Northumberland Wildlife Trust is marking the first anniversary of the brass rubbing disc nature trails at its Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and Nature Reserve at Druridge Bay. The trail opened to visitors a year ago and has become a popular attraction for families and visitors of all ages, thanks to funding from Northumbrian Water’s Bluespaces programme.
A trail designed for all visitors
Located in the reserve’s woodland on its most accessible route, the trail is wheelchair, pram and buggy friendly, ensuring more people can enjoy discovering wildlife. Open all year round, it features ten brass rubbing discs inspired by species commonly found around the Druridge Bay area, with a wetland theme that encourages visitors to explore the reserve while learning about its wildlife.
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 full of seasonal colour.
Positive feedback from the first year
Alex Lister, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Druridge Bay Landscapes Manager, said: “The trail and accompanying booklet are fantastic and have proved 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.”
Simon Cossar, Northumbrian Water Project Manager, said: “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.”
Thanks to the community and funders
Simon added: “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.” Alex also expressed gratitude, saying: “I would like to thank Northumbrian Water’s Bluespaces programme for providing the funding that made this project possible.”
