Village News
Added on 21 March 2021
The landscape in Horsley parish is likely to change significantly over the next 15 years as our native ash trees succumb to the fungal disease ash dieback. Ash is the third most common native tree in our parish. Experts estimate that between 75% and 95% of our ash trees will be affected with the remainder becoming resistant to the disease. If you have an ash tree near your home and it becomes diseased you will notice bark lesions and a rapid loss of leaves during the growing season. The tree quickly rots and can be in danger of falling.
One community member has discovered broken clay pipes and pieces of old pottery on the surface of fields adjoining rights of ways in Horsley. It was common practice to dispose of this kind waste in fields in the past particularly if you lived near to pottery works.
The road surface at either end of the lane between Horsley Barns and Harlow Hill has deteriorated further with many new potholes.
Although we are reminded that it is the175th anniversary of the start of the construction of the Whittle reservoirs in the north of the parish the project took almost 10 years to complete with the last 2 and largest reservoirs being completed in the 1850,s. The architect who finished the work was Robert Nicholson .Robert also designed the stunning railway viaducts at Chollerton and Kielder as well as the pumping station at Newburn.
It is pleasing to note a high population of hares in the fields to the north of Horsley Hills. March is that mad time of year for hares who can be seen doing their courting ritual in earnest.