BOTANIST David Bellamy launched a series of walks across the region's farmland which will give visitors an insight into how farmers are helping to preserve its landscape and wildlife.
Six new routes, some over land previously closed to the public, have been devised for the Countryside Gateways Walks scheme.
Each walk takes in farms that are part of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) countryside stewardship scheme which rewards farmers for improving the natural beauty and diversity of their land.
The venture is a joint project between Defra, The Countryside Agency, Durham and Northumberland county councils, English Heritage and English Nature.
Professor Bellamy launched the scheme at the start of one of the walks, near Bradley Hall, near Wolsingham. There is another County Durham walk at Cotherstone and four in Northumberland. Leaflets, with maps and photographs are available from tourist information centres.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article