Naughty Northumbrian Joins the Trash Free Trails Approved Event Scheme

Press Release: Naughty Northumbrian


The Naughty Northumbrian is often dubbed as the UK's wildest Enduro.

That term is open to lots of interpretation but in this case it refers to not only the trails, but the rugged, biodiverse landscape of the Northumberland National Park and the accompanying space - only 2 people per sq kilometre live and work here.

This places an extra responsibility on the Naughty Northumbrian event - a responsibility that sits alongside providing an all-time experience - to make sure we work with those who live and work in this valley, conserve this vitally important space and help those who visit understand why it is so important that we do so: it's not always easy to see what is beyond the surface in a species-rich area like this.


Finding a way to elevate this ethos in a fun way is a cornerstone of Trash Free Trails - so a concept such as the TFT approved event feels like a huge leap in the right direction for events, and a fun way of turning burdens of responsibility into exciting, feel-good actions.

When the opportunity to work with Trash Free Trails arose, DWAgency Managing Director, Tommy Wilkinson, who is a partner in the event alongside Carl Division and Barry Kemp felt this was a partnership that simply had to happen "Riding bikes is just great really; good for the soul and they allow us to access remote areas. Having a parent who farmed in these hills, my first consideration with Naughty Northumbrian has always been how the event impacts those lower down the catchment, wildlife, visitors, those who live here, and how we leave a positive impact. In short, I really care about my home area. "TFT approved" feels like an opportunity to build that conversation. That said, we aren't perfect event organisers by any means, there are impacts beyond the average person's control (how people travel here, for example) and we still have lots to work on - there is inevitably still a tension between running a steady ship and falling on our environmental sword, which sucks, but this is a great step in the right direction"



Indeed, most of the wins the event is trialling are easy - Testing 40% of course tape as Hemp tape instead of plastic tape (Something PMBA deserve a nod of thanks for), using solar light towers, ensuring we don't place water infrastructure pressures on the local community by working with Northumbrian Water, sourcing food vendors who use local produce and support good, local farmers, re-using or using recycled materials for signage, working with a refuse company who provide slips of where trash and recyclables go, and making sure no vendors are using single-use plastic are all easy to do. Some things, such as event power provision in a valley where 98% of the buildings are still powered by diesel generators and sourcing compostable toilets that are within a two-hour drive, is hard and not possible as yet. The journey is iterative, but the Naughty Northumbrian recognises the need to act as fast as possible.

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