A NATURE reserve managed by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust was awarded the Site Delivering Best Economic Activity at the National Land Trust Awards.

Northumberlandia in Cramlington hosts regular food and craft markets and outdoor theatre events.

It is the second award for the site in two years.

The landform sculpture, The Lady of the North, was opened to the public in 2012, attracts an estimated 90,000 visitors each year, and brings financial support to local amenities.

Last year, it received the Project of the Year Award for work by staff and volunteers who improved access to the head of the 100ft high sculpture in cold weather during 2021.

The team had to follow strict Covid rules, but the project was completed on time and within budget.

Over the past year, the visitor center cafe has been revamped with new menus and a new counter installed.

An additional offer for summer now includes dog ice cream to attract dog owners to the site.

The cafe is a not-for-profit trading arm of the charity. All sales support the running of the site and improving the facilities.

Donation stations and collection buckets are available at the site for visitors to make a donation.

The site has seen improvements from tree planting, path improvements, a new artistic pavilion, picnic tables and outdoor planters at the visitor center.