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‘Farming on the Edge’ follows Paul & Jen Johnson, Raby Estate tenants, for a year of their farm in Upper Teesdale in the North Pennines National Landscape, and explores their life farming with nature in this remarkable landscape. This powerful film highlights the value of nature-friendly farming methods and how this approach encourages wildlife to flourish.

Paul Johnson, said “I wanted to make this film to show that you can farm alongside nature and that nature and farming can compete with each other.”

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director, North Pennines National Landscape said “We would like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting this work, as part of our ‘Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme. This wonderful film is an insight into the reality of farming in the North Pennines and the daily challenges farmers face in what can be a harsh place to work on the land, especially in winter. Through Tees-Swale we’re working to share farmers’ voices and show how they are at the forefront of nature recovery and Paul is a natural and authentic on camera sharing his experiences as he is in ‘real life’. The team has really enjoyed bringing him and Jen to this project, and we’ve also been lucky, to have the opportunity to commission and support an outstanding filmmaker in Matthew Wood”

Filmmaker, Matthew Wood, from the Film on the Brain, said, “It has been a pleasure to work with Paul exploring his connection with the land and the importance of traditional farming. I’ve enjoyed capturing his story through his own words and experiences and I’m so pleased that Farming on the Edge has been recognised as the best documentary at the Sunderland Short Film Festival”

This was the tenth year of the Sunderland Film Festival and over 1,000 films were submitted with 160 films being shown.

Farming on the Edge will be shown at preview screenings across the North Pennines later this year.

Website: www.northpennines.org.uk

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On Saturday 14^th and Sunday 15^th June, Dads can enjoy free entry into Raby Castle, one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England, with a Park and Gardens or Plotters’ Forest ticket and an accompanying child.

Fun for the whole family is in store during an action-packed day out at the County Durham lifestyle destination, including the chance to step inside the 14th century castle and join a complimentary guided tour in the afternoon or explore at your own leisure to learn all about the history, legends and secrets of Raby Castle.

Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates said: “We want Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to be a place where families can create cherished memories together. We hope that Dads and father figures who join us here this Father’s Day can enjoy some precious time with their loved ones and find a little sanctuary surrounded by nature and history.”

The Plotters’ Forest woodland adventure playground will be open so explorers can enjoy unbridled, adrenaline-fueled fun and let their imaginations run wild. Scale the high walkways and towers, get lost amongst exhilarating views throughout the Christmas tree plantation, tackle ground-level forest trails and race to the top before slipping down the slide.

Raby’s tractor and trailer rides will also be running throughout the weekend, giving everyone a chance to pause and take in the breathtaking views of the 14^th century castle and the stunning surrounding landscape.

Herds of Red and Fallow Deer can be spotted across the Deer Park too and deer feeding will be taking place during the Father’s Day celebrations.

After working up an appetite, families can treat themselves to lunch at The Vinery Café, which offers panoramic views of the High Vinery Garden and the Castle, serving homemade dishes and treats inspired or sourced from the beautiful Raby Estate.

Raby will also be hosting a barbeque especially for Dad’s on Father’s Day weekend, serving locally sourced produce, including longhorn beef from the estate.

Last minute Father’s Day gift-giving opportunities lie in the Coach House, a stunning retail and exhibition space which opened last year within Raby’s leading lifestyle destination. Artisan crafts, homeware and local produce can all be found inside the thoughtfully curated retail space.

To get the best ticket price, it is highly recommended to pre-book online. Tickets to The Plotters’ Forest, Deer Park and Gardens are £14 for adults, £11 for children (ages 4-15) or £50 for a family ticket (two adults and three children). Under fours go free and children also go free into Raby Castle with a valid Plotters’ Forest, Park & Gardens Ticket.

For more information about Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, Father’s Day celebrations and to book tickets please visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/dads-go-free-this-fathers-day/

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A stroll through the Deer Park at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is an exciting experience for all ages, with a variety of beautifully captivating sights to see, including diverse wildlife, historic structures and much more, all signalled with further information on the Raby App, along with suggested walking routes.

Prior to a stroll in the Deer Park, little one’s can collect their complimentary trail booklets from The Round House, a great way to keep children engaged and inquisitive as they journey through the Walled Gardens and Deer Park.

Red and Fallow Deer

The picturesque Deer Park is home to majestic Red Deer – The UK’s Largest land mammal – and the more delicate Fallow Deer. Both herds are descendants of the original animals from Norman times and can be seen in close proximity at this time of year as the Park Rangers are supplementary feeding these incredible animals through the colder months.

Jake Eastham

Snowdrops

Dainty Snowdrops are beginning to appear in the Walled Garden and Deer Park. As one of the earliest flowers to bloom they are a welcome reminder that spring is just around the corner.

Birds of Prey

Look out for our resident Barn Owls, Kestrals, Sparrowhawks, Buzzards and many more spectacular birds of prey who can often be spotted soaring above the vast parkland.

Peter Gunton

The Temple

This gothic structure was built in the late 18th Century for the First Earl of Darlington. Throughout the years this building has been known as the Summerhouse, the Folly and the Belverde. Today, this beautiful building is the perfect nook that offers breath-taking views of the parkland and is one of our favourite spots to sit and watch the world go by.

Rachel Riley

Bath House

The Bath House is a stunning building which can be viewed from the path on the West side of the park. Trips from the castle to the Bath House were a popular historic pastime – though the spring water was so cold very few actually took a dip.

David Foster

Discover a world of history, culture and enchantment at your fingertips with the Raby Estates App. Discover walking routes at Raby Castle, Park & Gardens and High Force Waterfall via an interactive map, explore points of interest including wildlife and historical developments.

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The revitalised 300-year-old Walled Gardens, which feature three different gardens encased within the historic brick walls, reopened in summer last year following a collaboration between Lady Barnard, creative director and custodian of Raby Castle, and world-renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei.

Introduced by Luciano, and with a specialism in cut flower gardens, Becky will work alongside our gardens and landscape manager Dickon Harding and his team to ensure the vision for the five-acre space is fulfilled.

Becky said: “Every garden naturally takes on a life and soul of its own and our priority is to make sure we understand Lady Barnard and Luciano’s overall vision. We will be working closely with Luciano to nurture his design and help develop this as the gardens and plants mature.

“It was a great experience to work with Luciano and his team on the development of the cutting garden at such an early stage, and now I am really looking forward to seeing it all flourish in its first full year. There’s also a gentle understatement within the overall space and the planting.

“The opportunity to work with such a friendly and welcoming team in a place steeped in history doesn’t come along very often at all – it really is the whole package – and I feel very fortunate to be working here.”

Luciano and Lady Barnard have retained the gardens’ distinctive spirit; one in which the character of Raby and its rich history is deeply embedded. The East Garden is home to a flower garden of grasses and perennials above the tiered grass amphitheatre; the Formal Garden is where our guests can see the historic Raby Yew hedge; and the productive West Garden is dedicated to growing an abundance of flowers for cutting.

Dickon added: “The Walled Gardens have always been a special place but the remodelling by Luciano and Lady Barnard has produced something even more wonderful. It’s been incredible to be part of the journey so far, from overseeing the construction phase to now looking after and nurturing the gardens and I am really looking forward to seeing how the plants and spaces develop and welcoming visitors to this beautiful ever-changing space throughout the seasons.”

Lady Barnard led the Walled Gardens project, which was part of the major two-year restoration development here at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to create a new lifestyle destination in the north east, and believes the gardens can be a cultural and calming retreat for visitors.

Lady Barnard said: “The gardens have been inspired by Raby’s heritage however now incorporate contemporary planting, Amelanchier woodlands and a series of unique mazes, as well as a tiered grass amphitheater where people can relax as they look out to the castle and enjoy musical and theatrical events.

“It was a joy to work with Luciano on this project – his talent shines through and I think green fingered visitors, and those not so adept in the garden, will appreciate his planting schemes which are just inspired!”

Award-winning garden designer Luciano Giubbilei, who was selected as garden designer of the year in the House & Garden Design Awards 2024, is one of Britain’s most successful garden designers and the newly redesigned Walled Gardens at Raby Castle are his first public project.

Visitors in 2025 can also time their visit with a trip to the medieval castle itself between March and October and the Estate’s ancient Deer Park, home to two species of deer which have lived on throughout picturesque parklands and surrounding lakes.

Lady Barnard added: “I believe we have maintained the soul of the Walled Gardens and I for one can’t wait to welcome guests come throughout the different seasons, as they witness the ever-changing nature of this wondrous place.”

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Visitors to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens New Year’s Day charity walk have helped to raise funds to support the work of a local charity.

Following the popular charity walk through Raby’s picturesque Deer Park earlier this year, over £2,200 has been donated to the Great North Air Ambulance Service which provides lifesaving and critical care services across the North of England.

Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates said: “This is wonderful news to start the new year, and we hope this is one of many promising updates for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

“The work they do is vital and I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came to our charity walk and donated.”

Throughout the rest of the year, the heritage destination will be raising funds for and awareness of the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which covers over 8,000 square miles across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man and is ready to help anyone seven days a week.

Ben Sisson, specialist fundraiser at the Great North Air Ambulance Service said: “I am delighted that Raby Estates has chosen the Great North Air Ambulance Service as their charity of the year for 2025.

“This opportunity to work together and partner with such an iconic and much-loved Estate in the heart of our region will raise both vital and positive awareness about our charity and its service. It will also ultimately raise much needed essential funds to keep us being able to deliver our world class advanced pre-hospital medical care to the people of our region when they need it at their worst moments.”

“New Year’s Day has really helped to kick start this partnership and work together in a fantastic way and helped us really engage with the public in a personal and positive manner.”

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The Rising, a collection of restored heritage buildings, two thoughtfully designed new builds and remodelled walled gardens will offer visitors a unique experience in County Durham. The ambition is to inspire an audience from further afield, supporting the region as a leading tourist destination and securing Raby as an enjoyable place for the local community to enjoy.

During the renovation Raby has championed local suppliers along with several contractors from the local area and the wider North East, to work on different aspects of the landmark renovation scheme.

County Durham based Fairway Contracts Limited has completed the two new constructions within The Rising – the newly designed Vinery Café Restaurant, modelled on the original glasshouse which stood in the same spot and will seat over 200 people, and The Round House, a ticketing and information reception, which features a design inspired by an historic field barn sited close to the castle in Staindrop.

Simon Hodgson, director at Fairway Contracts Limited, said: “It has been a privilege to play our part in creating two important buildings within this momentous scheme, contributing to the next chapter in Raby Castle’s history, ensuring these new structures will be enjoyed for many more generations to come.

Other Teesdale companies involved in the vast scale of works across The Rising include D&A Colling Electrical Services, Middleton Forge, and Teesdale Renewables, who are working on the new Ground Source Heat Pump network, to deliver heat to several buildings on the site following last year’s exploration into renewable energy for the scheme.

North Yorkshire based Alistair Baldwin is the lead landscape architect for this significant development and is responsible for creating the beautiful external spaces which connect the various buildings within the scheme.

“Our aim is to create inspiring and elegant gardens to connect the numerous beautiful buildings that make up The Rising in a way that will resonate with the different audiences visiting Raby, capturing the essence of an historic working settlement in the shadow of the castle,” said Alistair.

“Our gardens will seamlessly link the new and historic buildings at The Rising – from strolling through the soft planting and statuesque trees in the Duchess’ Walk to get to the Coach House or the Riding School, to sitting and admiring the newly revealed view of the castle from the High Vinery garden.”

Both Alistair Baldwin and Luciano Giubbilei – who has remodelled the 18^th century Walled Garden – have worked closely with Trevor Atkinson LTD, a family firm based in Barnard Castle which specialises in landscape construction. The company has overseen civils work and hard landscaping at the Grade II* listed Coach House, which will be home to Raby’s free-to-enter exhibition and new retail space.

The centrepiece of this exhibition will be an audio-visual projection onto a bespoke eight-metre carved oak table, sourced sustainably from the Estate, which has been crafted by local artisan furniture maker Anthony Nixon, of Barnard Castle. The projection will showcase the unique Teesdale landscape, part of the wider Estate, and highlight iconic landmarks such as High Force Waterfall, as well as the sights and sounds of the local area and wildlife.

From the surrounding region, Raby has employed, amongst others, T Manners from Bishop Auckland to make timber doors and windows; K & L Venning from Cumbria which has worked on the new slating; North Yorkshire landscape construction company DHMS which has implemented the Dutch Barn hard landscaping scheme, and MY Civil Engineers, responsible for managing the civils work in the Duchess Walk, a beautifully landscaped area designed by Alistair Baldwin next to the Riding School and Dutch Barn – two heritage buildings restored and repurposed to provide magnificent new events spaces.

Working closely with the specialist contractors, Raby’s own in-house team of highly skilled individuals has played an instrumental role in The Rising, using a variety of traditional skills to thoughtfully restore the three historic buildings in the castle grounds, alongside processes that have been in existence for over 100 years.

Claire Jones, head of leisure and tourism at Raby Estate, said: “It’s been wonderful watching our own team and trusted contractors work alongside each other on these heritage buildings to preserve their future with renewed energy and purpose, restoring them in thoughtful ways which continue to tell the story of their former uses.”

The ambitious restoration project is set to open in late spring.

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development

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Raby Estates looks forward to working with Mind at future events in 2024. Alongside, The Rising Development opening in Spring 2024 where people can enjoy the wide open beautiful spaces, elevating the elegant leisure destination complete with heritage buildings restored to incredible event spaces, remodelled walled gardens by world renowned Luciano Giubbilei, stylish shopping, exciting events and great food, sourced within the Estate served in the new Vinery Restaurant.

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One-third of us will be touched by cancer in our lifetime. The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is an academic working body based at the Royal Marsden Hospital. ICR employs over 300 scientists and has taken more drugs into clinical trials in the last decade than any other organisation worldwide.  We are therefore proud to be supporting such a worthy cause again this year.

This annual event involves teams from businesses located across the north of England ascending Lakeland’s highest mountains in early winter conditions. The event has raised more than £1.75 million for the Institute and other charities over the past 34 years. With your help, we would like to make this another record-breaking year.

Last year a team of 12 walkers from Raby successfully completed a trek in the fells around High Street and raised around £7000. This year the Raby Estates Team will be tackling Helvellyn, one of the most iconic and majestic peaks in the Lake District National Park of England. Standing at 950 meters above sea level, it is renowned for its breath-taking beauty and challenging hiking trails. It’ll be a long day in the hills.

If you would like to support our team with their fundraising for Climb of Life, and the motivation to complete this arduous challenge, then please go to their JustGiving page to donate.

2023 Update

Many thanks indeed for your generous support for this year’s ICR Climb of Life Appeal. 12 climbers and numerous dogs made up the Raby team having been assigned Helvellyn as our challenge this year.

We were blessed with a magical day and snow-covered fells as we made our ascent from Glenridding at the southern end of Ullswater. On reaching Red Tarn we rested and contemplated the final climb onto the summit via a snow covered Swirrel Edge. There were a few hairy moments as dogs of various sizes were cajoled over the more exposed parts of the ridge. Thankfully, we reached the summit unscathed with the team and assorted canines intact to enjoy some magnificent views in the early winter sunshine.

This year’s event raised just over £71,000 overall for ICR and I am pleased to confirm that we made one of the largest single team contributions of £6,000.

This year’s grand total means that this annual event has now raised over £1.70 million during the 34 years that it has been taking place with over £1 million raised for Institute of Cancer Research during that period.  This of course would not have been possible without your generous support.  All of us at Raby are therefore enormously grateful to you. Many thanks once again for your support and your donation.

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Here are our top things to look out for this Autumn across the Estate:

Autumn Colours

September, October and November are a beautiful time to experience Raby in its full autumnal glory. Enjoy a walk around the Deer Park at Raby Castle and see the seasonal shift of the leaves as they turn to browns and golds. Or pull on your walking boots and explore our circular route at High Force to experience the bursts of colour on your way to the waterfall, a brilliant contrast against our conifer trees. Pick up a pinecone or a leaf to take home as a keepsake of your visit. After the lightness and brightness of Summer, Autumn really brings the landscape to life through its bold dark colours, nature’s final hurrah before Winter.

(c) Simon Saunders

Deer Rutting Season

The rutting season, or ‘the rut’ is part of the deer’s annual cycle at Raby. Every Autumn the males compete for the attention of females by putting on an impressive display. People come from miles around to see and hear the incredible clash of antlers and the roar as the males make their challenge. We do please ask visitors not to approach the deer during this time, but you can still see the spectacle from a safe distance so bring your binoculars!

(c) Peter Gunton

Migration and Hibernation

As the weather turns colder, birds across the Estate will start their migration to warmer climates for the Winter season. Swallows will depart our shores and make their way south, as other birds are gearing up to do the same. In Autumn fieldfare, redwing and bramblings will make their way from the cold climates of Scandinavia and Russia to the relative warmth of the UK. The striking red berries of hawthorn and rowan provide food for these Winter visitors. You might spot squirrels gathering their supplies for the long months ahead too. Keep your eyes peeled along the River Tees and you might be lucky enough to see a salmon journeying in from the Atlantic Ocean making the perilous journey upstream to its spawning grounds.

(c) Peter Gunton

Stargazing

We are incredibly lucky in the North Pennines to have a large number of Dark Sky Discovery Sites including at Cow Green Reservoir and Low Force Waterfall, ideal locations to see the stars. Our High Force Hotel runs Stargazing Suppers throughout the Autumn months where visitors can enjoy a three-course meal followed by a guided stargazing experience. Visit our What’s On page to see upcoming dates. Or why not download an app for your own evening of discovery? Learning to read the stars is an incredible skill that can aid navigation and tell you more about our universe. Or simply go out to enjoy the peaceful spectacle of the constellations above you. If you’re lucky you may even get to witness the Northern Lights which can occasionally be seen from the North Pennines. Find out where your nearest Dark Sky Discovery Site is.

(c) Gary Lintern

Halloween

We love Halloween at Raby. This October Half Term The Plotters’ Forest will be ghoulishly dressed for an exciting spooky trail. You might spy our woodland sculptures hiding round a corner so beware of scary spiders and our wicked witch. This year we’re inviting families to bring their carved pumpkins to Raby to be displayed around the gardens, so get your creative hat on! We can’t wait to see your designs. If you’re feeling extra brave, come along to our After Dark event and experience the trail at night.

Water Levels

The rising water levels with increased rainfall during Autumn will add to the spectacular sights of Cauldron Snout and High and Low Force Waterfall. This time of year is when High Force is at its most powerful, flowing with tremendous speed before plunging 21 metres into the pool beneath. If we have had a prolonged period of severe cold, you might even see it freeze!

Fall Flavours

As the weather gets colder we will be phasing out our Summer salads and staples in place of an Autumn palette at High Force Hotel and our Yurt Cafe at Raby Castle. Cosy up with a delicious hot chocolate or pick from our selection of warming dishes. Our Yurt Cafe will be serving a mouth-watering selection of jacket potatoes, quiche and frittatas this year. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available too, just ask our friendly staff to advise.

Autumn Shopping

Our Stables Shop will be enjoying a refresh this season and will have a beautiful array of new items on display. From books and boardgames to homeware, blankets, local produce and children’s games, there is plenty to browse. If you’re looking to fit in some early festive shopping, we will be launching our Christmas items on Thursday 3rd November 2022 with a special shopping evening with mulled wine and possibly a visit from Father Christmas himself!

We’d love to see your Autumn pictures at Raby.

For Raby Castle please tag us on Facebook at @rabycastle, Twitter at @rabycastle and Instagram at @rabycastleofficial.

For High Force please tag us on Facebook at @HighForceHotelWaterfall, Twitter at @HighForceWater and Instagram @highforcehotelwaterfall.

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