Writing for Northumberland Wildlife Trust

For the select few readers of this blog who also follow me on social media, you may have noticed that I recently volunteered my services as a would-be nature writer to Northumberland Wildlife Trust. With the organisation, following a couple of very friendly and supportive meetings, gladly accepting my offer.

For the foreseeable future, I will be contributing regular blog posts to the NWT website under a self-titled column; one focused entirely on the wonderful sights to be seen around my home county. Hopefully, highlighting the wealth of wildlife to be seen at Wildlife Trust sites around the region – with over 60 to choose from, I may well be busy – but also giving mention to accessibility. All in the hope of encouraging people to get out and about and visit the sites that have enthralled me since childhood. Stay tuned for posts regarding Druridge Pools and East Chevington, sites most regional naturalists know very well, but also writing regarding less publicised sites – hidden gems such as Big Waters, Prestwick Carr and Holywell Pond. My first post, centred on Northumberlandia, can be found here.

While writing for the blog, I will also be contributing articles to the trusts regional magazine: Roebuck. A fantastic document released quarterly to NWT members which touches upon everything from local conservation to seasonal wildlife. I am, of course, very excited to contribute to the magazine, and my posts here will take a similar tone to the above; focussed on the wildlife to be seen on NWT reserves. The only difference, in this case, being a greater focus on more elusive or underappreciated species – butterflies, moths, beetles and botanicals.

I am very grateful to the trust for the chance to better my writing skills and, of course, am delighted at the exposure set to be gained from such. More importantly, however, I am thrilled to find myself actively promoting my own region and its fantastic wildlife. At the very least, I hope that someone, somewhere, will be encouraged to experience a new place or a seek out a new species as a result. Who knows!

5 Comments

  1. Tony says:

    Apologies, James, as I haven’t made it past your first paragraph as I type this, but you state you are a “would-be nature writer”, I beg to differ, you are no wannabe or would-be?

    I’ll now read on.

    Best Wishes

    Tony

    1. James Common says:

      Hi Tony, thanks for the supportive comment! Still very much striving to get where I want to be and do feel a little like a “wannabe” at times. Perhaps I should be a little ore confident, however… 🙂 James.

  2. Such an great opportunity, how exciting for you. You’re an excellent writer – I have been very much enjoying your posts and will continue to do so! Im looking forward to reading your NTW blog too – see how the landscape and wildlife differs from ours down here at the Bath Skyline!
    Keep up the good work.
    Best wishes,
    Alice

  3. Don says:

    Hi James,
    Saw you on Countryfile and you made such an impression that I Googled you. I now get your blog.Looking forward to what’s coming. Keep up your writing and encouraging the children to get into nature. It’s an amazing world.
    One hint if I may. It may sound a big picky but may I suggest to you that you proofread your writing and blogs. It looks quite professional when presented.
    Keep up the good work,
    Don

    1. James Common says:

      Hi Don,

      Thank you for the kind comment. Stemming from a background in the field, as opposed to writing, my skills are developing as I go. I try to proofread as I go but often mistakes slip through. I don’t see this as a terribly bad thing but aim to fix this wherever possible. I will, of course, take your advice on board. James.

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