of the seeds from the tree. These were sent straight away to the Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre in Devon where the team have worked tirelessly to successfully propagate over 100 seedlings and grafted nine other saplings – so we have the trees descendants for the future.” Andrew continues: “In announcing our ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative today, we aim to find new homes in community settings across the UK so people can have the opportunity to engage with the Sycamore Gap Tree and its legacy so that more people everywhere can feel that they are part of this story – that they are a part of this tree’s wonderful legacy, helping to create a new chapter in the life of this legendary tree.” To inspire people or groups who may want to request one of the trees, the National Trust will be announcing the first projects this morning – one in the North East and one in the south west of England. As part of the Trees of Hope initiative, Henshaw Church of England Primary School as the closest school to the Sycamore Gap Tree, and all 15 UK National Parks will also receive a sapling that will find new homes in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. A sapling was ceremonially presented to all National Parks by Sarah Pemberton, Assistant Director of Operations for the National Trust in the North East, at the UK National Parks Conference 2024 in Newcastle earlier this week. Each National Park took away a promise allocating them one of the saplings, which will be distributed by the National Trust when the young trees are hardy enough to be planted out. The Sycamore Gap: One Year On exhibition at The Sill runs from Saturday 28 September until Sunday 3 November. The second and final exhibition, which will see the wood installed permanently into The Sill will open by Easter 2025.For more information about the exhibition visit: www.thesill.org.uk/exhibition/sycamore-gap-one-year-on-exhibition/

‘St Oswald’s Way – Official Guidebook’, published by Northern Heritage: £12.99 (paperback) New for 2024, ‘St Oswald’s Way – Official Guidebook’ contains comprehensive information, maps, and advice to complete this scenic Northumberland walk. Written by Martin Paminter of the St Oswald’s Way Management Group, the guidebook contains everything you need to know ahead of and while following the famous route. St Oswald’s Way is a long-distance route that takes walkers through some of the finest Northumberland landscapes, exploring the county’s fascinating history. As its name suggests, places associated with St Oswald, the King of Northumbria in the early 7th century, are linked up along the way. St Oswald played a major part in bringing Christianity to Northumbria and his story is key to the region’s heritage, making this walk particularly special. The 97-mile (156km) route is divided into six sections travelling from north to south, beginning at Holy Island (Lindisfarne), before moving inland across picturesque countryside to Heavenfield and UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall. St Oswald’s Way is a walk that is rich with historic castles, beautiful coastline, unique islands, scenic river valleys and rolling hills, as well as villages, forests, and farmland. The new book is a go-to guide for completing the route, with useful information provided about parking, public toilets, bus stops, food and drink, and other facilities. The book contains maps and key advice for all six sections of the route: Holy Island to Bamburgh (19 miles/31km), Bamburgh to Craster (14 miles/22km), Craster to Warkworth (13.5 miles/21.5km), Warkworth to Rothbury (18 miles/29km), Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington (15 miles/24km) and Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfield (17.5 miles/28.5km). From preparing for your walk and following the countryside code to accommodation and tourist information, this is a handy tool to begin referring to from the planning stages. With a map of the whole route, signage information and a route distance table, walkers can use this book to complete any or all sections. It’s also worth knowing that after completing the entire route, walkers qualify for a commemorative certificate as a memento of their journey. Soak up the beauty, history, and glorious views that Northumberland boasts, with standout places including Dunstanburgh Castle, Alnmouth Bay, Brinkburn Priory, Simonside Hills, and Kirkwhelpington village. While enjoying this route, the book will provide a historical guide as well, with plentiful detail about each section’s heritage and connection to St Oswald himself. Small and light enough to carry along the way, it’s an interesting and useful guide which is easy to follow and packed with helpful insight for completing St Oswald’s Way. The walk is supported by the St Oswald’s Way Management Group, and profits from the sale of this guidebook will help them protect this route for the future. Paperback: 104 pages, £12.99 ISBN: 9781739486136 BUY NOW Available from: Northern Heritage Services Ltd www.northern-heritage.co.uk 01670 789940

A collection of five bespoke tree prints entitled ‘Heartwood’, created from an around 90cm diameter disc of the trunk of the felled iconic Sycamore Gap tree, have gone on public display. The National Trust approached printmaker Shona Branigan, known for her detailed and evocative tree prints, to create the commemorative artworks that will be exhibited at four locations along the span of Hadrian’s Wall. The fallen tree, which towered 50-foot above Hadrian’s Wall before it was felled last September, was removed from site and has been looked after by the National Trust in a safe location while the charity works with its various partners and artists to ensure there is an enduring legacy of the tree informed by the huge public response to its loss. From Monday 15 July five prints are being displayed at four locations:  Newcastle City Library Hexham Abbey (which is hosting two prints) Housesteads visitor centre on Hadrian’s Wall Carlisle Tourist Information Centre All venues are publicly accessible and free to enter. The exhibition will run until 1 September 2024 before all five prints will go on display together at The Queen’s Hall, Hexham, from 6 September until 19 October 2024. Individually themed, named and coloured, the giant tree prints show every tree ring, groove and detail from the cross-section of the almost heart shaped trunk of the 200-year-old tree.  Funded by North East Combined Authority and developed in collaboration with the National Trust, Northumberland National Park Authority, Hadrian’s Wall Partnership and Historic England, ‘Heartwood’ is the first official artistic response created in memory of the much-loved fallen Northumberland tree. Following the unprecedented public response and outpouring of emotion to the tree’s felling last September, the organisations have together developed a programme of legacy work from the thousands of suggestions for ways in which to remember the historical landmark.  Through three emerging themes, ‘Nature Response’, ‘Space for Reflection’, and ‘Artistic Response’, people will be encouraged to connect, reflect and remember the iconic tree in positive and meaningful ways. More details will be shared in the coming months as it approaches one year on from the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree and will include engagement work with local schools, tree planting initiatives in the North East, digital legacies and further artistic interpretations. Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall, said: “The Sycamore Gap tree was adored by so many, and it is through their memories, words and pictures that it lives on today.  "We wanted to create opportunities for the public to further connect with the tree, building on its significance and its place in people’s hearts. “Heartwood will be a space for just that, for people to respond and engage with Shona’s exceptionally beautiful artworks that capture the very essence, the ‘heart’ of the treasured tree.”  Memories of Sycamore Gap 'live on' North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added: “Our iconic tree can never be replaced but this beautiful artwork allows its memory to live on. “The loss of the Sycamore Gap tree was a devastating moment for me and for so many others across the region and the world. I’m so pleased that something positive can come from this and that communities have been part of developing the exhibition.” Cllr Marion Williams, Cabinet member for a Sustainable City at Newcastle City Council said: “We are honoured to host today’s event to launch this exhibition, and to have one of these beautiful tree prints displayed in Newcastle.  “I hope many people take the opportunity to come and view it, and I know the library was specifically chosen as it is such an accessible and welcoming place.  “We know that the felling of the tree at Sycamore Gap affected people from across the world, but it was in our region where people have the strongest connection with it and where we saw the largest outpouring of emotion.  “It is therefore very fitting that the National Trust has chosen the four locations across the region for their first exhibition in memory of the much-loved tree. A great celebration of its beauty and legacy that can be enjoyed in our city.” The National Trust is currently working with Shona to produce a special ‘Heartwood’ related print to go on sale in due course. Details on how to purchase a print will be announced by the National Trust on social media later in the year. Opening times People are encouraged to check individual opening times for each of the ‘Heartwood’ exhibition venues before visiting. For information about City Library's opening times see: Newcastle City Library For more details about the exhibition and which tree print is in each location see: Hadrian's Wall and Houseteads Fort on the National Trust website

Forestry England celebrate 25 years of The Gruffalo with an exciting forest adventure. Forestry England’s Kielder Forest is thrilled to announce a new celebratory trail launching on 28 March, to mark the 25th anniversary of the award-winning picture book, “The Gruffalo”.   Since 2014, the collaboration between Magic Light Pictures and Forestry England has enchanted families in England, immersing them in the magical world of the Gruffalo within the nation’s deep dark woods.   To mark this remarkable milestone, Kielder Forest is inviting families from across England to join in the festivities and celebrate the Gruffalo's 25th birthday on an exciting new trail experience.   The Gruffalo's 25th birthday trail is going to be a big party in the forest! As part of the adventure, families will be encouraged to work together to search for missing party items whilst enjoying fun and games along the trail. Participants will also learn about the intricate ways plants and animals look after each other.   Available at 26 forest sites across the country, the trails will boast five large activity panels, two of which will include interactive elements. In addition, visitors can expect 15 smaller spotter panels, where they can search for missing party items. Five rubbing stations will also be scattered along the trail, adding an artistic touch to the adventure.   For those looking to enhance their experience, an accompanying trail pack will be available to buy on-site for just £4 from the Street Diner next to Kielder Castle. These will include a festive party headband to get you into the party spirit, an activity leaflet for curious minds, stickers, pencils and crayons to get creative, and a woven Gruffalo sew-on patch as a cherished keepsake.   This fantastic celebratory trail is set to captivate Gruffalo fans of all ages, offering a memorable and educational experience amidst the beauty of our fabulous forests. Mark your calendars for 2024, as the Gruffalo's 25th birthday promises to be an adventure you won't want to miss.   For more information and updates on this exciting new trail, visit https://www.forestryengland.uk/gruffalo-party-trail

Inner Farne, one of the Farne Islands cared for by the National Trust, will re-open for visitor boat landings in the spring, after a period of closure due to Avian Influenza. National Trust will welcome visitors back onto Inner Farne this spring for the first time in two years Conservation charity will closely monitor the seabirds for signs of Avian ‘Flu’ and may have to restrict landings, moving to sail-around tours only, later in the breeding season to protect the colony if an outbreak occurs The islands have been closed for landings due to Avian Influenza (Bird flu) Visitors can once again book a boat trip with a landing to walk amongst the precious wildlife Trust continues to work closely with other partner organisations and the government to follow best practice and continue to learn about the disease From 25 March, visitor boats will be able to land on the Farne Islands for the first time in two years, with bookings now open with boat trip operators. The Farne Islands are a National Nature Reserve and are an internationally important home to approximately 200,000 seabirds, including the charismatic puffin, Arctic terns, and kittiwakes. The birds return to the islands, just off the Northumberland coast at Seahouses, to breed each year from the end of March, departing once their chicks are fully fledged, at the end of the summer.  The colony was hit hard by bird flu in 2022, with rangers collecting over 6,000 dead birds, and although the disease was also present last year, there was a reduction of 39%, with 3,647 birds collected by the ranger team, giving some hope that immunity is building within the colony. Sophia Jackson, Area Ranger for the National Trust says: “We have been closely monitoring the impact of the disease on our breeding populations as part of international research into bird flu. “This has shown that the disease has had devasting impacts on some species and at some UK sites making our conservation efforts all the more important. “Like at other sites, it seems that the disease has declined in our birds, although we will continue to closely monitor them as the breeding season starts again. "We continue to work closely with statutory agencies and other organisations, like the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) & Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), to ensure we are across the latest research and updates so that we can put the right measures in place to look after the birds to the best of our abilities.” With the islands due to re-open on 25 March, visitors will once again be able to book a landing trip with one of the boat companies that operate out of the harbour at Seahouses to get unparalleled close-up views of the incredible wildlife that inhabits the islands. On arrival at the harbour at Seahouses, visitors booked onto a boat trip are asked to visit the National Trust admissions point to purchase a landing ticket or to show their membership cards. Laura Knowles, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager for the National Trust says: “We’re excited and delighted in equal measure to announce that Inner Farne will reopen for visitor landings on 25 March 2024.    “We can’t wait to welcome visitors and to share the wonderful wildlife of the island up close once again. Sail around tours will also continue to be available for those visitors that want to experience the magic of the islands from the water.” As well as the fascinating wildlife, visitors will also be able to get closer to the cultural history on the island, which has links with early Christianity and St Cuthbert, with access inside the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Chapel and exterior views of the Inner Farne lighthouse and the Pele Tower.   Inner Farne will be the only island to open to visitor landings this year whilst National Trust trials limited opening. To plan your visit, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/farne-islands for more information and contact the boat companies directly to book your trip.

The brand new Visit Northumberland app has been created following the launch of its Step into Alnwick programme, and the app promotes all things Alnwick, just in time for Christmas. If you’ve ever fancied visiting Alnwick, or are already heading there for The Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail, the Visit Northumberland app is a one-stop-shop for the best places to eat, drink, shop and explore. The app features a number of offers you can redeem in-store, as well as restaurant discounts, so you can bag some bargains when you go Christmas shopping this year.  Not to mention, app users have exclusive access to a special competition to win a weekend in Alnwick. All you have to do is download the app, redeem one of the offers in-store, and you will be automatically entered for the chance to win two nights at Hallow and Crux (for up to a family of four), a £100 voucher at The Dirty Bottles pub, and a family day pass to The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei.  So, what kind of things do you have to look forward to in Alnwick and on the app? The traditional, cobbled market town of Alnwick, home to famous Alnwick Castle and the amazing Alnwick Garden, is one of Northumberland’s most beautiful market towns. Cosy pubs and restaurants with open fires such as the “cursed” Dirty Bottles pub and the Black Swan, delis serving locally sourced treats such as Turnbull’s Northumbrian Food and The Cheese Room, and stunning boutique stores such as Hotspur 1364, Robinson’s, Ruby Tuesdays and many more, all feature on the app. The list is endless, so download the app and have a look for yourself.  Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said, “We are thrilled to have launched the Visit Northumberland app and to be able to promote Alnwick’s outstanding businesses to our visitors in an interactive and user-friendly way. This is just the beginning for the app, which will continue to develop and promote other towns and villages in Northumberland, guiding visitors on the best of the county and what to do once you’re here.”  Search ‘Visit Northumberland’ in your phone’s app store to download the app now, or head to Visit Northumberland’s website using your phone where you will find a link to download the app.   Step into Alnwick is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North of Tyne Combined Authority as the lead authority. 

Northumberland National Park Authority can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down over night on Thursday 28 September. They have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled. They are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark along Hadrian’s Wall and will issue more details once they are known.  Sycamore Gap Tree was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s awards and is much-loved by people from across the world.  Northumberland National Park Authority would like to ask the public not to visit the site at this time whilst they work with their partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe. You can find all the latest updates on the Northumberland National Park website. For alternative attractions to explore in the local area, take a look at the Visit Northumberland blog, with guides to the best family days out, budget friendly activities and much more.

Are you ready for an unforgettable Halloween experience in Northumberland? Look no further than Whitehouse Farm Centre, where their Halloween Spooktacular Event awaits you from 28th October to 5th November 2023. Prepare to be immersed in a world of spookiness and excitement as you step into the heart of the farm.  Magic Merlin will take centre stage in the ghostly grim grotto, captivating audiences with his mesmerising spooktacular show. It's a performance you and the family won't want to miss. For those eager to embrace their inner witches and wizards, Whitehouse Farm Witches and Wizards School offers a chance to learn the secrets of Halloween magic. Youngsters and adults alike can join in the fun by donning their finest Halloween attire and participating in their fancy dress competition. Keep an eye out for the Whitehouse Farm staff, who will be dressed in spooktacular costumes too.  No Halloween celebration is complete without pumpkins, and Whitehouse Farm has you covered. Visit Penny Pumpkin at the pumpkin patch and choose your very own pumpkin to carve at their pumpkin carving station. Under the guidance of Patricia Pumpkin, unleash your creativity and craft spooky faces to your heart's content. Plus, each full paying child ticket will receive a free pumpkin upon their visit.  For the brave souls among us, the Walkway of Terror awaits. Embark on a spine-chilling journey through the spider's lair, catacombs and the eerie doll room. Pay a visit to the chop shop, navigate the clown house (if you dare!), and tread lightly in the chilling graveyard. Brace yourself for unexpected surprises around every corner at Whitehouse Farm this Halloween.  Make sure to capture the eerie atmosphere at the farm with their ghostly photo opportunities that provide the perfect backdrop for your family photos. And don't forget to visit Winnie Witch's lair for captivating stories about her wicked wings. But that's not all – Whitehouse Farm also offers its usual array of farmyard fun activities. From cuddling fluffy animals to encountering crawling critters, watching birds of prey soar and learning intriguing facts during the interactive meerkat feeds and talks, there's something for everyone. Groom one of their friendly ponies, take a tractor ride, or enjoy thrills at the castle catapult. Bounce like a wallaby on the jumping pillows, feed some of the larger animals, and let the kids loose in the expansive adventure playground. Why not race around the go-cart track for an extra dose of excitement? Come rain or shine, Whitehouse Farm ensures a fantastic family day out with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities available daily from 10am to 5pm.   This Halloween, let Whitehouse Farm Centre be your destination for a hair-raising and unforgettable experience.

As the trees change colour and the air turns crisper, Northumberland comes alive with the magic of autumn. Join us as we unveil a delightful array of spooky Halloween events and autumn family activities that you can enjoy at National Trust properties across Northumberland.  Whether you're in pursuit of thrilling Halloween scares or enchanting autumn walks, Northumberland has so many things to do.  Halloween Happenings at Seaton Delaval Hall Are you ready for an unforgettable Halloween filled with thrills and chills? Seaton Delaval Hall, just off the Northumberland coast, is the place to be during this spooky season.  Visit Seaton Delaval Hall for their annual best dressed and best carved pumpkin competitions, showcasing your Halloween creativity for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Make sure to share your costumes and creations by joining their pumpkin parade, accompanied by the spooktacular samba drumming band, The Bangshees.  Throughout the day, explore the hauntingly decorated basement, inspired by the hall's eerie myths and legends. Don't forget to grab a free spooky spotter sheet from the visitor welcome desk to enhance your adventure and find hidden surprises. Enjoy family-friendly Halloween celebrations filled with thrilling activities and unforgettable moments throughout the day.  And as night falls, Seaton Delaval Hall takes on an even spookier atmosphere with a thrilling after-dark experience for older children and adults. Venture further into the basement and explore the west wing kitchen, where gory and ghostly effects await. Join magician Chris Cross, who will amaze you with his tricks, and be sure to pick up a complimentary treat from the witches brewhouse on your Halloween journey.  Discover The Magic of Autumn As autumn descends upon Northumberland, two enchanting National Trust properties, Cragside and Wallington Hall, beckon families to embrace the magic of the season with the most scenic spots and some of the best outdoor walks.  Cragside, a Victorian historic house tucked away in the heart of  Northumberland's countryside, offers a range of walking trails across its estate, leading families on captivating journeys through the autumn landscape.  The lakeside walk is one of our favourite routes, tracing the shores of Tumbleton lake, where the vibrant orange, red and golden autumn foliage casts mesmerising reflections on the water. Keep an eye out for wildlife on your visit, especially for  industrious red squirrels, busy preparing for winter. Wallington Hall, another hidden gem within the Northumberland countryside, undergoes a breathtaking transformation into an autumn wonderland, inviting families to explore its expansive grounds.  The west wood at Wallington presents family-friendly trails winding through woodlands adorned with vibrant canopies. Children can delight in collecting conkers and acorns, as well as enjoying adventure and excitement with Wallington’s play areas, from their forest play fort to their adventure train, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Both Cragside and Wallington Hall offer a variety of trails suitable for all ages and abilities, ensuring that families can savour the magic of autumn together. Whether you're enjoying the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet or pausing to admire the changing colours of the woodland, both Cragside and Wallington allow families to be immersed in autumn.  So whether you are wearing your most wicked witches hat, showcasing your carved pumpkin creation, or lacing up your walking shoes, make sure to create lasting memories in Northumberland this Halloween with the National Trust. 

Take your place in history and conquer the Alnwick Castle abseil whilst raising vital funds for Northumberland Estates’ Charity of the Year - The People’s Kitchen.   The abseil will take place on the 23 and 24 September at Alnwick Castle. The first challenge is climbing the 84 steps on the spiral staircase to the top of the castle keep. Once at the top you will abseil down the castle walls on a 100ft rope, taking in the beautiful views of the grounds and pastures along the way.   Participants will be guided in this event by expert activity providers, Adventure Northumberland, who will ensure you are fully harnessed and equipped with the know-how to complete the challenge.   All proceeds from the event will go to The People’s Kitchen. The Newcastle-based charity aims to make life better for vulnerable people; working to enable people to move off the streets and then provide food, furniture, and bedding to those in need. They also offer friendship and professional services to improve mental well-being.   Catherine Neil, Head of Alnwick Castle Ventures, said: “There is great anticipation for the charity abseil which will give participants a unique perspective of Alnwick Castle. In doing so, those taking part will be able to financially help The People’s Kitchen, a wonderful charity that provides brilliant support for vulnerable people. We expect plenty of daredevils to sign up but this is a charity event perfect for those who have never considered abseiling before as well those who are well-used to seeking thrills and spills.”   Northumberland Estates will also donate a family ticket for all participants to Alnwick Castle on the day of the event.   Location: Alnwick Castle, Lion’s Arch (what3words: ///bordering.asleep.fortnight) Date:  23-24 September Registration Fee: £40 including a family day ticket to Alnwick Castle Fundraising Target: £200 Corporate rate: £240 per person (£40 registration/£200 charity donation) Staff Rate: £40 Book now: https://www.adventurenorthumberland.co.uk/inventory/alnwick-castle-charity-event JustGiving Campaign Team Page - www.justgiving.com/team/AlnwickAbseil - click the link and ‘Join the Team’  

One of the first finds in new excavation reveals a glimpse of Roman life at Milecastle 46 on Hadrian’s Wall. The top layers of the Hadrian’s Wall Milecastle 46 excavations at Magna were not anticipated to yield a flurry of artefacts or inscriptions. The milecastle site, along with the adjacent section of Hadrian’s Wall and the Fort of Magna were heavily stone robbed in the 14th century, much of that stone probably being used to build the nearby Thirlwall Castle. Despite a sparsity of standing remains by the fourth week into the dig the impressive foundation stones of the milecastle are starting to emerge and alongside the outer wall of the structure a wonderful find was recently uncovered that gives us an insight into the sort of activities that took place there almost 2000 years ago. An exceptionally fine example of a small and delicate equal arm steelyard beam (or yard) was found during week three of the work. Rachel Frame, the Senior Archaeologist at the Magna site noted: “This was a part of the site we had been working in the week before but there had been no signs of any artefacts at all in this area; the extremely heavy rain that we had over the weekend helped to wash the last cover of soil from one end of the steelyard beam, revealing just a few centimetres of the artefact. At first, I thought it could be a large pin or needle, but it became clear as the find continued to be uncovered and features like the central fulcrum were revealed, that it was something much more special and could tell us a great deal about how the milecastle may have been used”. The 22cm copper alloy steelyard beam had a decorative integral central fulcrum hole to accommodate a suspension chain. One end of the beam was finished with a typical triple bevel design and delicate suspension hole from which a weighing pan would once have been hung via fine chains. The other would end would have been used to hang small weights from another chain. A feature of this steelyard is that from the fulcrum to one end of the beam are eleven evenly spaced, tiny circular silver inset points set 10mm apart, used as markers for moving the measuring weights along the arm. A portable steelyard of this size and calibre could have been used by a proficient Roman tax official, trader or merchant for weighing small, high value items passing through the milecastle at Magna. Trading posts like this would have worked both ways, taxing goods entering and leaving the borders of the Empire. The Roman army and Emperor taking their own cut from this potentially lucrative trade. Although not every milecastle was suitable for this purpose, number 46 at Magna, linked into a junction point of three major Roman roads, the Stanegate, the Maiden Way and the Military Road, was an ideal location for both tax and control and had clear and easy access to the north of the Wall. In the later Roman period, the flow of cut silver and glass artefacts flowed north out of the empire to buy the obedience of northern tribes. A practice which may have eventually played its part in encouraging more raiding into the province from beyond the frontier. The excavation of Milecastle 46 is part of a 5-year project by The Vindolanda Trust at the Magna site. The aims are to achieve a better understanding of the continued impact of climate change on the buried archaeology. The project has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with a grant of £1.625m. In addition to the 5-year research excavation the adjacent Roman Army Museum is being extended and as the new collection grows artefacts such as the newly uncovered steelyard beam will be displayed for the public to see. Visitors to the Roman Army Museum can view the nearby excavation area and get an update from the Magna team Monday-Friday at 11:30am-12pm and 2pm-2:30pm. There is also an online Dig Diary which is frequently updated with the latest news and developments. Excavations will continue this year until the 22nd of September.  

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