Simonside Footpath Repair

From mid August 2024 to early 2025 we will be carrying out vital work on the public footpath that runs along the ridge either side of Tosson Hill, at the western end of the Simonside Hills. The route will remain open throughout this time, but you may be asked to walk to the side of the section that is actively being worked on. Our experienced contractors, Terra Firma, will ensure public safety at all times. The project is being carried out in partnership with Northumberland National Park, Northumberland County Council and Natural England.

The work is needed to tackle the erosion of our special moorland habitats and the peat which underlies them. Damage has occurred due to increasing footfall wearing away the vegetation and more intense rainfall events causing erosion by water moving along the path, especially on slopes. A combination of tried and tested upland footpath restoration techniques will be used to prevent water scouring the path and creating a sustainable walking surface in the most damaged and vulnerable sections of the footpath.

Whilst some of the work will be undertaken by hand, machinery, including excavators will be used in appropriate places. A helicopter will be used briefly to fly in recycled stone flags which will be laid on some of the wetter sections of the route to protect the blanket bog and make walking on these sections easier. Transporting them on the ground would cause considerable damage to the sensitive peatland habitats which we are seeking to protect and restore. The land is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Conservation Area and all of the work has been approved by Natural England.

The work is generously funded by Defra through Northumberland National Park FiPL programme (Farming in Protected Landscapes) with a contribution from Northumberland County Council. We are also grateful to Forestry England for allowing us to bring machinery onto site via the forestry tracks to prevent damage to the moorland.

For more information please contact hello@hepplewilds.com