One of the upsides of getting up early, is that you get to catch programmes on the wireless that might other wise pass you by.
And so it was this morning with, Redesdale, Open Country, Radio 4.
"Helen Mark is in Redesdale in Northumberland to find out about a project to restore and celebrate the landscape of these historic borderlands. Redesdale is one of the most peaceful parts of England and a stronghold for many of our native species, though for centuries it was a lawless frontier where families on both sides of the border, the Border Reivers, raided each other’s lands.
The Revitalising Redesdale landscape partnership is restoring and connecting the habitats and the rich cultural heritage across the valley, including the peatlands of Whitelee Moor and archaeological sites stretching back to pre-history.
One element of the project is to look for new evidence of the location of the infamous medieval Battle of Otterburn, which inspired several border ballads which have been passed down the generations. Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell and her Dad Mike live close to the banks of the river Rede; they describe their close connection to the Northumbrian ballads, and how this distinct musical tradition is linked to its landscape. Presented by Helen Mark and produced by Sophie Anton".*
And the folk song fan in me loved the bits with the songs of the Battle of Otterburn which was fought between the Scots and the English in 1388, and involved that Shakesperian figure Harry Hotspur.
Location; Northumbria
Picture; Battle of Otterburn (1388). Miniature from Jean Froissart, Chroniques 1470-1475
Redesdale, Open Country, Radio 4, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000q0z8
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