Countryside

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In ancient footsteps

Anthony Toole explores a route from Crindledykes to Muckle Moss to discover a panoramic view of Hadrian’s footsteps, the remains of an Iron Age settlement and a variety of beautiful flora and fauna

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Into the valley

John Grundy recalls days exploring the Coquet Valley in all conditions, from snow to summer picnic weather, and recommends we do the same

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Lords of the flies

Ian Kerr profiles the spotted and the pied flycatcher, king and queen of the insects they hunt in aerobatic style

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Out of the woods

Northumberland’s forests have long been a refuge for one of Britain’s most mysterious and intriguing species. Author and naturalist Conor Mark Jameson has been under its spell for some time . . .

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

Arctic explorer

Ian Kerr profiles the little auk – a brave Arctic seabird that is often blown off course to the Northumbrian coastline.

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

For nature & nation

Northumberland Wildlife Trust CEO Mike Pratt considers the opportunities offered by the purchase of the Rothbury Estate.

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Let us prey...

Ian Kerr profiles that most diminutive bird of prey, the red-backed shrike – a rare visitor to our shores which has birdwatches glued to the skies in hope of its arrival in spring

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Six of the best

At last, we are waking from our winter slumber. Time to go outdoors, with six spring walks over hillside, country and coast selected by David Steel

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Rocks of ages

Anthony Toole relives a childhood obsession with geology when he  takes his grandson fossil hunting in the beautiful rugged landscape of Greenlee Lough, just north of Hadrian’s Wall near Housesteads

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

Kes

Ian Kerr salutes that most accomplished aerial acrobat, the kestrel.

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

Bridging centuries

Anthony Toole enjoys a small slice of history with a walk taking in Lambley Viaduct and the surrounding area.

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We three kings

Through the two longest-named settlements in England and into a ruggedly lovely landscape, Anthony Toole explores the oddly little-known Redesdale Forest and Three Kings stone circle.

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Aln another thing...

John Grundy follows the route of the diminutive River Aln, which though it may be small, follows the trajectory of major events which have set the course of history in the region.

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Cuddy’s duck

Ian Kerr profiles St Cuthbert’s favourite, the eider duck.

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

Just the tonic

Anthony Toole discovers the wild and rugged country of the Hepple Estate.

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

Out of the woods

Author and naturalist Conor Mark Jameson shares the joy of immersion in forest landscapes.

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

For the birds

Conor Mark Jameson explores the life of the campaigning conservationist and supporter of the founders of the RSPB, WH Hudson.

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

Winter wader land

Ian Kerr celebrates the many species of wader which arrive on these shores in winter.

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

Time travel

Mike Pratt marvels at the sense of tranquillity we can all enjoy in wild and hidden places

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Jane Pikett Jane Pikett

Mind the gap

John Ashton considers the now unoccupied Sycamore Gap and its part as a sacred place in our history.

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