Cuthbert’s Moor on BBC Countryfile A donation in memory of

Ian Whale

The Trust was delighted to welcome BBC Countryfile to Cuthbert’s Moor Nature Reserve, in May, to tell them all about some innovative bird surveying taking place, in partnership with Durham University. Thanks to funding from the ScottishPower Foundation and The Linder Foundation, the Trust has launched a one-year project focused on the study and restoration of the land. Countryfile came along to understand our plans to use technology in the place of traditional methods, for conservation surveying in a remote location. You can read more about what is happening at Cuthbert’s Moor on page 11.

Hannah’s legacy

Thanks to funding from the Farming in the Protected Landscapes programme, the Trust – through the North Pennines AONB Partnership – has been able to carry out a number of improvements to Hannah’s Meadow Nature Reserve in Teesdale, to make it more accessible and informative to visitors. Mark Dinning, Head of Conservation, said: “Hannah’s Meadow is a wonderful reserve set in rural Teesdale. Many people travel significant distances to visit this traditional hay meadow, and we were keen to make it easier to navigate and share more about the history of the wild space. We have installed new boardwalks on the road down, and path along, to Hannah’s old barn, added fantastic new information signage along with a fun board game in the barn, and visitors can now enjoy a circular walk from Balderhead Reservoir, waymarked with quirky signs featuring Hannah Hauxwell’s portrait. The meadow is cut in late July, but the reserve is worth a visit all year round.”

Find out more: durhamwt.com/visit

The Trust would like to send heartfelt thanks to Jennifer Whale, for the kind donation of £5,000 in memory of her late husband Ian Whale. Reserves Officer, Tim Davis, said: “Ian was a regular visitor to Low Barns Nature Reserve, an active member of the photography club, and, as well as being a keen naturalist and mycologist, Ian was also a very keen fisherman. The money raised from the sale of Ian’s fishing gear has been kindly donated to the Trust, and the team here at Low Barns will ensure it is put to good use conserving this beautiful wild place that Ian enjoyed spending so much time visiting.”

Low Barns boardwalk

Further to the last update on the Low Barns boardwalk, we are pleased to confirm that a contractor has been appointed and materials have been ordered, ready for work to commence in September, as planned.