Wildlife charity bids farewell to legendary founder

A NORTHUMBRIAN described as a “legendary conservationist” who devoted decades to protecting nature has died.

- TONY HENDROVER @Hendrover

Dr Angus Lunn, from Heddon-on-the Wall, was one of the original members of the Northumberland and Durham Naturalists’ Trust in 1962 which led to the foundation of Northumberland Wildlife Trust in 1971.

He served as one of its vice-presidents and trustees and was chairman of its conservation committee for 35 years.

His efforts were key to the establishment of a protection and restoration project for the Border Mires peatlands which started over 50 years ago and are now increasingly important as climate change carbon absorbing “sinks.”

The project restored over 2,000 hectares of peatlands around Kielder Forest, cleared conifer plantations, blocked thousands of agricultural ditches, and created 130 wader pools to help birds such as curlew to return to the area.

Beyond his conservation and education work and career, he was a dedicated Newcastle United fan.