A wildlife trust in the region has teamed up with a film-maker to create a documentary about its newest nature reserve.

Back in 2019, Northumberland Wildlife Trust purchased the 600-acre Benshaw Moor site near Elsdon and the organisation has worked with film-maker Trai Anfield to create a movie documenting how the site has continued its conservation work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Benshaw Moor is the most recent acquisition by Northumberland Wildlife Trust and is one of a total of 63 nature reserves currently managed by the organisation.

“Benshaw Moor is a hidden gem, with some stunning scenery and amazing wildlife, but due to COVID we haven’t been able to welcome people on site in person,” said Alice McCourt, a Northumberland Wildlife Trust Conservation Officer who also appears in the film.

“Thanks must go to our very generous and talented trustee Trai Anfield who donated her time free of charge.

“In a short space of time, she manages to showcase everything that is amazing about Benshaw Moor and give people a taster of what they can experience on their own visit.

“We think the site is very special, and it is our privilege to be able to share it with others.”

The site, which was purchased using funding from a number of sources including

charitable trusts, a private gift and businesses as well as a a bequest by the late George Swan and also a public appeal, is a popular location for visitors and wildlife alike.

The money given by the bequest by George Swan - a emeritus professor of organic chemistry at Newcastle University - had been used after the funding was specifically asked to be used for a site of botanical importance.

Swan is also the author of Flora of Northumberland, a large record of different plant species that are in and around the county.

The film has also been designed to help celebrate the trust’s 50th anniversary, which is set to see a number of events take place virtually due to the ongoing pandemic.

Film-maker Trai, who is also a trustee of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, has also worked in the past as both a meteorologist director and producer and BBC presenter and she is also the Creative Director of Trai Anfield Photography and Enlightened Media.

As well as showing how the area has dealt with the Covid pandemic, the film has also been produced to show what the nature reserve looks like to people considering visiting, as well it also providing examples of some of the stunning countryside views on offer too.

The site is home to a number of unique and interesting forms of wildlife and animals including butterflies, dragonflies, and adders, while Curlews, skylark and meadow pipit all also use the reserve too.

Visitors to the area may also be able to spot a number of stunning short-eared owls as well, with the animals known to regularly hunt for prey across the surrounding moorside.

Anyone interested in visiting the site is welcome to do so, however are encouraged to bring strong footwear and are also reminded to bring suitable clothing due to the location of the nature reserve.

The film can be viewed online now on the Northumberland Wildlife Trust YouTube channel and the site itself can be visited via either the Winter’s Gibbet road or the A696.