Created in partnership with sixth form students and staff from the nearby Cramlington Learning Village, the self‑led woodland trail is designed especially for primary school‑age children and celebrates the National Year of Reading 2026. 

The trail will run from Saturday 4 July to Tuesday 1 September. Better still, it’s free!

Alongside the trail, visitors will find students’ creative writing pieces and reading recommendations aimed at secondary‑age young people and adults along the winding paths around the iconic landform sculpture, the Lady of the North, encouraging a love of both literature and the natural world. 

A book borrow/swap cabinet will also be available near the café, offering books for all ages to borrow, swap, and enjoy - further supporting the event’s mission to inspire reading throughout the summer.

On hand to put the sixth formers through their paces were one hundred children from a number of local primary schools who listened to stories about nature, described the natural world around them and painted their very own stone to take home.

Alex Reynolds, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Education Officer says:

“Tales from the Trail is a wonderful example of how nature and creativity can inspire each other. We’re thrilled to showcase the imagination of local students while giving families a fun, free way to explore Northumberlandia this summer. 

“By bringing reading, writing, and wildlife together, we hope to spark a lifelong love of both stories and the natural world.” 

Sixth former Blake James says:

“It's very nice being able to provide an activity for all the children and a great way for them to end the school year.

Sixth former Darcey Chambers says:

"I love reading and studying English literature so I'm in my element encouraging children to get involved in reading today." 

Sixth former Loren Stephenson says:

“It's such an important thing, especially with technology these days, to get children to read. Today's event is even better as it's outdoors so we can bring the magic of nature into the pupils' lives."  

Ken Brechin, Deputy Headteacher of Cramlington Learning Village says:

"I've been teaching 30 years, and this is the best thing I've ever seen.”

Tails from the Trail forms part of the wildlife charity’s wider Championing Nature Project, made possible thanks to support from The Championships, Wimbledon and Emirates.

More information about the Championing Nature Project can be found at: www.nwt.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/championing-nature