Posted on

Kielder Past & Present

A glimpse of Kielder Forest and reservoir, showing the type of industry that was present in the valley before the dam and reservoir were constructed.

 

 

The History of Kielder Viaduct

 

The railway through Kielder in 1953, and the Bellingham Fair

Posted on

Dark Skies at Kielder Water & Forest Park

Deep in the heart of Northumberland you can experience a night sky which is out of this world

Europe's biggest Dark Sky Park to be created in Northumblerland
Europe’s biggest Dark Sky Park to be created in Northumblerland

 

According to the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE), the star-studded skies above Kielder Water & Forest Park are the darkest in England.

Our skies are so truly dark, that together with Northumberland National Park and Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society, we have been awarded Gold Tier Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark Skies Association (IDA) in December 2013 – the highest accolade the IDA can give.

Our dark sky zone, known as Northumberland Dark Sky Park, is the largest area of protected night sky in Europe.

It is the first of its kind in England and one of the largest in the world, joining the likes of Death Valley and Big Bend Dark Sky Parks in the USA.

The IDA are the leading international organisation working to combat light pollution worldwide. Becoming a Dark Sky Park means that our night skies will be kept free from light pollution and we can create more opportunities for people to be inspired by the stars.

It is estimated that 85% of the UK population has never seen a truly dark sky or experienced the sense of wonder that a clear night filled with billions of stars can give!

Kielder Water & Forest Park is a fantastic place for star gazing and home to Kielder Observatory, as seen on Robson Green’s Tales from Northumberland.

Since the observatory opened in 2008 it has attracted nearly 30,000 people with its exciting programme of astronomical events throughout the year. See our events page for more information.

But you don’t just have to go to the observatory to see our star attractions!

Kielder campsite is filled twice a year by the Kielder Forest Star Camp which draws hundreds of observers from across the UK for five nights of stargazing. See the Kielder Observatory website for more information.

The best time for stargazing is during the autumn and winter months, when the nights draw in. Pack up your binoculars, a deckchair and a hot drink and sit back and enjoy a star-studded show. For more hints and tips on stargazing see our Northumberland Dark Sky Park leaflet.

It’s not just stargazers who benefit from the reduced light pollution, Kielder Water & Forest Park is abundant with a variety of wildlife. The dark skies can enhance the habitat for many of our woodland species such as birds, bats, moths and insects.

For more information on Northumberland Dark Sky Park, go to www.visitnorthumberland.com, www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk and www.kielderobservatory.org.

Posted on

Kielder Water & Forest Park officially the best tourism experience in England

Overlooking Kielder Water & Forest Park
Overlooking Kielder Water & Forest Park

Kielder Water & Forest Park won gold to be officially recognised as the best tourism experience in the country. The park won the prestigious honour at the VisitEngland  2013 Awards for Excellence held on May 20th at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Elisabeth Rowark, Director, Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised as the very best tourism experience in the whole of the country and it was a great honour to represent North East England at these top national awards”.

“Our members across the Park in the last year have enjoyed an increase in the number of visitors to their attractions to nearly 370,000 and the best has yet to come”.

“This year will see exciting developments including our bid for Dark Sky Park status, growth of the art and architecture programme, capital developments across several of our visitor centres and an ever growing, action packed event programme that is attracting visitors from across the UK.”

Stacy Burlett, Head of Customer and Cultural Services for Northumberland County Council, said: “Tourism is a vital economic generator for our county providing 11% of our employment and an area the Council is committed to growing. We are proud to be a core partner on Kielder Water & Forest Park and celebrate its success as a key destination for Northumberland.”

Kate Priestly, Chair of Northumberland Tourism, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Kielder Water & Forest Park has been recognised in the National Tourism Awards as one of the must visit destinations in Northumberland”.

“More than nine million people visit the county each year contributing a staggering £706 million to our local economy”.
“There is no doubt that Kielder Water & Forest Park is an outstanding tourism experience, offering unrivalled events and playing a significant part in the success of tourism in Northumberland.”

Kielder Water & Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. For more information go to www.visitkielder.com.

Posted on

Evening/Night Event

We are looking at running an evening/night event which would maybe include stopping at the excellent Kielder Observatory or finding a high point and trying to see the Northern Lights. With  its remote location the Kielder Forest and Water Park is the ideal place for star gazing as the area has very little light pollution.

In fact Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority are working together with the aim of securing dark sky status for nearly 400 square miles of spectacular Northumberland countryside in what would become the world’s third largest area of protected starry dark sky.

If this sounds like something you would like to take part in why not pop over to our Facebook Page and let us know if you are interested and we would welcome any comments or thoughts you may have.