Looking back on the trail up to Brands hill, back along the harthope valley. Taken whilst surveying the 4 mile 'Harthope valley walk' promoted route, directions available on the northumberland national park website. N'land National Park #familyfun #circularwalk

Slightly blurry but beautiful native dragon! The humble common lizard, basking in the early morning sunshine in northumberland national park N'land National Park #dragon #lizard #reptile

A diverse range of lichen species growing on a standing rock near Holystone N'land National Park #lichen #standingstone #textures

Yeavering Bell cairn with the cheviot hills rolling behind N'land National Park #hilfort #cairn #northumberland

Bog myrtle, otherwise known as 'sweet gale' spotted in an abundance in the wet-woodland area of Holystone Common. Bog myrtle grows in wetlands, on mires, by burns and peat bogs. It's a natural insect repellent and traditionally used to flavour beer! N'land National Park #peat #wetland

Taken last Sunday whilst walking up from Chew Green to Lamb hill along the Pennine way, to the mountain refuse hut. We were treated to some bright spells and fantastic views across the border! There was also wind, rain and hail! ) #springtime #nationaltrail #pennineway N'land National Park

Perhaps this is where the fairies gather to soak up the morning sun? Mossy boulders beneath bare mature trees along the college burn. N'land National Park #mossmonday #Fairytale

Gorse in full bloom in Kirknewton last week. Releasing a tropical coconut scent in the bright sun. Mind those sharp spikes if getting in for a closer sniff! N'land National Park #spikey #pollunators

West Hill Hillfort - taken whilst surveying the Kirknewton Hillfort trail N'land National Park

We've been putting up lambing signs along the rights off way network in the north of the national park this week. Here is a view I snapped of the river Alwin whilst walking trails at the weekend. Please be considerate of livestock and put your dog on a lead #takethelead N'land National Park

Common lizard, spotted amongst bracken brash in the Coquet Valley yesterday. What a beauty! N'land National Park Amphibian and Reptile Conservation ARG UK #lizard #native

Bridge repaired by Mark and Abbi with fresh wooden boards and rails and at High Bleakhope last week N'land National Park

Native primroses - Primula Vulgaris. An ancient woodland indicator species. Now in full bloom across the national park. An important early nectar source for pollunators. Irish folklore states primroses by the door will keep fairies away. N'land National Park #folklore #wildflowers

We’re asking visitors to #TakeTheLead and keep dogs on leads and under control in the National Park this Springtime.

We encourage dog owners to be responsible and considerate when visiting the National Park to balance the needs of visitors, wildlife, and livestock.

First frog spawn of the year (for Abbi anyway!) spotted at Harbottle lake, logged on the PondNet Spawn Survey for the Freshwater Habitats Trust Freshwater Habitats Trust

log your sightings to join in with this citizen science project -
freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/advice-resourc…

Beautiful view across the river Alwin and across the valley to Clennell Hill. Taken whilst surveying the Alwinton and River Alwin Walk. N'land National Park
Check out our website for this promoted route and many more.
northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/things-to-do/g…

Winter Aconite, not a native species but like the Snowdrop a garden escapee which can be found in part shade in the wild. A good source of nectar for pollinators, whilst food is scarce. N'land National Park #pollunators #winterflowers

Abbi has been improving a footbridge in the college valley by adding non-slip strips onto the wooden boards. N'land National Park