SAAB Salomon Avalanche event
25th/26th April 2009
For the second year running this popular mountain bike event was held at Kielder, on Deadwater Mountain Bike routes. The event saw 280 competitors competing for the Avalanche trophy, which is a four race series. Round two will take place in Andorra, round three in the Alps and the final round in Sweden.The winner at Kielder was David Vasquez, with Danny Hart winning the junior section and Tracy Moseley winning the women's section. The overall winner of all the rounds will win a SAAB car.
Lonesome Pine Trail
April 2009
Coinciding with the Avalanche event, April saw the opening of this spectacular red-grade cross county trail, named, because visitors to the valley can see a single pine high on the hill. This trail starts at Kielder Castle and takes you up to over 1000ft, overlooking the Tyne valley. Cyclists travel for 11 miles passing some of Kielder's famous art and architecture and finishing with the final stretch down Bewshaugh to Kielder village.
Kielder Observatory
May 2009
Kielder Observatory has scooped its second award this year. The first was from the Civic Trust and the second from the Royal Institute of British Architecture. Both awards recognise the high architectural standard of the structure and its contribution to the local community and environment. The site at Kielder was selected for the darkest night skies in England - no light pollution at Kielder. Anyone can visit the observatory and walk around the decking, but access to the huge telescopes is limited to guided specific events. This 'work of art' is well worth a visit, as is the view from it of the beautiful North Tyne valley.
Ospreys return to Northumberland
June 2009
It has taken over 200 years, but at last the Ospreys have returned to Northumberland and Kielder
Water. The birds have taken over one of four artifical nesting platforms erected by our wildlife rangers, and have successfully hatched three chicks. Both male and female are now fishing in Kielder Water to feed their young. A viewing point has been set up at Mounces Forestry Commission car park, just off the C200. To protect the birds this point is approx. two miles from the actual nest, so binoculars are needed. For anyone requiring more information this site is manned by RSPB and Northumberland Wildlife Trust volunteeers Fri 1 to 5pm, Sat and Sun, 10am to 5pm. All enthusiasts agree this is a major breakthrough for the Osprey and a historical year for the North Tyne valley.
Giant Red Kite flies in Gateshead's Baltic Square
Sat 20th June 2009
More than 150 people, holding printed lightweight plastic tiles above their heads, formed a giant mosaic of a red kite, with a wingspan of almost 25m. This 'celebration' was held outside the Baltic and was organised to illustrate the huge cultural impact that the beautiful red kites' return has had on the whole region. Those taking part represented more than 30 organisations from all over the region which had worked together on the Project (2004-2009). Graham Gill (Forest Management Director) was the representative for the Forestry Commission. The Northern Kites Project has been very successful in returning the once extinct kite back to the region.
New MTB Centre at Kielder
Sat 4th July 2009
The new bike centre at Kielder officially opened its doors on Sat 4th July. This superb facility, built by Kielder Partnership, will be ran by Purple Mountain, one of the North of England's leading off-road cycling businesses. This new centre is located next to Kielder Castle, in the heart of the many new MTB trails built in Kielder Forest. The centre makes a good link with the completed 26 mile long Lakeside Way. Anyone wishing to use the facilities can call in 9am-5pm daily, or for further information contact 01434 250532. More detailed information can be found at www.purplemountain.co.uk
First Kielder 100 Ultra Marathon
Sat 5th September 2009
Five days before the start of this marathon it rained as though it would never stop!. However this did not deter the 230 riders, who set off from Kielder Castle at 6.30am to complete the 100 mile course in Europe's largest man-made forest, taking them over the border into Scotland. To greet them were Scottish Pipers placed at 'strategic' locations. The fastest man was Neil Campton, who completed the course in aprox. eight-and-a-half hours. He was followed by Simon Ernest, a few minutes behind, while Mike Blewitt, (who flew in from Australia especially to complete) came in third, after suffering 'mechanical failures'. In the ladies section, Mel Alexander came first, with Jenn Hopkins second and Amy Barron-Hall finishing in third. This marathon was so successful that next year's event is already being planned. Well done to the orgnanisors and even more praise to those who competed. See you next year!.
Halloween Night at Kielder Castle
Sat 31st October 2009
For this spooky night, Kielder Castle was turned into a lunatic asylum. Staff joined forces to entertain
approx. 200 visitors. Those brave enough were led on a ghoulish trip arounds the rooms of the castle. They encountered Dracula (Graham), the Butcher (Dougie), a Madman (Alex), the Pumpkin killer (Paul) and an escaped chain-saw killer (Steve). The tour was not all blood and gore. The visitors met royalty in the form of the beautiful Duchess (Leanne) and the stately Duke (Alan). All these roles were very convincing, and seemed to come naturally to these members of staff. 'Ducks to water'. Very worrying! At the end of the night the children dried their tears and the Mums and Dads thanked us for terrifying their children. Everyone enjoyed themselves and there were some remarkable costumes and artistic pumpkins on display. Congratulations to all who took part and supported the organisers Malte and Andrea. 'Top' that for next year!
'Discovery Pass' Launch
Mon 16th November 2009
Botanist David Bellamy is backing a drive to get more people out riding and walking in County Durham's biggest woodland-which also happens to be his back garden! The launch of the new 'Discovery Pass' will help to achieve this aim. This pass will replace the original season ticket bought by regular visitors to the forest. The aim of this new pass is to promote the Forestry Commission, discover more about our customers and to provide a professional service to our visitors. With the purchase of the pass (£38 for one year) comes added benefits to the visitor, such as 10% off purchases made in the visitor centre shop. In co-operation with other sites, you can use this new pass to gain other 'money off discounts'. Holders of the pass will receive an E- Newsletter, highlighting coming events and targeting their particular pass-time, such as cycling or walking. We hope this will encourage our visitors to go further afield and visit other sites within the area. Click here for further information and the latest offers.
