Member Article

Fingers crossed for James

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is delighted people of the region got behind its feature blogger, James Common and voted him into the finals of the 2018 UK Blog Awards.

A true Northumbrian, naturalist and aspiring nature writer James who hails from Widdrington but now lives in Bedlington fended off strong competition to secure his place in the ‘Green & Eco’ category final.

James’ blog, aptly titled ‘Common by Nature’ has received commendations from BBC Wildlife Magazine and earned him a runner up placing at the 2016 Living North Awards.

A big supporter of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, James is a regular contributor to its members’ magazine and writes a monthly blog from a number of the wildlife charity’s 60+ nature reserves, travelling to as many as possible by public transport to test their accessibility. You can read his blog at www.nwt.org.uk/blog.

Now in their fifth year, the UK Blog Awards recognise the unique and resonant nature of the Internet community - from bloggers to social influencers and through organisations and individual creators. They are the only multi-industry awards honouring online excellence and are most prestigious.

The 8 finalists in the 19 categories which range from Automobile and Fashion and Beauty to Sports and Fitness and Education will have their blogs analysed by an expert judging panel between 31 January - 16 February, but James will have to wait until the Awards evening in London on 20 April to see if he has been successful.

Nick Mason, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Director of Living Landscapes said: “I am delighted all James’ family, friends, members of the public and our Trust supporters recognised his ability to ignite people’s interest in nature and took time to vote him through to the finals.

“Needless to say we will have everything crossed for him and wouldn’t it be wonderful if a blog about wildlife on our doorsteps received national recognition?”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Northumberland Wildlife Trust .