Season's Greetings Madelon and the boys! Have a lovely time, lots of Irn-Bru to consume :) and plans for your next travels to Scotland. Good Health and Happiness for 2025. Xxx

Barney. What a dog! Sitting by your favourite wood burner it is incredible to think it is 5yrs since... A great part of our life and so much enjoyment to others. Thank You.

BIG Thank You to all our 2024 Volunteers! Our Volunteer Wardens at Kirk Yetholm give their time freely and often go 'above and beyond' in welcoming the many walkers, cyclists and outdoor lovers who stay during the season and making the shared experience that bit special. A great season this year, look after yourselves over the winter and we look forward to seeing you soon. A tree in the ground for each of you: Richard, Linda & Victor, Andrew D, Helen & Tony, Joe, Nigel, Andrew B, Clare, Rod & Linda, Keith, Sue, Krysia, Jenni. With Season's Greetings, Simon & Maureen.

Happy Birthday Maureen! Another great year of shared experiences and looks like loads more wonderful times to come. Xxx

At our Friends of Nature house we allocate £1 for every person staying to tree planting projects. During the 7 month season April to October 2024 we welcomed 737 guests and means we can plant a further 123 trees with Trees for Life.

T & S

It was 12 years ago today that we opened the doors of Kirk Yetholm under the Friends of Nature ethos. How the years have flown! What a great time and so much has happened. The aim continues of offering budget accommodation to those who wish to explore nature and heritage on foot, bike or public transport. A legacy that dates back to 1942. Thanks to all our supporters and guests, our wonderful volunteers and of course our loyal members. We will continue in our efforts to tread lightly on the planet

A message for our good friend John... we are all hoping you are not in pain and the hospital will sort things with you shortly. All will be well! Look forward to seeing you up in the Borders again soon. All Best Wishes, your friends are thinking of you. Xxx

Thank you Mum! Xxx

Happy Birthday Barney! Treasured memories. 20 years today :)

Birthday Greetings Julie! Have a lovely time down in deepest Devon and many more special days to come. Lots love, S&M. Xxx

For Agnes. You and Kit were the first people we met in the village back in 2012 and welcomed us with a smile. That smile has endured over the years and your warmth and friendship always shone through. Always active, out and about, you had a wonderful last day in the car exploring the Longformacus area in our beautiful Scottish Borders. The daffies will have been smiling. Rest Easy. Thank You. With much fondness. Simon & Maureen. Xxx

Happy Birthday Nigel! Good health and happiness now and for you both in the years to come. A couple of trees in the ground to remind you of Highland roots. See soon, Xxx

Two wonderful entities - Kirk Yetholm Hostel & Trees for Life

To Friends North of the Border.

Festive Greetings, Good Health and Happiness for 2024. Get that Austria trip sorted! See you soon, S&M

Birthday Greetings Maureen. So many special times shared and so much more to look forward to in the years ahead! Xxx

BIG Thank You to all our 2023 Volunteers! Our Volunteer Wardens at Kirk Yetholm give their time freely and often go 'above and beyond' in welcoming the many walkers, cyclists and outdoor lovers who stay during the season and making the shared experience that bit special. A great season this year, look after yourselves over the winter and we look forward to seeing you soon. A tree in the ground for each of you: Ian, Richard, Helen & Tony, Rod & Linda, Andrew D, Joe, Keith, Clare, Andrew B, Jenni, Justine & Eddie, Nigel, Wilma, Sue, Trevor, Hilary, Sherri & Peter. With Season's Greetings, Simon & Maureen.

At our Friends of Nature house we allocate £1 for every person staying to tree planting projects.
During the 7 month season April to October 2023 we welcomed 873 guests and means we can plant
a further 146 trees with TFL. That's 43 more trees than last years total of 103 planted, our best year to date!
Onwards and upwards as more guests = more trees!!

Happy Birthday Barney. Treasured memories.

Festive Greetings Mr Watts. Good Health and Happiness for New Year 2023. Happy Travels and get that trip to Austria booked!! ?

To Good friends north of the Border – have an Excellent Christmas and New Year

???? Volunteers are the beating heart of our Friends of Nature House. ? Each day they provide a welcoming environment, enable visitors to undertake their travels, organise the daily cleaning and operation of the house, and more often than not, are the key focus for much laughter, conversation and advice. Many good times and long term friendships over the years have been made with guests from all parts of the globe! So what could be better than planting a tree for each of our Volunteers. Thank You All. ? ????

???Three years ago at this time we drove back from Robert Young's with an empty space in the car and our hearts. How could a dog bring so much joy to so many people over the course of 15 years...? Therapy dog for parents in their final years, constant companion, loyal and welcoming, ever up for a walk and regular friend to so many visitors at Earby, Slaidburn and Kirk Yetholm. Treasured memories. ??????

?? Happy Birthday Maureen ??. Have a lovely time in Moniaive this weekend... ?. Looking forward to sharing times ahead, the best is yet to come!! Xxx ??

UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP 27):
Naturefriends demand Climate Justice as the basis for a good life for all people.
Read on below:?
https://www.nf-int.org/en/presse/presseaussendungen/climate-justice-basis-good-life-all-people
?????

???? At our Friends of Nature house we allocate £1 for every person staying to tree planting projects. During the 7 month season April to October 2022 we welcomed 616 guests and means we can plant a further 103 trees with TFL. Onwards and upwards as we adapt to some sort of 'new normal' and more guests will = more trees!! ???

???? Sheila has been in the wars, leg in plaster but as ever spirits are high with the help of Bill by her side. A tree or two perhaps will help the healing process, mentally and physically, who knows you could always add the Scottish Highlands to your future travel plans and see how replanting of the Caledonian Forest progresses!! ? From those two in Kirk Yetholm. ?? ?

On this day commemorating the Queen and 96 years of service to her country and God, I remember the strong women in my own family. My aunt, Sr Frances, who is still vibrant and active at 89, after a life of service. For her four sisters who have passed: my mother Anne, her older sister who died too young in her 40's, and for Lena, Sally and Aunty May. You were all extraordinary women in different ways, with lives well lived. Rest in peace.

Queen Elizabeth II: 1952-2022 ??

On the passing of our Queen after 70 years of service, aged 96 - we give thanks for a life of service, as a beacon of hope and as an inspiration across the nations.
For being a constant in an ever-changing world.
For so many she is all we have ever known.

To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
"All Will be Well!"

?? Happy Birthday Tim ??. 65 YEARS YOUNG today ? ... so many good times still to come!! Xxx ??

On your 18th Birthday Barney you are ever in our thoughts and we are lucky to have so many fond memories of long walks and happy times. Thank You.

???Two years ago at this time we drove back from Robert Young's with an empty space in the car and our hearts. How could a dog bring so much joy to so many people over the course of 15 years...? Therapy dog for parents in their final years, constant companion, loyal and welcoming, ever up for a walk and regular friend to so many visitors at Earby, Slaidburn and Kirk Yetholm. Treasured memories. ??????

???? At our Friends of Nature house we allocate £1 for every person staying to tree planting projects. In this Covid-19 recovery year of 2021 with restricted opening, we welcomed 271 guests over the shortened 3 month season and meant we could plant a further 46 trees with TFL. Hopefully next year will see the world back on track as we adapt to some sort of 'new normal' and more guests will = more trees!! ???

?? Happy Birthday Maureen ??. Have a great day, the best is yet to come!! Xxx ??

On this Global Day for Climate Justice: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Hope for the future.

? 26 Trees for COP26 ?. Day 6 and we are half way through the Glasgow climate conference... Time for wealthier nations to help-out the poorer countries and pressure the remaining economies to commit. Action to replace the endless talks of the last 26yrs. If we must all accept a 'lower' or 'different' standard of living in the years to come, perhaps this could be turned into a positive in terms of countries coming together and a levelling up of the disparities between peoples...? Necessary sacrifice for the long term 'system change' to ensure sustainable relationship between people and planet. We truly hope concrete actions will be forthcoming in the week ahead.

? Climate protection now – act before it is too late! In the run-up to the World Climate Conference, Naturefriends International demands courageous and effective climate protection measures instead of vague promises at its Annual Conference on 23rd of October 2021.

Our beautiful big bear gained his wings tonight , sad beyond belief . Rest easy our gorgeous boy???

? Happy Friends of Nature Day!! ?

Tim. 64 years young today!! Great times and memories had. The best still to come ?. Keep well brother. Xxx

We're at Chippermore again Barney, doing all those favourite walks we loved. Not the same without you. Happy Birthday and treasured memories. Xxx

The 5th of June is World Environment Day and this year the theme is “Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.” The World Environment Day 2021 calls for urgent action to revive our damaged ecosystems.

60 years of inspiring our youngsters achieve 'the best they can be' through the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, of actively supporting connection and respect for nature through organisations such as WWF, are legacies to give thanks. We all have our part to play and given the right opportunity and encouragement can shine. Our challenge through life is to nurture, inspire, challenge injustice, promote humanity, respect our living world... A Tree Planted for the future with this hope.

Happy Mother's Day Julie!! Have a lovely time and we hope family and Nigel are spoiling you as they should, all well deserved ?

Happy Birthday Eileen. Keep safe and think of all those travel plans to come. :) We're looking forward to seeing you in better times.

Signs of Life 2021... One year today since we planted trees at Kirk Yetholm for the 125th Anniversary of Friends of Nature. Both seem to have become established, the Mountain Ash growing by circa 15cm and the Bird Cherry by 40 cm. Great to see the snowdrops beginning to emerge, nature is waiting patiently to bring us new growth. Last year was not totally without hope. We managed to get our 125 trees funded in the Highlands (well actually the total stands at 138 at time of writing) and a further 125 more locally in the Scottish Borders via Borders Forest Trust at Gameshope (near Selkirk). As Spring is on the horizon... we hope Covid-19 vaccines will roll-out TO ALL across the globe with an end to physical distancing and once again be able to see smiles instead of face coverings. Hang in there everyone!! ?

“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in”. Happy New Year 2021. Quote is by John Muir, born Dunbar in Scotland and one of the 'fathers' of the conservation movement (Sierra Club in USA + National Parks).

Trees bought in memory of Barney, the assistant warden at Earby and KIrk Yetholm FofN Houses for many years. He always greeted me with a friendly bark, a wag of the tail and a lick of the ears. He is greatly missed.

We support tree planting. A bird cherry (black dogwood/Prunus padus) was planted at Kirk Yetholm on Tuesday 4th February 2020 to celebrate the years of joy, fun and unconditional loyalty offered by Barney, the resident hostel cocker spaniel. We lost Barney in November 2019 aged 151/2, he was active until the last weeks and will be sorely missed by us all, not least the many visitors to the Friends of Nature house. We hope the bird cherry will grow into a show stopper of a tree with nectar-loving animals attracted to the almond scented blossom. A fitting memory to a beautiful dog.

Yey!! 125 trees in the ground. ?

Walked the last 5 miles of the SUW to Cockburnspath today. It was lovely weather as it was 2yrs ago to the day. This time without the hound. A favourite biscuit bone was left by that seat above Cove Bay. 3 dolphins were swimming south along the coast.

Trees represent a positive sign of life and the hope for future generations to take care of the planet perhaps better than we have so far... Best wishes and good health and here's hoping for some good travels in 2021!!

Celebrating Barney's Long Walk: Across Scotland on the SUW. We lost our much loved cocker spaniel Barney in November 2019. Today we celebrate 2 years since we completed the final 32 miles (53km) of the Southern Upland Way from Lauder to Cockburnspath on the east coast of Scotland. We had to split the section into bite size legs of 7 miles as this was his daily limit aged 14!! Started walking the route in stages in September 2014, but Barney then broke his rear leg ligament in December 2015 and spent 9 months getting back to health. On home territory the last few days made wonderful walking - lots of sunny weather and miles of quiet countryside, a shear delight! We made the coast at noon on Friday 14th December 2018 in brilliant sunshine, similar weather to when we departed the west coast at Portpatrick 6 years ago and 214 miles (344km) behind us. Walking with a dog was great fun: we camped, bothied, visited numerous pubs and cafes, shared taxis/buses/trains to access the route, and met so many wonderful people along the route. Long distance paths are in many ways a personal pilgrimage - 'a walk to feed the soul'. Why not try it sometime...? this certainly is not my last. Thank You Barney for accompanying me on this trip, my faithful friend and shadow. ? Photo's and account of last 3 walk stages for 2016/17/18: https://www.facebook.com/BordersFriendsofNature/posts/2151267488521780 SUW Details: www.southernuplandway.gov.uk

Happy Birthday Bill!! Have a lovely day and here's looking forward to many more adventures on the bike in the not too distant future. See you both soon. Lots of love. M & S. xxx

Thinking of you at this time and looking forward to meeting up in 2021. Happy X-mas!!

Some trees to plant as an investment for the future. Thanks both for your support and moral boost during this difficult year, we had many a good blether and laughter is so often the best thing for well being!! Have a good time with the family over the Festive Season and keep positive for better times to come, which they surely will. Look forward to walkies and catching up in the New Year. S & M. xxx

Instead of a calendar this year we plant a tree... so much greener, we hope you agree?!! For a man who loves nature and the outdoors... a couple of trees in Scotland to raise the spirits...? Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 when new travels and adventures will most surely come!

Who want to be Friends for Nature in the Future Generations.

Here are a couple of trees in Scotland to raise the spirits...? Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 when new travels and adventures are allowed

We support tree planting. A Mountain Ash (Rowan/Sorbus aucuparia) was planted at Kirk Yetholm on Monday 3rd February 2020 to mark the 125 years of Friends of Nature. We hope the leaves and berries will be a favourite for wildlife in the years to come. Trees can last up to 200 years and will be a permanent reminder of the Naturefriends movement. With luck it will certainly outlive us!!

NFI 24th Annual Congress - 125 years young! Congratulations everyone on a successful Congress held on Saturday 28th November via Zoom. With over 50 participants from 3+ continents it went without a hitch ? Thanks to those who have served on the committee these last 3 years and our best wishes to the newly elected for the future. Exciting times. Finally, special congratulations to all the countries/groups who celebrated the 125th Birthday on Naturefriends Day - including the winners Italy, Czechia and France. There is a wonderful little 2 min video which visually shows the high points from many countries over the years since 1895... look out at the beginning for the Naturefriends abseiling off Tower Bridge when UK hosted the 1987 Congress in Brighton!! See video bottom of the fb post dated 28th Nov 2020: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofNatureUK We look forward with inspiration to the next years...

Hello ! Pour moi, les "Amis de la nature ", c'est une association laïque, de tourisme social et de défense de l'environnement qui prône les valeurs de partage et de solidarité, tout ce dont nous avons le plus besoin aujourd'hui ! Les maisons AN sont toujours bien situées, dans des endroits naturels superbes; on y rencontre des gens très intéressants générallement, ouverts sur le monde et qui ont les mêmes valeurs ; chaque séjour dans une maison AN est unique, plein de bonnes surprises et de rencontres mémorables ! Un vrai plaisir d'y séjourner et de s'y retrouver dans une ambiance tout autre que celle de la société de consommation...un retour aux sources qui nous ressource !!!

Instead of a calendar this year we plant a tree... so much greener, we hope you agree?!! For 2 people who love nature and the outdoors... a couple of trees in Scotland to raise the spirits...? Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 when new travels and adventures will most surely come!

A tree planted to celebrate the life and work of Alan Gentle, much missed friend and tireless volunteer for the cause of Friends of Nature. IT "guru" Alan was always willing to help and was well ahead of the curve in terms of the benefits of computing, the web and spreading of information which knows no boundaries. Perhaps best remembered for making Naturefriends GB (as we were known then) one of the first/the first(?) groups to have a dedicated website and also in his tireless design, printing and mailing out of the International Friends of Nature Houses Guide. The latter I recall Alan saying were sent to all corners of the globe and represent a meticulous attention to detail to get the updated information for circa 900 houses!! Instrumental also in bringing the NFI Congress to Brighton in the 1980's. We wish Myra and the family Season's Greetings and to let them know fond memories remain always.

What could be better than planting a few trees at this time? A little sign of life and hope for the future generations to take care of the planet perhaps better than we have so far... Best wishes and good health to you both - lets hope for some good travels in 2021!!

For a long time friend who loves the outdoors and wild spaces... a couple of trees in Scotland to raise the spirits...? Season's Greetings! See you hopefully in better times during 2021 when new travels and adventures will most surely come!

Happy Birthday Maureen. A tree for each decade to celebrate being 60 years young! Looking forward so much to the adventures and times ahead together. xxx S.

The Naturefriends community is unconditionally inclusive. There are no social borders. Only with this open mindedness can we connect and inspire each other to take the responsible paths in our lives regarding a consciously happy future together within a healthy environment.

A lady who truly loves Scotland and comes at least twice every year...Season's Greetings! ? Best wishes and good health to you and the boys - lets hope for some good travels in 2021

For 2 people who love the outdoors and wild spaces... a couple of trees in Scotland to raise the spirits...? Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 when new travels and adventures will most surely come!

For me, it indeed means meeting people who have similar principles and ideals as me and who do believe in a better world and want to help building this better world together. Being a Naturefriend means solidarity. And it means getting closer to nature in between my daily city life!

I share all the aspects raised by other friends but would like to add an important point: we are an international organization from the beginning of its foundation. We are friends everywhere and we do not distinguish between people with regard to rights and appreciation. I‘m pretty convinced that many Naturefriends like to meet people from other countries and respect their cultures and way of living. Within the international organization I‘m happy to work at eye level with people from Europe and Africa and we enjoy our work. So we are environmentally conscious, socially responsible, sustainable but this all on international level.

Here are a couple of trees in Scotland to raise the spirits...? Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 when new travels and adventures are allowed

To me, Friends of Nature is more an 'outlook on life' - being part of something bigger but also offering a framework for personal living. Standing up for nature on a local and global scale, meeting like minded people, the opportunity to stay in the global network of houses, are just some of the reasons I think Friends of Nature is both a unique and inspiring organisation!

What does Friends of Nature/Naturefriends mean to you...? As we move to the close of our 125th year - it is maybe a good time to reflect and also think of the future. Herman, originally from the Netherlands but now resident in Missouri, USA, summed it up rather eloquently: “...my Netherlands trip and visits to Hunehuis and Eikhold houses were perfect. Lots of good hikes and even more great conversations with a large variety of people who still believe in a better world!!! That is, why I like being a member and always will stay one.” Perfectly said!

Season's Greetings! ? Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021.

Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 ? Lets hope for some good travels in the year(s) to come...

Thought you might like a couple of trees in Scotland to raise the spirits...? Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021

Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 ?

Good Health and Happiness Clare for the festive season and new year! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 ?

Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 ?

Season's Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 ?

Seasons Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 ?

Seasons Greetings! Thanks for volunteering and see you hopefully in better times during 2021 ?

2020 is the 125th Anniversary of Friends of Nature. Lets make up to 125 trees before the year end...

Prof. David Bellamy OBE planted an Oak tree earlier this year at the wonderful Earby FoN House - so here are a couple more trees for north of the border. John

MIGHTY OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW. FOR MY GRANDCHILDREN - HANNAH ROSE WALKER AND JAMES DAVID WALKER

We walked across Morecambe Bay in brilliant sunshine and planted trees to help secure the planets future

I would like to think I have left something worthwhile behind. What could be better than trees! Pat Lee Secretary Northern Nature Friends

In memory of Dennis Husband, Dad and Grandad. Miss you everyday xx

Planting a tree is planting hope. For Lottie, Dan & Hugh.

To walk the Bay we intend to do. With Friends of Nature and the Lakeland view. Lauren, Janet,David, Jim and John

Good luck with the walk.

Happy Birthday, Janine with love from Bill and Sheila.

To celebrate those special times together and as a living legacy for the future. Doug and June

In memory of Laslie and Rita Abel

Happy 60th Birthday Christine !! Wishing you both many more happy years ahead

"Even if I knew the world was going to wrack and ruin I would still plant my apple trees." Martin Luther King. From Chris and Sue, Trefin Friends of Nature House.

For all Friends of Nature... Für alle Naturfreunde... Pour tous les Amis de la Nature : "Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught, will we realize that we cannot eat money." - Cree Proverb

A tree each for dear friends Liz, Margaret and Nia. Good luck with the exams Nia and enjoy University in the autumn

Great idea. Here are a couple of trees for the Grove. Do not get too wet walking across Morecambe Bay !! GBY

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now". Lets make this world a better place. Tim N

Hope the walk goes well. Sorry not to be with you all... but here is a tree for the Friends of Nature Grove !! Eileen

The Friends of Nature... working towards a sustainable future for environment and community since 1895