Dynamic Druridge

The thrill of seeing projects come to life #5yearsfreelance

Developing the Dynamic Druridge project with Northumberland Wildlife Trust is one of the highlights of my freelance career. It was a long journey but it was worth it – and the way the project evolved was good to see. The ‘centrepiece’ of this project is the new Visitor Centre at Hauxley Nature Reserve. The Trust wanted, needed even, to replace the old wooden building which had been burnt down in an arson attack in 2011. When we started out, I don’t think any of us imagined we could build an eco-building on this scale.

Designed by Bright Blue Studio, this awesome building has been built by NWT staff and volunteers, with limited previous experience, using straw bales, local stone and timber. There is no other building like this in the northeast and I can’t wait to step inside.

What is even more incredible, is the shoe string budget that this building has been built with. Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a generous grant which was to support both the building and other activity along Druridge Bay but the scale and finish of this building really does go beyond expectations. It just shows what can be achieved by making the most of local materials and, of course, a lot of goodwill. Read more here.

Seeing projects progress like this is the reason I do what I do. I love the project development: generating ideas, turning ideas into a business plan, approaching funders, making a start. But, when funding is secured, I am very happy to hand the project back to the people who will make it happen and seeing something like this building at Hauxley always puts a big smile on my face. I will always know I had a part to play in bringing this to life.