Successful first year for wildlife trail at Northumberland nature reserve

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is celebrating the success of the brass rubbing disc nature trail at its Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and Nature Reserve at Druridge Bay, one year after it opened to visitors.

The trail, which was made possible thanks to funding from Northumbrian Water’s Bluespaces programme, has become a popular attraction for families and visitors of all ages.

Situated within the reserve’s woodland on its most accessible route, the trail is wheelchair, pram and buggy friendly, ensuring more people can enjoy discovering local wildlife.

Open all year-round and featuring ten brass rubbing discs inspired by species commonly found around the Druridge Bay area, the wetland-themed trail encourages visitors to explore the reserve while learning more about the wildlife that calls it home.

Visitors can collect rubbings using colourful crayons and a specially designed booklet, both available from the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre reception.

The activity provides a fun and engaging way to connect with nature throughout the year and is particularly appealing during autumn when the reserve is alive with seasonal colour.

Alex Lister, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Druridge Bay Landscapes Manager, says: "The trail and accompanying booklet are fantastic and have proved so popular during the past year. It is a wonderful way to learn more about our wildlife while enjoying a walk around the reserve, which is especially spectacular at this time of year.

"Once complete, the booklet becomes a brilliant souvenir of a visit and can be taken home to share with family and friends.

"I would like to thank Northumbrian Water’s Bluespaces programme for providing the funding that made this project possible."

Simon Cossar, Northumbrian Water Project Manager says: “When we are working in local communities, it is great to be able to give something back to thank people from the area for their patience and understanding.

 "Through our Bluespaces programme, which aims to go above and beyond regulatory requirements in terms of enhancing accessible areas around water, we can do this in a way that also benefits the environment. We are really pleased to see the improvements at Hauxley Wildlife Reserve are now open to the public.”