500 Trees planted within Northumberland National Park



Illuminating Hadrian's Wall - Steel Rigg, Northumberland.



Saturday 13^th March 2010, saw Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail illuminated with 500 points of light from gas burners and flares. In total, 1200 illuminators were stationed at 250 metre intervals along the 84 mile route. The ‘line of light’ started at Wallsend and travelled across the country until it reached Bowness on Solway.

The progress of the ‘line of light’ was filmed using a helicopter, the first beacon was lit at 5.45 p.m. and the last at just after 7.00 p.m.

At the planning stage of the event, Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited made a commitment through their published Environmental and Sustainability Policy to offset the carbon from the gas burners and helicopter fuel, through a process of tree planting within the Hadrian’s Wall corridor.

A calculation was carried out to work out the amount of carbon used (burners and helicopter fuel only) and how many new trees that would equate to if they were to act as a carbon sink, over the duration of their lifetime to maturity.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited now plans to create new managed woodland within the Northumberland National Park as a living legacy from the event.

Volunteers are going to plant 500 trees, consisting of Rowan, Silver Birch, Goat Willow, Alder, Oak and Scots Pine at two National Park sites: Walltown Quarry and Cawfields.

This number of trees more than over compensates the number of trees suggested from the results of the calculation; this is to allow for any other sources of carbon used during the event. These 500 trees will represent the 500 points of light illuminated for the event.

On the 9^th March 2011, we assembled at Walltown Quarry, National Park Recreation site. The group braving the wind, snow and rain consisted of: Northumberland National Park Rangers, Northumberland National Park Voluntary Rangers, Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited Staff and National Trail Volunteer Rangers.

                                                     

Walltown Quarry trees were planted and protected by lunchtime. After lunch, which was provided by Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited, we all moved to the second site at Cawfields, National Park Recreation site. Getting all trees, tools and equipment ready, the group sprang into action again and completed the task by mid afternoon.

Walltown Quarry, Northumberland.

Cawfields, Northumberland.

It is coming up to the first anniversary of Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall; the work carried out at the two sites is a fitting tribute to the widely successful and ambitious project.

Without a range of different organisations, their support and all of the individuals involved, this once in a lifetime event would not have been possible.

Volunteering with Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited

Hadrian’s Wall Path became the 15^th National Trail, when it was opened in May 2003. National Trails are long distance footpaths and bridleways found in England and Wales.

The Path covers 84 miles coast to coast and for most of its length it closely follows the route of Hadrian’s Wall. Hadrian’s Wall has been recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approximately 10,000 walkers a year use the Path.



National Trail Acorn logo and route maker.



Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited is the company that was set up to develop and manage the World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall. This involves protecting the archaeology, landscape and environment of the Scheduled Monument and developing the local economy.

I have been a National Trail Volunteer Ranger for one year. My part of the Path covers just over three miles from Portgate (Stagshaw roundabout, Corbridge) to Heavenfield (near Chollerford). This part of the Path runs parallel with the

B6318 Military Road

through farm and woodland.

My volunteering started with an informal discussion about the role with Kerry Shaw, Volunteer Coordinator. After completing an application form, it was not long before the batch of new volunteers was given two weekends of training. As well as navigation, orientation and first aid awareness in the outdoors; we were given an Introduction to Archaeology.



Trail looking West.



With a familiarisation walk of the section allocated and being supplied with our distinctive clothing, tools and paperwork. We were now ready to go out the trail. Our main aim is to monitor the condition of the Path, whilst undertaking a wide range of tasks such as: picking up litter, cutting back nettles, brambles and vegetation, taking photographs of problem areas on the path and probably the most important meeting and talking to the walkers on the trail.

During my first season on the Path, I have met and talked to a large amount of walkers from different areas of this country and others from around the World. Items discussed have been varied and to date I have not met a walker who has anything negative to say about the trail. They are very complimentary about how well it is maintained and comment about the lack of litter.



Path passing through Heavenfield looking West.



Even after a short period of time, I am proud to be part of a team that is helping to maintain and monitor such an important archaeological site. I am not only speaking for myself, but I feel that all National Trail volunteers will become very protective about their section and welcome the chance to be the face of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd.You can recognise the volunteers in their blue fleeces and waterproofs, which are customised with the National Trail Acorn and World Heritage Site logo.

With the new walking season starting on the 1^st May, I am looking forward to the leisurely monitoring walks taking in some magnificent scenery and completing the practical/maintenance work.



Trail looking East.