The River Breamish rises on Scotman’s Knowe, a shoulder of the Cheviot. At 2676 feet it is the highest hill in Northumberland and gives its name to the range of hills that border England and Scotland.

From humble beginnings, amid delicate hues of sphagnum moss, it increases in strength, fed by numerous small streams or “sikes” that flow down steep sided “cleughs”.

In the upper reaches the high rolling hills that border the river are home to red grouse and birds of prey. Sometimes ravens are seen and the occasional migrating osprey. Seasonal visitors come to nest in the spring: curlews, lapwings and golden plovers.

Our life in the valley is largely governed by the seasons. The farming year follows an age-old pattern: ploughing, sowing, harvesting; lambing, clipping and sales. It is similar too for the flora, fauna and birds, different species seen at different times of the year. The picture is constantly changing.  

In 2004 a diary began to evolve of wildlife sightings and happenings on Ingram Farm. Click on a thumbnail to view the diary for that month.

January	February	March
April	May	June
July	August	September
October	November	December
Two years have passed since I wrote the first entry in Round the Year in the Breamish Valley. The diary ran for one year until January 2005 when I decided to take a break in order to focus on my book “Reflections” which was published last September. Now seems the right time to pick up the threads again and move the diary on with a mix of new photographs, farming snippets and interesting sightings. Also, some occasional rambles to interesting places, some quite well known, others less so, best kept secrets, off the beaten track.
NEW DIARY
January	February	March
April	May	June
July	August	September
October	November	December
Find out more about the Breamish Valley in Sarah's book, available now, click HERE for details. The book is also available by sending a cheque for £12.99 + £2.95 post & packing to Northern Heritage, New Kennels, Blagdon Estate, Seaton Burn, Newcastle upon Tyne , NE13 6DB .