Nearest Landscape & Nature Northumberland

Bedlington Country Park covers approximately 57 hectares of woodland and grassland on the north banks of River Blyth with many bridle paths and nature trails. The park is a steep sloping, natural wooded valley which runs from the old Bedlington Iron Works site at Furnace Bridge in the east, through Attlee Park at the bottom of Bedlington Bank, beside Bedlington Bridge and the A193 road, west towards Humford Mill and Hartford Hall to the west. In 1984 the Country Park was created to protect the unique nature of the area and in 2006 Local Nature Reserve status was gained. The Country Park can be reached by bus, which stops at Hartford Hall, Bedlington Front Street and beside the Bank Top Public House (Bedlington Station). There are three car parks within the site, at Furnace Bridge, at the bottom of Bedlington Bank, Attlee Park and at Humford Mill. Pedestrian access is also available from Spring Park Road, Church Lane (leads to Humford Mill) and Hartford Hall.

Two ancient woodlands now nature reserves around Morpeth. Take a walk along the riverside path at Scotch Gill. It is a great place to visit to spot otters, kingfishers, trout and to hear woodland birds such as spotted flycatcher, long tailed tit and jay. The Ancient Woodland of Borough Woods Local Nature Reserve was once owned by the Abbey itself and is on the south bank of the River Wansbeck. There are footpaths throughout the woodland, including a circular route from the car park at High House Road.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust nature reserves. This seven mile bay stretches from Amble to Cresswell. Opencast mining in much of this previously flat and and almost featureless landscape has allowed the creation of many wetland areas and lakes which are a magnet for wild life. This area has a number of reserves: Hauxley Nature Reserve, Druridge Pools, Cresswell Pond and the 100 acre reedbed and deep water pools, purpose designed at East Chevington.

The gardens at Howick are deliberately aimed at garden lovers with the extensive grounds offering a wide variety of plants throughout the year. The hall is not open to the public.

Creating a stunning photograph isn’t about having an expensive camera or all the right gear. It’s about taking inspiration from what you see and genuinely capturing the moment. Through Northumberland Photo Training I teach the art of natural photography. I’ll share my enthusiasm for the natural world and show you how to focus on the ‘life’ in a landscape. You’ll learn about atmosphere and light, how to see the potential in a location and take beautiful photographs which document the narrative in front of you. I offer bespoke photo workshops to suit all skill levels and interests – from the basics of digital photography through to advanced techniques and digital post-production, which is taught in a purpose-built computer suite using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. Tuition is provided for small groups or on a one-to-one basis and across a wide range of topics.  The courses start from £65 for a 1:1, 3 hour PhotoTrail.

Bolam Lake Country Park with easy walking and cycling along many lakeside and woodland trails. Canoeing and fishing on the lake. Facilities include picnic areas, cafe and visitor centre.

Silver sands surrounded by wildlife-rich dunes, rocky shores and headlands. Quiet beaches for walks, sandcastles and surfing. The Northumberland Coast Path, part of the North Sea Trail, runs through this estate from Beadnell Bay in the north to Newton Point and Newton Haven, then along Embleton Bay towards Dunstanburgh Castle in the south.