Open Country

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of Britain

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles

BBC Radio 4 FM

Open Country: The Bord Waalk of Amble

The Bord Waalk of Amble

BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, The Bord Waalk of Amble

Landscape and wildlife have inspired a Bird Sculpture trail called Bord Waalk in Amble.

Landscape and wildlife have inspired Bord Waalk, a Bird Sculpture trail in Northumberland from an archaeological site at Low Hauxley along a coastal route to Amble and beyond.

Amble lies at the mouth of the River Coquet on the North Sea coast of Northumberland. Today it is a lively coastal port with a harbour village, a lobster hatchery, sandy beaches and boat trips to Coquet Island where the only colony of Roseate Terns in the UK nest and breed. But this hasn’t always been the case as we hear. Formerly a coal mining town, Amble suffered terrible economic decline.  But in the last 25 years or so, the area has been rejuvenated  and  community self confidence, self esteem and  economic prosperity have grown. The latest project in this regeneration inspired by the landscape and the wildlife called Bord Waalk is a Bird Sculpture Trail which follows a route from Low Hauxley along the coast, around Amble and along the river to Warkworth.  Whilst the starting point take us back in time as rising sea levels at Low Hauxley are uncovering extraordinary archaeological remains including Beaker pots and burial cairns, the sculptures and accompanying phone app have been inspired by the wildlife and landscape of the present; including seabirds and starling murmurations over the nearby reedbeds. Presenter Helen Mark, Producer Sarah Blunt

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Open Country

The Bord Waalk of Amble

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4