THE wildlife of Northumberland is showcased in a new book which marks a magazine’s 25th anniversary.

The Northumbrian magazine first appeared in the autumn of 1987 and editor Stewart Bonney decided to draw on the contributions of some of the region’s top photographers and wildlife experts to celebrate its birthday.

The images include the work of farmer Allan Potts, from Backworth in North Tyneside, whose wildlife shots fill his book Natural North and who has been awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Photographic Society.

Stewart says: “In the North East we have some great photographers and naturalists who really know their stuff and the wildlife we have is also something to be proud of.

“It is a celebration of the rich diversity and spectacular wildlife found in Northumberland National Park, the nature reserves of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the Farne Islands and the hills, valleys, fields and rivers of England’s finest county.”

Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, says: “Of all the wild areas of England, Northumberland remains one of the wildest and this is reflected in the range and diversity of the species which inhabit it.

“It is wild in so many ways and yet accessible from Newcastle and other urban centres.”

But he says: “Wildlife here has evolved largely in harmony with the landscape and human communities, despite varying degrees of human interference with natural systems.

“It cannot be taken for granted that they will always be there. The survival of many species is due to the conservation work of charities, landowners, managers and individuals who put a great deal of effort into keeping Northumberland’s countryside in good health.

“But with changes in the climate and land use in the offing, plus population and development pressures, wildlife could face even greater challenges.”

Wild Northumberland is published by Powdene at £9.99.

A donation of £3.33 will be made to Northumberland Wildlife Trust for each copy sold through the charity. It is on sale at the trust’s headquarters in St Nicholas Park, Gosforth, Newcastle, or visit www.thenorthumbrian.co.uk.

Quote NWTWN at the time of ordering.