Close House Field Station
This field station is based in the grounds of Close House Mansion and is used for both teaching and research.
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Close House is set in 179 acres of woodland, grassy areas, ponds and parkland, leading down to the banks of the River Tyne.
The field station is situated in the old walled garden, it has a glasshouse complex and trials area. The walled garden and laboratories are principally used for research and teaching of invertebrate biology - since presticides have never been used in the area. The glasshouses are used for research on a wide range of mostly plant-based topics.
A large part of the trials area is dominated by the fumigation systems used to study the effects of air pollution on plants. There are 16 open top chambers that produce controlled exposure to the pollutant gas, ozone.
Directions from Newcastle
From the A1, look for signs to A69 Hexham. Follow the A69, passing the turn off for Throckley. Take the B6528 into 'Heddon on the Wall'. Just as you enter Heddon pass a garage on the left and you will see a pub straight ahead. The road forks at the pub, bear to the left, signposted 'Horsley', which will keep you on the B6528. After just over a mile, look for a left hand turn, signposted to 'Wylam'. Follow this narrow road which takes you down towards the Tyne Valley. Close House is signposted on the left.