Drill Heads

Located up a small hill within Weetslade Country Park, these three drill heads represent the mining history of the region.

The 38 hectare park sits on the site of the old Weetslade Colliery and has been extensively landscaped to create a wildlife haven. The drill heads are situated on the highest point which is 95 metres above sea level with and you can spy the North Sea and Cheviot Hills on a clear day.

Opened in 1903, Weetslade Colliery mined until 1966 and continued as a washery until it was abandoned in 1980. During 1947 around 160,000 tons of coal was mined. The Northumberland Wildlife Trust landscaped the site to create habitats including wildflower meadows, grassland, scrub, reed bed and woodland areas. The reserve also attracts a variety of wildlife including grey partridge, otter and kingfisher if you can spy them.

The country park then opened on the 17th June 2006 by David Bellamy and the drill head sculptures are a memento of the area's proud mining history.

It's a lovely little area for a wander to blow away the cobwebs!