Season of Celebration!
Wednesday, 3 September 2025
With the possibility of Community Orchards in Rothbury - September's Tree Blog was full of happy news.
And so is this one.
But just a reminder: Rothbury Tree Wardens were made 'official' in March 2022. We celebrated by planting 150 saplings at Beggar's Rigg. Now, three and half years later, we celebrate how well these have done. And we look at the biggest news story of all...
This is me and John looking absolutely bonkers, and soaking wet, after caring for the trees on 3rd September 2025. It was our turn on the rota. (He could have told me I had a dirty smear on my chin, eh?).
Over these years we have probably replaced only about 10-15 saplings. It is encouraging to see how well they are all growing. We have told you before about how Rothbury Tree Wardens take turns to care for them. (And a massive thank you, to them).
We have also helped plant trees in many other places, of course, and if you want us to help you, get in touch!
What follows is some photos, and then more news.
Silver Birch - the pioneer tree - are doing the best. The ones planted at the back are pretty big already.
Beautiful Rowan - most of these are also quite big now.
This is the largest cherry, none of the cherries have grown very big, yet.
Oak. Taking its time, but that is fine, it is a very long living tree. This one is the tallest, most are still quite low down in their tubes.
Horse Chestnut
Barry and Erica Frost grew a Horse Chestnut from its seed. They asked us to find a place for it, as it had outgrown its pot.
We were delighted to plant it today, and it is amongst other horse chestnuts. Fingers crossed that this special tree grows big and strong.
Alan Winlow made these 'cages' to protect the Horse Chestnuts in particular.
The Rothbury Estate - and the future...
It is a scary world, and we live in a society that, unfortunately, seems to engage daily in online (and real life) hostility, and nastiness - division. It feels like it is getting worse, doesn't it?
This is not the way to be. Not the way to raise our children. Not the way to treat our neighbours.
However, the vast majority of folk know this, and are good and kind, and know that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. Thank Goodness! We just need to remind ourselves, that the generous and kind are in the vast majority. They maybe haven't got the loudest voices, that is all!
The purchase of some of the Rothbury Estate by the Wildlife Trust, and hopefully the rest, in the next year, is a wonderful, positive, exciting prospect for all. And especially for Nature. This is a massive boon for those in our area, and way beyond.
All members and supporters of Rothbury Climate and Nature are delighted to support and promote this wonderful project. The Wildlife Trust people involved are listening, really listening, to everyone. They truly want what is best for all. They want to do good, and do no harm.
The Wildlife Trust has access to vast knowledge and skills, and they want to hear from everyone around. Particularly those who have an interest in the Estate. Lots of people are keen to share their intimate and deep knowledge of this well loved and important place.
Read about the history of the Estate - take a look at what the Trust is saying - and please do consider donating to help secure the future of this wonderful place, including our beloved, Sacred Simonside Hills.
"The Estate is located among a network of sites that includes land managed by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the National Trust and Hepple Wilds, among others, and is connected to the coast by the River Coquet. This connected network of habitats is vital to allow wildlife to move through the landscape.
The Rothbury Estate is a vital part of this vision - it could form the lynchpin of a 40-mile nature corridor. There are very few places in England right now with the opportunity to create a connected landscape for nature on such a large scale".
How brilliant is this vision?
You see, there are far more good things happening than bad - if we can only close our ears and eyes to the noisy nasties!
Beautiful Blue Simonside, by Stuart Paterson.