The Trust purchased the 600-acre Benshaw Moor site near Elsdon, in 2019 following funding from charitable trusts, businesses, a significant private gift, a public appeal and a bequest by the late George Swan, emeritus professor of organic chemistry at Newcastle University, who wrote Flora of Northumberland, a comprehensive record of plant species in the county. The bequest was specified for use in buying a site of botanical importance.

The film was made by Trai to celebrate conservation work continuing on the reserve, despite covid restrictions. It is also a great way of letting all Trust supporters and members of the public know why this remote reserve is so special, as well as allowing them to enjoy the breath-taking scenery if they don’t want to brave the elements or act as a ‘taster’ of what they can expect should they decide to visit.

In addition to being a trustee of Northumberland Wildlife Trust and former BBC presenter, meteorologist director and producer, Trai is Creative Director of Trai Anfield Photography and Enlightened Media.

The film part of a longer film about the project which can be viewed below.

The site, which can be accessed by either the Winter’s Gibbet road, or the A696, includes nationally important features such as blanket bog, heather heathland, grassland and limestone springs - a complex and varied mosaic of habitats that supports mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.

The abundance of plants and animals on the site is stunning. It is home to otters, dragonflies, butterflies and adders. Curlews, skylark and meadow pipit nest and visitors to the site can catch a glimpse of short-eared owls as they hunt over the moorland. It is also a paradise for botanists.

Plants found on the moor include bogbean, butterwort, limestone-bedstraw, grass of Parnassus, and bog species such as cranberry, sphagnum mosses and round-leaved sundew.

Speaking about the reserve and the film, Alice McCourt Northumberland Wildlife Trust Conservation Officer who also appears in the film says: “Benshaw Moor is a hidden gem, with some stunning scenery and amazing wildlife, but due to COVID we haven’t been able to welcome people on site in person.

“Thanks must go to our very generous and talented trustee Trai Anfield who donated her time free of charge. In a short space of time, she manages to showcase everything that is amazing about Benshaw Moor and give people a taster of what they can experience on their own visit. We think the site is very special, and it is our privilege to be able to share it with others.”

Anybody visiting Benshaw Moor should wear good footwear and appropriate clothing as the site is remote, with many hidden ditches and other trip hazards. Dogs must be kept under close control to respect the site’s ground-nesting birds and all litter must be taken home.