Hadrian's Wall NT

26/05/2026

Things to look out for at Hadrian's Wall: Wood Tiger moth.

This beauty flies from late May to July in one generation.

If you spot one flying in the sunshine, it's probably a male as the females tend to be more nocturnal.

(Photo: Dan Madden)

North East National Trust Visit Hadrian's Wall

23/05/2026

The winners of the Sycamore Gap wood commission have been announced!

North east arts charity Helix Arts and George King Architects were announced as the winners following a national public vote and final decision by an expert judging panel.

Their proposal, The People’s Tree, was chosen from six shortlisted artist teams and combines public participation, sound, architecture and storytelling to respond to the loss of the much‑loved Sycamore Gap tree.

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who submitted their ideas. We're excited to see what comes next. 💚

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/hadrians-wall-and-housesteads-fort/honouring-the-legacy-of-the-sycamore-gap-tree-a-new-creative-commission

North East National Trust Visit Hadrian's Wall

Artists have been invited to submit proposals that will breathe life into the wood saved from the felled Sycamore Gap tree.

19/05/2026

Sound on!

As well as taking in the beautiful view at Hadrian's Wall, you can also hear the sound of a wonderful male Cuckoo.

Cuckoos young and old eat a wide variety of insects but their favourite is a hairy caterpillar!

Sadly, the report that the Cuckoo's recent population decline makes this a Red List species in the 2021 UK Conservation Status Report. Red is the highest conservation priority, with species on this list needing urgent action. Species on this list, such as Cuckoos, are globally threatened, with big declines in breeding populations and ranges.

(Video: Dan Madden)

North East National Trust Visit Hadrian's Wall

13/05/2026

May is so if you're looking to get some steps in, we'd love to suggest the Sycamore Gap walk.

A 5 mile (8km) circular walk starting from the visitor centre to the Roman Fort and then along the World Heritage Roman wall footpath to the iconic Sycamore Gap.

Although the tree is no longer there, the stump remains and may regrow so please do respect it. See great views across the countryside as you walk alongside the ancient wall in the heritage landscape. Return via the historic Roman Military Way.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/hadrians-wall-and-housesteads-fort/sycamore-gap-walk-at-hadrians-wall-and-housesteads-fort

North East National Trust

Immerse yourself in history on a National Trust circular walk to the iconic Sycamore Gap at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort, Hexham

05/05/2026

Things to look out for on Hadrian's Wall in spring: St John's Wort.

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is the subject of myth and legend, partly because of the blood-red juice that comes from its stems. Today, it is well-known as a remedy for low mood, though in earlier times it was more commonly used to treat wounds and burns.

The leaves have translucent dots that give the appearance of perforations. From June to September its bright yellow flowers appear - look out for them on your next visit to Hadrian's Wall.

(Photo: Dan Madden)

North East National Trust

23/04/2026

Fancy taking part in the City Nature Challenge 2026 this weekend?

The City Nature Challenge is a global competition to get the most people recording the most records of the most species recorded across one weekend.

From Friday 24th April to Monday 27th April, people in regions across the world will take part by logging their sightings on the https://www.inaturalist.org/ platform with a view to recording as much wildlife as they can! (You don’t actually have to be in a city).

ERIC North East are running the City Nature Challenge across the whole of the North East – bordering Scotland, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, and 10km into the North Sea!

Find out more and get involved: https://ericnortheast.org.uk/citynaturechallenge/

North East National Trust

People in regions across the world will take part by logging their sightings on the iNaturalist platform with a view to recording as much wildlife as they can! You don’t actually have to be in a city.

15/04/2026

Things to look out for on Hadrian's Wall in spring: Cottongrass.

Fluffy and fabulous, Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) is neither cotton, nor grass, but is in fact a sedge.

An important food source for the rare Large Heath Butterfly, uses for humans include the dressing of wounds during the First World War and as a feather substitute in pillow stuffing in Suffolk and Sussex.

(Photo: Dan Madden)

North East National Trust

09/04/2026

Things to look out for on Hadrian's Wall in spring: calcareous grassland.

Calcareous grass is a species-rich, biodiverse ecosystem. In Northumberland it is often found on the thin soils of the Whin Sill dolerite crags, forming a mosaic with acid grassland.

(Photo: Dan Madden)

North East National Trust

02/04/2026

Things to look out for at Hadrian's Wall in spring 🌸

Sundew: a strange and beautiful plant found in the damp areas around bogs, peaty moors and wet heaths. So-called because the round leaves have sticky, 'dew'-covered tendrils that trap passing insects. The tendrils then curl inwards and the insect is digested.

Although it all sounds a bit 'Little Shop of Horrors' it makes perfect sense for the Sundew who lives in acidic habitats which don't provide enough nutrients. It has evolved this carnivorous way of life to supplement its diet.

(Photo: Dan Madden)

North East National Trust

18/03/2026

It's lambing time again! Please make sure to keep your dog on a lead at all times while visiting Hadrian's Wall.

From The Countryside Code:

Stronger penalties for livestock worrying come into force today across England & Wales.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 includes:

🐑 Unlimited fines for dog attacks on livestock
🚓 Police having new powers to detain dogs & collect evidence
🛣️ Protection extended to roads & paths
🦙 Definition of livestock now includes camelids like alpacas & llamas

These changes aim to reduce the emotional & financial strain on farmers and protect rural communities.

Always follow the Countryside Code.

(Photo: Cal Thompson)

North East National Trust