If you enjoy the Simonside Hills, you may have noticed some activity taking place there recently and would probably like to know what is happening.

Since 1994, Northumberland National Park Authority has been tackling the problem of erosion along the footpaths through the hills.

The heather moorland and blanket bog of Simonside is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of international importance.

The work involves creating a sandstone path that blends in with the natural geology of the hills and is capable of coping with all weathers. It is an expensive and difficult job involving 450 tonnes of stone which has to be lifted by helicopter and laid by skilled contractors before the heather can be reseeded.

Thanks to a windfall grant from Northumberland Strategic Partnership and ONE Northeast, the National Park has been able to undertake a further phase of this work over the winter of 2008, reinforcing sections of the ridge path from the Lordenshaws road over Dover Crag to Old Stell Crag. A contribution to costs has also been made by Shepherds Walks through the National Park’s Good Nature Fund.

The community and visitors will now be able to enjoy a good stretch of path for walks and spectacular views - whatever the weather.

The Simonside landscape is the result of human use and occupation spanning 7,000 years. This work will see it protected in everyone’s interests far into the future.

In August 2008 Fontburn Waterworks and Reservoir celebrates its centenary. As I used to shepherd down to the banks of this reservoir it is something that is close to my heart.

Over the centenary celebrations I will be leading two walks which will be passing over some of the land I used to shepherd on.

I will be joined by the English Nature Officer for the Fontburn valley, Kelly Holmes. Throughout the walks she will be informing us about the surrounding nature and wild-life.

After the walk Ken Robinson, manager of the Fontburn water- works, will be offering short tours (approx 40 mins) of the works. These tours would cover the history of the works as well as present operations and viewing some of the old photos on display there. This area is not normally open to the public, so I know I am certainly looking forward to it.

There will also be a marquee on site throughout the day, where walkers will be able to have complimentary tea/coffee and scones and somewhere dry and sheltered to have a break.

Sorry no dogs allowed.

I very much hope you can join me.

Just click on guided walks (left hand side) to find out more info.