The Tree Trail is 'so inspiring and joyful'!
Updated: Sep 15
Beech Tree at the start of the Rothbury Tree Trail. Susan Barwood.
It was such a lovely surprise to check in on the Rothbury, Northumberland Facebook Page today. As well as the newsy posts, the funnies, the queries, the discussions, was a review of the Tree Trail by the gifted photographer, Susan Barwood. She begins by saying 'I have been meaning to do the Rothbury Tree Trail since the App was first created by Katie Scott, and an amazing team of musicians and readers'.
What first drew my eye to her FB post was the glorious light in the photographs. Susan Barwood is an extraordinarily talented, and experienced, photographer who works in the North East of England. I had admired her landscapes many times. But these were a group of photos of Rothbury Trees - and even better - they are all of the trees which feature on the Tree Trail!
The Craa Tree. Susan Barwood
It is remarkably difficult to get a good photograph of this tree because of its position. I think this might be the best one I have ever seen. The Craa Tree speaks with the voice of Hazel Mason - and the Ghost Tree's voice is James Tait, with his authentic Northumbrian dialect.
The Rothbury Parish Council Rowan. Susan Barwood.
The youngest tree on the Trail, telling some interesting tales, as well as the lore of the Rowan.
The Chestnut Tree. Susan Barwood.
Voiced by Sandy Hunter, this tree's tale is one of bravery. Music by the Rothbury Highland Pipe Band adds to the atmosphere of the stories.
Conkers on the Chestnut Tree, by the War Memorial. Susan Barwood.
Brewery Lane, School Bank. Susan Barwood.
The Beech at the bottom, the Queen of the Trees, is voiced by Sheila Gregory. Rod Clements wrote the music, especially for this Trail.
Addycombe Cottages. Susan Barwood.
The Weeping Ash. Susan Barwood.
These poor trees are not in a good way. Though they are still a refuge for a host of creatures and flora. They tell some interesting stories of people in times gone by. Voiced by Patsy and Billy Murray, with the most haunting songs by Hannah Lamb.
Sycamore on Armstrong Park. Susan Barwood.
The sun peeps through this powerful tree - whose words are spoken by Jon Tait, as he tells about the history of the football club.
Have you done the Trail yet? It lasts about 45 - 60 minutes. If you haven't, as Susan suggests at the end of her review, "Give it a go! You will love it".
I hope you will, and I hope you do.
Many thanks to Susan for allowing the use of her photographs.
North East Photographer | Northumberland | Newcastle | UK - Susan Barwood Photography