Tag Archives: The National Trust

Conservation: The Farne Islands And Long Nanny In Northumberland, UK

National Trust (March 13, 2023) – In the first episode of The Wild Life, a new series of nature films from the National Trust, presenter Levison Wood explores one of England’s most important seabird colonies. The Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, have been cared for by the National Trust since 1925 and are a breeding site for 23 species of seabird, including 43,000 puffin pairs.

The islands are also home to grey seals with around 2,000 pups born every autumn. With an introduction from presenter Julia Bradbury, this film explores the Inner Farne, where you’ll see dive-bombing terns, a medieval chapel and a Victorian lighthouse. Levison finds out what life is like for the rangers who had to deal with the devastating impact of bird flu. He also learns more about the work being done to maintain and protect the area’s fragile ecosystem, address the impact of climate change, protect bird nests and monitor species.

Parts of the Farne Islands may be closed to the public and landing on the islands may not be possible due to bird flu. If closures are in place, you can still experience the islands on a boat tour. Please check the website before you visit: Farne Islands | Northumberland | National Trust With your support we can continue to care for coastal places like The Farne Islands.

Donate today and help protect wildlife and nature for future generations. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/supp…

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Tours: Plas Newydd House Snowdonia, North Wales

National Trust – Set on the shores of the Menai Strait, visitors to the gardens at Plas Newydd in Wales can take in the sea air and enjoy views of Snowdonia.

The gardens, dating back to the 16th century, owe much of their dramatic beauty to landscape designer Humphry Repton who in 1798, who planted trees to make the most of the views. Repton’s legacy influences the way the National Trust cares for the gardens today.

Discover ornate courtyards, a vibrant rhododendron garden and a tree house – features when the 6th Marquess of Anglesey lived at Plas Newydd with his family. You’ll also pick up a gardening tip to help you keep your flower beds happy and healthy over winter. The gardens at Plas Newydd are only open at weekends during the winter.

Design: The Woolbeding ‘Kinetic Glasshouse’ (2022)

The Woolbeding Glasshouse

Heatherwick Studio has unveiled its latest project, a kinetic glasshouse set on the edge of the gardens here at Woolbeding. 

This unfolding structure provides the focal point to a new garden that reveals how much the ancient Silk Route – which linked the Western world with the Middle East and Asia – has influenced English gardens of today. It features ten steel ‘sepals’ with glass and aluminium façade which take four minutes to open, creating an immense 141m2 space in the shape of a crown. 

The glasshouse draws inspiration from the spirit of Victorian ornamental terrariums. It deploys cutting-edge engineering to provide a functional protective structure while at the same time offering a beguiling, decorative element to the new Silk Route Garden. 

On warm days, the glasshouse opens its ‘sepals’ using a hydraulic mechanism to allow the plants access to direct sunshine and ventilation, while in colder weather the structure will remain closed, providing shelter to a collection of subtropical species.