A Community inspired by Red Kites in Gateshead s Derwent Valley

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Mavis Lloyd
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1 A Community inspired by Red Kites in Gateshead s Derwent Valley Historically, Red Kites, Milvus milvus, were our most widespread birds of prey. However, between the 16th and 19th centuries, persecution and extensive poisoning drastically reduced their number. By 1850 they had gone from North East England. A remnant population survived in mid-wales. In 1989, a series of re-introductions was begun, with our Northern Kites Project being the penultimate, from , followed by the final one in Cumbria last year. 94 chicks were relocated from the Chilterns, and released into the Derwent Valley. Friends of Red Kites was established in 2009 to continue the conservation of these majestic birds. This document illustrates how our Red Kites have proved to be a catalyst for commerce, and an inspiration for creative people in Gateshead s Derwent Valley.

From the moment the red kites were released into the lower

produce work of high quality for the public to enjoy and

2 From the moment the red kites were released into the lower Derwent Valley, people have found them a source of inspiration. Artists, photographers, sculptors and craftsmen regularly produce work of high quality for the public to enjoy and buy. These blinds were created by Clare Satow to celebrate the start of the re-introduction of the red kites in

To mark this, an Event took place on Gateshead s Quayside, where a large model of a Red Kite was assembled and held

3 3 Image courtesy of Kaleel Zibe for Northern Kites The Northern Kite Project, led by Keith Bowey, came to its official end in July To mark this, an Event took place on Gateshead s Quayside, where a large model of a Red Kite was assembled and held aloft by Staff, Volunteers and members of organisations, who had worked tirelessly throughout five years to release 94 chicks and establish their presence for the first time in North East England for nearly 170 years.

A huge Bird of Prey stopped people in their tracks in June, 2009.

4 A huge Bird of Prey stopped people in their tracks in June, One hundred and fifty people, including Northern Kites Staff, representatives of the Project s Partners and Volunteers, held aloft individual tiles to create a very impressive model of a Red Kite, whose wings measured twenty-five metres. It was a celebration to mark the success of the five-year Project, which generated spending of 1.72 million pounds in the local economy. 4

5 5 Art on the move! Go North East painted nine of their fleet with superb images of a red kite. The buses run from Newcastle City Centre to the Metro Centre then along the Derwent Valley to its destination, Consett. The Red Kite Buses are an accepted and regular part of life for those living and working in the area. They also interact with the eleven - mile circular Red Kite Trail.

6 Art in public places. On the left is a red kite image on glass at the Metro Centre Bus Concourse, on the right is a Logo for the Red Kite Trail which is an 18 kilometre circular walking route through the beautiful countryside of the lower Derwent Valley. It offers plenty of viewing points from which to see the numerous red kites which have stayed in the core area. 6

grass by the local council, together with a seat.

7 7 Ray Wilby Sherburn Towers Bus Stop is a popular vantage point from which to see the Red Kites. An information board, featuring artwork by Alan Mould, sits alongside a concrete kite set in the grass by the local council, together with a seat. In winter, the kites, such as Ruby above, have roosted nearby in the past, or can be seen flying overhead to their roost in the Gibside Estate.

8 Paul Henery Alan Mould Alan Hart Alan Hart, Paul Henery and

8 8 Paul Henery Alan Mould Alan Hart Alan Hart, Paul Henery and Alan Mould are three local artists who have found inspiration in these majestic birds. Unlike many birds, red kites do not migrate and can be seen at all seasons. Artists generously share their love of these birds at local venues such as Thornley Woods Visitor Centre, local libraries and at National Trust properties.

He explains "The book tells how red kites were introduced to the North East after more than 170 years,

9 'Let's Go Flying, Kites' is the UK's first children's picture storybook about red kites and their conservation. The book was written and illustrated by local author, Jules Burnett. He explains "The book tells how red kites were introduced to the North East after more than 170 years, following the antics of two young chicks, Squawk and Squeal. The cartoon was donated to the Friends for their Newsletter by Alan Mould, a local resident. 9

10 Kites can be an inspiration for both photographers and artists. On the left is Doug Simpson s portrait of a perched red kite; on the right is a painting of a perched kite by a local resident, Alan Mould. Whether sitting or flying, the kite offers a real challenge to those with a camera or a paintbrush. 10

11 11 This Red Kite tapestry was stitched by Karen Malone and presented to the Project. The leafy collage was created by a local Florist in Rowlands Gill.

12 Wylam Brewery created the ruby ale, Northern Kite, in celebration of the kites presence. It had the honour of being a guest ale in the House of Commons, top right. The ale is frequently on sale at the Farmers markets. Here it is offered at Gibside. 12

13 In the cafe at Gibside, a National Trust property near Rowlands Gill, visitors can often enjoy looking at exhibitions of Red Kite paintings, as well as being able to browse through Information. Kite-related gifts - cards, glass kites and craftwork are also available in the adjoining shop. 13

14 During the Northern Kites project, many

C2 on the right was the 100 th chick to be

Inspired by their kites, children created

The image of a kite often appears elsewhere

14 14 During the Northern Kites project, many local schools adopted a red kite and named it. C2 on the right was the 100 th chick to be released and was adopted by Roman Road School, East Gateshead and named, appropriately, Centurion! Inspired by their kites, children created artwork, such as these colourful collages. The image of a kite often appears elsewhere in the school, as in the gazebo shown here and in Rowlands Gill Primary School s new badge.

15 15 Rena Holford, another artist, who lives in Winlaton Mill, creates beautiful glass kites of all sizes, as we see here. Her work can be seen in the Gibside shop, and she welcomes visitors to her studio.

Graphics play a significant part in the work done

Designs for Publicity, Banners and our new Garment

donated by wildlife photographers Ian Curran and

Local firms such as Chromazone, Signs,Signs,Signs

16 Graphics play a significant part in the work done by the Friends of Red Kites. Designs for Publicity, Banners and our new Garment Logo are created by our Graphics Team, using images donated by wildlife photographers Ian Curran and Ray Wilby. Local firms such as Chromazone, Signs,Signs,Signs and Logos Unlimited have proved extremely supportive, in producing high-quality publicity materials such as these. 16

We must do our utmost to protect and encourage these

17 Keith Fryer 17 Kite s reflection in the eye Photographers capture every aspect of the lives of our Red Kites. We must do our utmost to protect and encourage these majestic birds which have been re-introduced to the North East after 170 years.

Not only does the kites presence enhance

18 This art project reflects a community s dedication to these glorious birds which now soar and float in the skies above the Derwent Valley. Not only does the kites presence enhance the local economy, but people feel that their lives are enriched by the Red Kites and that their spirits are uplifted whenever they see them. 18

19 The five-year Northern Kites Project left such an important legacy that several long-term volunteers were inspired to take the decision to establish the Friends of Red Kites in the North East of England. From their Launch in July 2009, they have gone from strength to strength, developing interest through Safaris, Health Walks, Presentations, Events, and most importantly, the care, monitoring and conservation of the Red Kites, whose numbers are steadily growing. 19

20 20 Thanks to Northern Kites Archive and to anyone whose work is used in this document. June Atkinson Friends of Red Kites 2011

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