Written by Kevin O'Hara, conservation officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Where do they all go in winter? - Part 1
Recently I felt the first twangs of winter; the 'first frost' gripped my garden, the chickens came skidding out of their ark, and I had to break the ice on their drinking water. I really like those first days, when we still have some daylight left to enjoy the wonderful colours and smells. I take the camera and binoculars with me when I walk the dogs, keeping an eye out for winter thrushes or other visitors. The clocks have altered and we start the long haul of winter - not until February will some real light return to the sky, and warmth to the sun.
It is during these months that we wonder where, exactly, many of our resident wildlife species go to survive the coldest and wettest days of winter, especially those that are more delicate and less mobile.
This picture was sent in by Joan Robinson who took it while out with fellow members of Amble Photographic Group.
Send your photos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk to see them on this site.
On Saturday 20th August, the Rothbury Highland Pipe Band, with their friends from the Glasgow and Neilston and the City of Newcastle Pipe Bands, to mention just a few, set off on their 4th World Tour of Coquetdale.
These now annual events, were started quite a few years ago as a thankyou to all the people of Coquetdale and surrounding areas for their support of the band over the years.
Sent in by NHS Blood and Transplant
With the summer holidays in full swing, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is reminding donors in Rothbury of the continued need for blood in local hospitals and urging donors to keep their appointments.
NHSBT has noticed an increase in donors not turning up for their appointments and are asking those who have booked a slot to keep it, or if they can't attend then let us know so the appointment can be freed up for someone else.
Andrew Gibson sent in this view of a picturesque stretch of the River Coquet downstream of Rothbury.
Send your photos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk to share them on this site.
Northumbria Police are running a series of online meetings where Rothbury, Alnwick and Coquetdale residents can put questions to their local beat bobby.
The meetings are a way for the public to speak to officers from the comfort of their own homes and discuss any issues which affect them or their local area.
There is one happening on Thursday 23rd June from 6pm- 8pm.
To join in on the day, log on to your community website at www.journallive.co.uk/northumberland and click on the link.
Darrel Birkett shared this view of the Upper Coquetdale village from above in our Northumberland Communities Flickr group.
Join the group to share your photos or send them to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk to see them on this site.
Spectacular photos shared by members of our Northumberland group on the Flickr photo-sharing website. Click on a photo to see the caption and to view it in a larger size.
You can join the Flickr group to share your own local photos, or send them to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk.
On Saturday 4th June 2011, the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team are happy to be organising the 17th Alwinton Round. Based in and around Alwinton, there will be three walks to suit all abilities ranging from a 6 mile 'family walk' to the 20 mile walk for the more experienced.
William Thornhill sent in this picture from a great day out at Cragside on Easter Sunday.
Send your photos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk to see them on this site.
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