A buzzard has been found shot near Blanchland (close to the River Derwent) in the North Pennines AONB - it was first discovered on 10 May. PC Lee Davison, Northumbria Police's Wildlife Crime Officer, said: "Northumberland is home to a variety of wildlife-including birds of prey. "It is a criminal offence and, where possible, we … Continue reading Sad times – Buzzard found shot in North Pennines AONB
Pebble map of the North Pennines
Last weekend people at Bowlees Visitor Centre were invited to help create a 'pebble map' of the North Pennines AONB & UNESCO Global Geopark. The idea was to create a scale model of the area using small rocks/pebbles - reflecting the actual geology! Part of the area's celebration of European Geoparks Week. It's all part … Continue reading Pebble map of the North Pennines
The power of social media…
Last Friday I posted an image of a dead lamb on the North Pennines AONB Partnership Facebook page. It was a sad casualty on the road between Edmundbyers and Stanhope in the North Pennines AONB. I hoped that it would encourage people to slow down on the unfenced moorland roads in the area and give … Continue reading The power of social media…
It’s that time of year again…
I've been at a meeting at Derwent Waterside Park (Derwent Reservoir) this morning and on the journey back to Stanhope in Weardale it was distressing to see a number of dead lambs along the road across the unfenced moor. At this time of year lambs (and their mothers) are put out onto the fells in … Continue reading It’s that time of year again…
My 1st cuckoo of the year!
I love hearing my first cuckoo of the year! For me it's a bit of a right of passage into spring/early summer. Until I've heard one it doesn't feel right. This year has been a bit frustrating as I'd heard tell of cuckoos being back but I hadn't heard my first yet... ...It finally happened … Continue reading My 1st cuckoo of the year!
Trip to the Cheviots
Last Sunday (19 May) I ventured north for the Cheviots Trail Marathon. The route followed the St Cuthbert's Way from Wooler to Kirk Yetholm and back and was organised by Cheviot Trail Events - a small outfit headed up by Glen. It was a hot, humid day with barely a breathe of wind and numerous … Continue reading Trip to the Cheviots
Taking a moment in Helen’s Garden
After a meeting this morning I managed to catch a few moments in Helen's Garden at Bowlees Visitor Centre in Upper Teesdale. It was calming to watch the bumblebees visiting flowers and to check up on the progress being made by the hedges - 2 years old now... http://www.northpennines.org.uk/bowlees-visitor-centre/ and http://www.facebook.com/VisitBowlees/
Harlequin Ladybird ‘spotted’ in North Pennines
A couple of reports have emerged of the non-native Harlequin ladybird in the North Pennines. This beast is one of the most invasive insect species known. It arrived in Britain in 2004 and since then it has gradually extended its distribution. Currently it has only been recorded a couple of times in the AONB but … Continue reading Harlequin Ladybird ‘spotted’ in North Pennines
To fly or not to fly…
Flying is predicted to grow at 3.5%pa and therefore will nearly quadruple between 2015 and 2050. Aviation is currently thought to be responsible for 2% of global CO2 emissions but this is forecast to grow to 22% by 2050. Even more worrying is that only 3% of the world's population flew in 2017 - a … Continue reading To fly or not to fly…
What if you find a baby bird?
At this time of year it's not uncommon to find baby birds (with or without feathers) on the ground. If you've had this experience and not known what (if anything) to do about it - this flow chart from the RSPB is just the thing! More information is available at https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/injured-and-baby-birds/baby-birds/
North Pennines Shane 