In June, vandals attacked an information panel on the grassland section of the Trust’s Close House Riverside reserve, near Wylam.

The damage came at a time when the wildlife charity was trying to contend with both the financial and practical challenges of operating during lockdown.

The reserve is home to rare calaminarian grassland which is ideal for butterflies such as meadow brown and small skipper and it is an excellent place to see alpine penny-cress and dune helleborine which can be found in the woodland. It is extremely popular with people throughout the year, but more so lockdown when more people visited their local green spaces to help them manage their health and well-being.

Hearing about the damage, David Allison, owner and director of design and sign making company AllBandPromo which specialises in all areas of design and printed promotional material, and Label Me This which specialises in printed stickers and clothing, stepped forward within days with a wonderful offer to replace the sign free of charge.

David says: “Nature is close to my heart and I do spend a lot of time in the outdoors, so when I saw the photo of the damaged sign, it saddened me and I couldn't but help out as I know Northumberland Wildlife Trust is an important charity and every little bit of help counts - especially at this time.

“The sign was in a great location too, used regularly by many people and is quite a useful information point for people.”

Hopefully, the new sign which has been reinforced with sheet steel shouldn’t bend so easily.

Speaking about David’s generosity, Mike Pratt, Northumberland wildlife Trust Chief said: “What wonderful generosity from David who saw our plight and offered his help. At a time when the Trust is about to face its biggest financial challenge in its 50-year history, this support has enabled us to re-direct the funds which would have been spent on replacing the sign, elsewhere.”