„Whitethorn“ and The North York Moors Why come from Switzerland to North Yorkshire?

Because of the Ice Age, of course!!!

In Switzerland we live nearby Zuerich (have a look at these pictures: the lake is very nice and it is wonderful if you go ashore). The lake of Zuerich was formed between two morains when the glaciers disappeared. At the “same time” (i.e. hundreds of thousands of years ago – after the great Ice Age of the Pleistocene period) the Vale of Pickering was also formed between morains, banks and barriers as a temporary lake. “Whitethorn” is very close to Pickering, so we feel at home!?

Oh, you think that is not a good reason? There are more reasons!
We were introduced to Yorkshire some years ago when we took part in an event at a Newton Estate and have been regular visitors ever since.  

Here, situated largely within the unique Moors and Dales National Park, are sandy beaches, high cliffs and secluded bays; dramatic ravine, extensive woodland and tumbling waterfalls; ancient castles, stately mansions and glorious abbeys; thriving towns, enchanting villages and the medivial city of York famous for its rich and varied history. It is a region of such great contrasts: the Coast; the Moors; the Dales; the steep-sided valleys; the ever-changing colours of the moorland; und the unpredictable moods of the sea. Things to do, places to visit, to be as busy or as quiet as you like.  

We live within this unique, unspoilt area of North Yorkshire, covering almost 2,000 square miles – between past and future. Five (car)minutes away from “Whitethorn”, in the peaceful, uninterrupted expanses of high moorland there is – no, not ghosts, but the Ballistic Missile Early Warning Station at RAF Fylingdales. This station was constructed on Ministry of Defence land to give advance warning of a nuclear attack and is used also for space surveillance, tracking some 2’000 satellites a week. And on the ground of this modern early warning system there are sheep who spend as much of the year as possible on the heather moorland.

Sheep-breeding is the main occupation of the farmers in the North York Moors. The most common sheep is the Swaledale, one of the hardiest breeds. You can even find them in areas where many other breeds would not survive.  

Some people may think, that we live in “Whitethorn” to find out, if we can survive, but  that would be wrong. We fall in love with this kind of nature, with this area. And if you cannot understand why, you have to visit us (but we cannot promise if YOU will survive)!

So please, WHERE is "Whitethorn" located?

Picture: Derek Firth.