International knitters spread the word about endangered adders

A knitting pattern created as part of an arts programme celebrating an endangered UK species is on the needles of knitters around the world and is helping to spread a vital conservation message far and wide.

‘Knitting the serpentine’ is an intricate pattern for a hat featuring the UK’s only venomous snake, the adder. It was created by artist Carole McCourt for the North Pennines National Landscape team through a project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Northumbrian Water’s Branch Out scheme. And now it is attracting attention around the world, bringing keen knitters to the North Pennines website to download the pattern.

Sarah Hudspeth, the North Pennines National Landscape team’s Communications Lead, said: “I am a knitter and when Carole created the pattern, I wondered what would happen if we shared this on Ravelry, which is the largest and most popular website for knitters and crocheters worldwide, holding around 1.5 million patterns. We were also able to include information about the North Pennines and the vulnerable adder, sharing that with people around the globe who may never have heard of the North Pennines before.”

Within days the pattern had been saved as a favourite by over 100 people and the team had received messages from knitters in the United States.

Designer Carole said: “This design grew from time spent walking in the North Pennines and noticing the patterns and movements that shape the landscape. The zigzag of the adder’s back and the curve of its path through the heather informed the structure of the hat. At the top of the hat, the shaping suggests the soft forms of heather, and the adder’s eyes circle the crown to complete the design.”

Sarah Ingwersen, Education and Engagement Officer at the North Pennines National Landscape team explained how art had been an important part of the project: “The Adders Up arts programme has been a highly effective way to share the importance of adders in this upland landscape. Adders are often misunderstood and maligned, but the hands-on workshops, artist commissions, exhibitions and events have helped people in the North Pennines connect with the adder and appreciate its beauty, and ultimately support its conservation and protection.

“Having this pattern available on such a widely used platform is a unique opportunity to spread these messages even further.”

The pattern is available as a free download on the North Pennines website at https://bit.ly/adderhat

ENDS

Notes for editors

1. Contact Sarah Hudspeth, Communications Lead from the North Pennines National Landscape team for further information – communications@northpennines.org.uk Phone: 01388 528801 / 07768 123247

2. Images of the finished pattern modelled by artist Carole McCourt are attached. For alternative images please contact Sarah, Kate, Reuben or Jane on communications@northpennines.org.uk

3. About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

By 2033 we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.

heritagefund.org.uk

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund

4. The North Pennines National Landscape is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1988. The purpose of this nationally recognised designation is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area.

5. At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 National Landscapes (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt places in England. Visit www.landscapesforlife.org.uk for information about the National Landscapes family. .

6. The North Pennines lies between the National Parks of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland with the urban centres of County Durham away to the east. Parts of the National Landscape are within the boundaries of four local authorities; Cumberland Council, Durham County Council, Northumberland County Council, and Westmorland & Furness Council.

7. The North Pennines National Landscape Partnership is an alliance of public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the North Pennines. The work of the Partnership is carried out by the National Landscape team which takes action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, to raise awareness of its special qualities and to improve the quality of life for local people.

8. UNESCO Global Geopark – As well as being a National Landscape, the North Pennines is a UNESCO Global Geopark. This puts the area’s Geopark status in the same UNESCO family as World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO Global Geoparks are places with outstanding geology where special effort is made to make the most of geological heritage to support community and economy. Locally this includes producing geo-trails, developing projects with school and community groups, producing displays for visitor attractions and holding geology festivals and events.