Party-goers travelled from far and wide to celebrate Northumberland National Park’s 60th birthday.
Despite a less than perfect weather forecast, the party in the park at Walltown on Hadrian’s Wall was a fun-packed day attracting people of all ages and from as far afield as Staffordshire.
Party-goers met the Rangers, went exploring on a Wild Safari, sipped tea in ‘landscape inspired’ cups made by the Park’s resident ceramic artist Megan Randall and tried their hand at making smelly cocktails, Park inspired birthday hats, bird feeders and edible treats!
Liz Benson from Wall Village, who shares her birthday with Northumberland National Park, had the honour of cutting a unique 60th birthday cake which was modelled on the Park and made by local confectioner Vallum House Cakes.
Liz was joined by her grandsons Robin age 5 and Daniel age 3. She said: “It was a lovely and unexpected surprise to be asked to cut the cake! I love the National Park and we’ve all had a great time today!”
Tony Gates, Chief Executive at Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “Our 60th birthday party has been a fantastic opportunity for people to join us in celebrating this important milestone in the Park’s history.
“It was fantastic to see so many brave the weather to support us and celebrate this wonderful landscape. I’d also like to wish Liz a very happy birthday!
“We’ve come a long way in 60 years and we have a lot more to look forward to. Being crowned National Park of the Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards is just the latest in a long list of accolades for this special place.
“As Europe’s largest International Dark Sky Park, being England’s most tranquil area, and having England’s cleanest rivers, we now have even more ambitious plans for the future through The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centreat Once Brewed on Hadrian’s Wall.
“Our ground-breaking project is the largest ever undertaken by a National Park in the UK and will transform how visitors of all ages understand and explore the landscapes and cultural heritage of not only Northumberland National Park, but the wonderful countryside and coastlines of the wider region. In an increasingly busy world, the opportunities for working, learning, discovery and recreation which the Park provides are more important than ever to people’s lives.”
Northumberland National Park was designated in 1956 and covers 405 square miles including the incredible landscape of Hadrian’s Wall, the tranquillity of the North Tyne Valley and the spectacular views from the Cheviots. Today there are 15 National Parks in the UK.
Earlier this year, Northumberland National Park was voted ‘National Park of the Year’ in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards. The award is particularly special because Northumberland National Park won as the result of a public ballot.
The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre which opens in summer 2017 was awarded £7.75 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Now under construction, its purpose is to act as a gateway to open up the landscapes of Northumberland National Park and surrounding areas to a broad range of new people including children, families and those who are less confident at exploring natural places.