Monthly Archives: March 2009

Talk by the County Council Public Rights Of Way Officer

A talk by the County Council Public Rights Of Way Officer. Hosted in the upstairs room at Ponteland Leisure Centre. 2.30pm Sunday 29th March. Visitors welcome to join us for an informative talk and slideshow on Public Rights Of Way. Visit our Contact page if you require more information from the Secretary.

Spring Egg Show 2009

Sunday 19th April Northumbria Smallholders Egg Show at Hawthorn Cottage. Doors Open 1.00pm. Judging begins at 2.00pm

Famous Cattle – The Durham Ox

How many have seen a pub called the Durham Ox? ( How many have been in a pub called the Durham Ox?) The Durham or Teeswater Cattle, native to Northern England and Teesdale are now called “Shorthorn Cattle”. The Durham Ox was born in 1796 and was first exhibited at Darlington Market when three years…

Could Mull become the Noah’s Ark for the Red Squirrel?

The recent discovery of pox virus in grey squirrels in the Scottish Borders is bad news for Scotland’s remaining red squirrel population. Red squirrels once occupied most of the lowland woods in the UK but today, the only remaining populations of any consequence are in northern England and Scotland. The larger American grey squirrel was…

A Ticking Timebomb In The Countryside

You should be aware that Tick numbers are on the increase, as are cases of Lymes disease from their bites. Ticks are active from March to October in rural locations. They are second only to mosquitoes for carrying disease to humans. People most at risk are those participating in outdoor activities, trecking,, hiking,, climbing ,…

Going Back To School

On a raw February afternoon a group of Smallholders made their way to a Newcastle primary school. We had been invited to put on a display of country crafts to a class of 6-7 year olds who had spent the previous week exploring the use of natural materials. Neither group in this arrangement knew quite…