On 25th January 2022 the Revitalising Redesdale team gave an online presentation about the overall Revitalising Redesdale programme so far, including Natural Redesdale and Lost Redesdale archaeology activities, together with Community Engagement and Activity proposals for the coming year. The talk is now available for you to view below and on our YouTube channel.
Interested in finding out more about what we’re up to? Visit our What’s On page to see upcoming events.
It may not feel like mid-June but summer is fast approaching and it is a great time to be out in the natural world! The birds are singing, wildflowers blooming, and lambs are putting on some timber.
This week we are handing over to Billy Bell, the famous Redesdale poet, to celebrate natural Redesdale and, perhaps, inspire you to write a poem about nature near you. As part of The Wildlife Trust’s 30 Days Wild challenge or simply because it is a wonderful way to engage with nature, why not write a poem about somewhere in Redesdale and send it to us. We would love to hear what you have to say!
From ‘Amid the Hills of Redesdale’ by William ‘Billy’ Bell
Now Phoebus with his kindly beams
Smiles sweet on woodland, fields and streams
Where happy songsters chant their themes
Amid the hills of Redesdale
Now with radiant stately mein
Summer spreads her mantle green
Where the new shorn flocks are seen
Amid the hills of Redesdale
Where the many coloured flowers
Sparkling with the dewy showers
Lighten up the fragrant bowers
Amid the hills of Redesdale
Leafy woods and ferny fells
Time worn deep and rocky dells
Clear cold bubbling crystal wells
Amid the hills of Redesdale
Where the heath bedecks the wold
Where the sunsets sink in gold
O’er the mountains grim and old
Amid the hills of Redesale
Where the pricker once did ride
Trusty broad sword by his side
Moon and stars his only guide
Amid the hills of Redesdale
Where the hut and sheltering peel
Oft the touch of fire did feel
When the Scotsmen came to steal
Amid the hills of Redesdale
Where the din of battle brayed
Where drank deep the flashing blade
Deeds of valour were displayed
Amid the hills of Redesdale
But these times have changed today
Blessed peace now holds her sway
May she reign for ay and ay
Amid the hills of Redesdale
If you haven’t already discovered it, Northumberland National Park’s collaboration with Simon Armitage – Poems in the Air – is a fantastic example of how poetry exists within the landscape. Where does poetry exist in Redesdale for you? Send us your poems about a place of natural beauty or evocative of the valley’s colourful history.
If you are looking for inspiration, you might find poetry in the ripples of wind through a wildflower meadow?
Even if poetry is not your thing, look out for wildflowers in your local area, especially the not so familiar ones, such as wood cranesbill, sneezewort, globe flower and pignut. How many types can you spot? Don’t worry if you’re not an expert, snap a photo and add it to the inaturalist app and members of the recording community can help to identify it! You can also use Plantlife’s Spotter Sheets to get an idea of what to look out for each month.
Our Reflowering Redesdale project is all about increasing the wildflower diversity and connecting networks for pollinators, in hay meadows, village green-spaces, along road verges or in certain lay-by parking spots. If you would like to get involved in this project once we are able to work outside again, please get in touch with the Team.
Please remember to follow the UK Government’s guidance on enjoying time outdoors responsibly and be considerate of local communities: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
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