The diminutive Spring Gentian, with its piercing blue flower, is a real speciality of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark. In fact, whilst it is common in Central Europe, Upper Teesdale is the only place in the UK it's possible to see it. Every year I try and … Continue reading In search of Spring Gentians
Joining the Litterati
Back in the heady days of March this year I discovered and joined the Litterati. It’s made me think differently about an age-old problem… This piece of litter was discarded 5 meters away from a bin. What gives? Littering is a massive issue in the UK. A quick internet search uncovers some, frankly, horrifying factoids: … Continue reading Joining the Litterati
Leaves!
I'm a massive fan of leaves - especially at this time of year! The green colours are so vibrant and the novelty of trees not being bare hasn't worn off yet. These pictures were all taken this morning on my route to work... it's such a joy seeing them again after a long, hard North … Continue reading Leaves!
Running the Tea Trail!
So the weekend before last I ran the Isaac’s Tea Trail in the North Pennines AONB – I joined a group of NE trail runners (members of the ‘Trails, Ultras and other crazy running events’ Facebook Group) in Allendale early doors on Sunday morning. It was a cool, windless, dry morning – perfect running weather! … Continue reading Running the Tea Trail!
Welcome!
Thanks for joining me! The North Pennines is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, inky-black night skies, close-knit communities, glorious waterfalls, fantastic birds, colourful hay meadows, stone-built villages, intriguing imprints of a mining and industrial past and distinctive plants. Because of these special qualities it is designated … Continue reading Welcome!
North Pennines Shane 