From its iconic industrial heritage, Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s Ouseburn Valley has developed a dynamic and rich parallel history of urban nature in the heart of the city.
Today, Ouseburn Valley is a vibrant cultural landscape, framed by the architecture of its past, layered with a diverse range of dynamic habitats where inner-city Kestrels soar, Kingfishers compliment colourful art and the famous Ouseburn Mute Swans raise their families.
The Wild Ouseburn project will celebrate, understand and record the species present within the valley, to help inform future management of Ouseburn’s wild spaces, and provide an inspiring platform for the local community to engage with the urban wilds around them.
HELP US TO REWILD OUSEBURN VALLEY
Throughout 2024, Wild Ouseburn will host engaging training opportunities for the community in wildlife identification and recording, and provide a baseline of wildlife records to support the enhancement of nature in future management. We will also develop a collection of media and stories with the community to celebrate and cherish wildlife in the valley. Wild Ouseburn will support and develop the local wildlife community, providing a welcoming platform for people to engage, learn and experience a greater connection with Ouseburn Valley’s diverse natural history.
The State of Nature (2023) report demonstrated that much of the UK’s wildlife has declined since the 1970s, through habitat loss, unsuitable management, increased development and targeted species persecution. Efforts to conserve and enhance nature often focus on the wider countryside, though cities could play a vital part in helping to halt and reverse the biodiversity crisis, whilst engaging communities directly through citizen science, and in experiencing the positive outcomes.
WHAT YOU WILL HELP TO FUND
The initial phase of the Wild Ouseburn project has been kindly supported by the Rewilding Britain Innovation and Northumbrian Water Branch Out Funds. This initial funding will enable us to undertake baseline wildlife surveys with the community alongside hosting a series of short courses, one-off events, talks and walks, and some equipment to support this project.
Wild Ouseburn has HUGE potential, and we have big plans to do even more! Your support today would be instrumental in conserving and enhancing this wild inner-city landscape and creating inspiring wild encounters for future generations.
Your support would help us to purchase: wildlife survey equipment, such as bat detectors, camera traps and moth traps for community training and use; establish a nest record scheme across the project area; acoustically map the urban landscape; bring in additional specialist expertise; collaborate with the local arts community to develop workshops and interpretation; and host inclusive, celebratory events to share Wild Ouseburn with a wider audience.
Through the Aviva Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund, we receive match funding from Aviva! For example, if you donate £5, Aviva will give an additional £5, so Wild Ouseburn receives £10 thanks to you.
Donate today to make our city a little wilder!