Please RSVP by Thursday 8 June to Sophie Dingwall
E: sdingwall@gwct.org.uk
T: 07925 597676
Middleton North
Middleton North is a small estate of 440 acres in Northumberland and situated about ten miles west of Morpeth and 22 miles north of Newcastle. The land is a mixture of ancient rig and furrow, arable that has been converted into herbal rich leys, mixes for wild birds mixes and wildflowers. In addition there are a number of small woods, an old railway line and a stretch of the River Wansbeck.
Charlie and his wife Charlotte are in the midst of a large biodiversity project and over the last three years have been adding new habitats, improving existing ones at the same time as producing food. So far 15,000 trees have been planted, 11km of hedges and created 14 ponds. This has been achieved through government schemes plus funding for ponds through Coca Cola facilitated by the Northumberland Rivers Trust and the tree planting for woods and woodland pasture has been provided by The Woodland Trust.
The farm is still productive as a livestock farm, but the farmland birds have all increased beyond expectation. For example last year’s winter bird count saw 300 yellow hammers in just one spot. All of this work has also had a dramatic effect on the wild game. There have been impressive increases in grey partridge, woodcock, snipe and pheasant. Due to the exorbitant price of pheasants this year there weren’t any put down and were just fed in a few places. Shoot days provided small but mixed bags, but most importantly created lots of smiles on faces.
Charlie will take us on a walk to show how this has all happened and explain the lessons he’s learned along the way. He will be joined by GWCT advisor, Jennie Stafford. Walking boots are advisable and wellies if wet. The walk is expected to finish by 7.30pm followed by a fantastic barbecue. Meet in the farmyard at Greenside Farm, Hartburn, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 4EN
Directions:
- Track heads North from Bend on road between Scots Gap and Hartburn Green sign saying Private Land - ignore it
- Head up track
- Turn LEFT at top into the Yard. Green Sign Saying Greenside Farmyard Only
Please see www.middleton-north.co.uk for further information.