At Northumberlandia in Cramlington, the wildlife charity’s 300 Junior Easter Trail Guides sold out in record time - wonderful news for the events team who have seen attendance at its activities sky rocket since the end of lockdown.

The Norhumberlandia visitor centre café was extremely busy - a far cry from the same time two years ago when it was closed, and last year when only a takeaway service was in operation.  The new bean to coffee machine proved extremely popular with many visitors who tried it out after a walk around the majestic Lady of the North landform sculpture.

Further up the coast, there were bumper numbers at the charity’s Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre at Druridge Bay. Scores of young people made bunny planters from re-cycled materials and became nature detectives on the 21-hectare reserve before basking in the wonderful sunlit Lookout Café which boasts a new menu including Coronation Chicken - very appropriate as the nation approaches the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.  

Holiday makers, many from outside the region, who were staying at the Silver Carrs Caravan Park at Low Hauxley, also headed to the reserve to experience some good old Northumbrian hospitality.

Speaking about the busy Easter, Julia Carr, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Education Officer says: “We’ve had a really brilliant Easter which is especially great considering the disruption to the enjoyment of young people over the past two years. Even though life is back to normal and shopping centres, cinemas and theme parks are now open for business, it was really wonderful to see more young people than ever turning to nature for a bit of outdoor therapy rather than retail therapy.

“Keep checking our website for details of our May half-term and summer holiday programme of events. You won’t be disappointed.”