Community

Chatton School

For many rural communities the Village Hall is at the epicentre of village life. Yet modern day health and safety rules and regulations can make it an uphill battle to find the funding necessary to maintain this valuable community resource to an acceptable level.

One way that Northumberland Estates has been able to assist many community projects is by granting long term leases for such properties and sports facilities owned by the Estate. This has enabled local committees and clubs to successfully apply for much needed grant funding to upgrade and improve facilities.

When the primary school in Chatton closed, the village asked Northumberland Estates, as the owners of the building, if it could be converted into a community facility rather than sold into private ownership. The Estate was happy to agree and continues to fund the upkeep of the building while facilities were upgraded following a successful application for grant funding. 

Chatton Village Hall Website

The Duke's Charity

Every year Northumberland Estates and the Duke's Charity provide support to numerous charities and good causes here in the North East and across the UK. Last year saw over 100 beneficiaries receive vital funding. Support is given to numerous projects from Parish magazines to sports clubs and from local charities such as the Alnwick Lions to educational facilities like the Fusiliers Museum and anyone can apply.

The Aln Valley Railway

Northumberland Estates has been extremely supportive of this ambitious project which aims to reopen the old branch line from Alnwick to Alnmouth, a run of around three miles from the town to the coast. Development over many years within the town means the access by train to the old station at Alnwick is no longer viable. The project will therefore see the construction of a brand new railway station and visitor centre on land provided by Northumberland Estates on a site adjacent to the A1 and the Lionheart Enterprise Park on the outskirts of the town. From there the line will follow the original track bed all the way to Alnmouth Station. Plans also include a cycleway and footpath to run alongside, providing a safe and traffic-free corridor between Alnwick and the National Cycle Network.

Visit Website

Addressing Fuel Poverty

The Northumberland Log Bank focuses on fuel poverty in the rural north and western areas of the county by offering ready cut, seasoned logs free of charge, and delivered to the door for those in need. Northumberland Estates is a regular contributor to the scheme.  

The project was the brainchild of Kate Thick who claims fuel poverty is more common than you might think, particularly in deprived rural areas where a high proportion of household income is required to achieve an adequate standard of warmth. In such areas traditional housing of the type lived in by many retired farm workers is commonplace and expensive to heat. With this in mind she started the first log bank in Northumberland near Wooler. Located at West Lilburn Farm, she has since opened a second near Haydon Bridge with plans for a third on the Kirkharle Estate due to open in 2021. Much of the timber received is donated by local farmers and estates owners free of charge. It is collected and taken to the storage depots to be sawn into logs ready for delivery by trained volunteers.  

Statistics show rural Northumberland to be one of the most deprived areas of the country, with an above average number of elderly residents claiming benefits. Fuel poverty can have a detrimental impact on physical health as well as increasing the risk of mental health problems and negatively impacting children’s education The majority of recipients benefiting from the Log Bank were found to be disabled or elderly, with referrals coming mainly from local Food Banks. This is an innovative project tackling real need in rural areas.