Northumberland has long been a region of farmers and fishermen and for both it has no doubt been a hard existence encouraging a frugal life style by necessity. For local fishermen ‘recycling’ has long been a byword with nothing going to waste …..even old wooden boats, once upturned become a shed, net store or workroom.
The sea for many is still away of life with numerous fishing harbours along the coast, sadly most now mere shadows of there former life. SEAHOUSES is perhaps the only one that still retains some of its fishing heritage.
When I first started to visit Seahouses the harbour was full of fishing vessels from the large trawlers to smaller crab boats. The quay was strewn with nets, crab pots and boxes of fish awaiting transport across the country.
Now the majority of boats have capitalised by catering more for the tourists. In particular taking every advantage of the FARNE ISLANDS that lie about a mile of shore. Once famous for the daring Grace Darling shipwreck rescue they are now famous as a bird sanctuary. Eiders, Turns and Puffins are the main attraction in the breeding summer months.
Perhaps the loss of the Fishing Traditions has resulted in some mistaken signs?
Somehow I don’t think the Lobsters will think that these pots are ‘Lifejacket’s!
As for the other traditional occupation, that of Farming that would seem to be thriving, or at least Arable Farming would appear to be surviving if the number of fields full of cereal crops is anything to go by.
It is a Long Lane that has No Pub in it!
But in this case it is the long walk back to Frowberry Farm where our caravan has been our base for the past week. Bamburgh Castle was our view to the left, Seahouses to the right and The Farne Islands our breakfast time view to the front……..peace only broken by the call of the Turns.
We journey on now to Forfar in Scotland to renew our acquaintance with that part of the world.
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 