NORHAM
LIFE
NORHAM NATURAL ENVIRONMENT GROUP (NNEG)
The group has developed a number of projects, some of which have received funding. These include a detailed survey of wildlife and wildflowers around Norham, a community orchard, Norham in Bloom, planting trees supplied by the Woodland Trust, increasing biodiversity in the churchyard working with Norham Church, installing observation hides and benches along the river bank, and encouraging wildlife photography. Involving the local community, including the village school is important, in helping them to learn about, appreciate and enjoy natural environments.
Norham is a village of great historical importance. But the beauty of its physical setting is also important. The village and its gardens, the surrounding area of woodland, agricultural land, and the river Tweed support a rich diversity of plant and animal life. The River Tweed has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation, which reflects the high quality of its different habitats.
The Group is keen to harness expert knowledge and experience. Thus, The Community Orchard has benefitted from the expertise of fruit tree specialist Alec West and ‘Norham in Bloom’ from the stimulus of the Royal Horticultural Society. These projects will add a new dimension to Norham’s natural environment.
The Group aims to safeguard the high quality of Norham’s environment and to enrich it for future generations, by working with the Parish Council and other local organisations and groups.
“We all need nature. Right now we are losing wildlife and wild places at an alarming rate and we need to protect them for future generations” Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Norham in Bloom
This has involved the planting of flower beds and planters in public places around the village. In 2019, Norham entered the ‘Northumberland in Bloom’ competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society and received a bronze award at the first attempt.
Norham Community Orchard
The orchard has been funded by Northumberland County Council’s Community Chest. Trees will be planted in the Jubilee Field in the winter of 2019/20. The orchard will have 40 fruit trees, including apples, pears, plums and quinces. The trees have been adopted or sponsored by people in the community.
Roger Manning’s Survey of Wildlife in Norham
Environmental diversity in Norham is being recorded in a detailed survey by local naturalist, Roger Manning. Manning’s survey of flora and fauna around Norham provides a valuable baseline to measure future changes.