A blooming marvellous celebration of blossom on the Tyne Derwent Way
The Festival of Blossom is a project by our partners, the National Trust, that provides opportunities for people to connect with nature and each other. Everyone needs nature, and blossom can be a universal symbol of hope and renewal that we can all benefit from after winter ends. Festival of Blossom is supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.
Free events on the Tyne Derwent Way
Here on the Tyne Derwent Way, we are hosting a range of activities that you can get involved in. Maybe you fancy some blossom-inspired crafting at our indoor community space, Tyne Derwent Way at Dunston Staiths? Or would you like to take part in a bat safari? Or even breakfast with the birds? Whatever it is, it is free of charge and aimed at getting you inspired by the nature we have all around us!
The activities:
Blossom Inspired Crafting - Tyne Derwent Way at Dunston Staiths
Fancy a go at creating your own cherry blossom? Or turn your hand to blossom origami? What about a crown of blossoms? Our crafting sessions are a perfect time to relax, meet new friends and absorb yourself in the sheer enjoyment of blossom art!
- every Thursday in April, 3 to 5pm
- every Saturday in April, 10.30am to 1.30pm (excluding 19 April)
- no booking necessary
- suitable for all ages
- children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Blossom Bathing for Students - Gateshead Riverside Park
Feeling stressed, anxious, or just in need of a reset? Step away from screens and into the calm of nature with a Blossom Bathing experience, inspired by the principles of 'Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing, designed especially for university students.
There will be time to chill in hammocks, and to end our journey we'll come together for a peaceful tea gathering, where you'll have the chance to try delicious foraged teas and homemade cakes or snacks made with seasonal wild ingredients.
- Saturday 26 April 2025, 10.30am to 12.30pm
- free to join but pre-booking is essential
- find out more about Blossom Bathing at Gateshead Riverside Park.
Blossom Bathing for Families - Gateshead Riverside Park
Join us for a magical Blossom Bathing experience, designed especially for families with children aged 8-13 to take a break in nature. As part of our journey, families will enjoy a hands-on craft activity using natural materials gathered on our walk.
- Thursday 29 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm
- free to join but pre-booking is essential
Kids Nature Rangers - Tyne Derwent Way at Dunston Staiths
A local wildlife exploration for children and accompanying adults, looking at wildflowers, blossom and pollinators. This includes an introduction to iNaturalist so you can continue to discover wildlife after the session.
- Wednesday 23 April, 10 to 11am
- Thursday 24 April, 12 to 1pm
- ages 7-14 with accompanying adult(s)
- free to join but pre-booking is essential
Kids Wildlife Photography - Tyne Derwent Way at Dunston Staiths
An activity to encourage children to take notice of the beauty in everyday nature, whilst enhancing their photography skills (they can use their phone cameras). A focus on wildflowers, blossom and pollinators.
- Thursday 24 April 10 to 11am
- ages 5-12 with accompanying adult(s)
- free to join but pre-booking is essential
Spring Twilight Safari - Gateshead Riverside Park
Using acoustic detectors, we'll eavesdrop on bats as they emerge to feed on insects that rely upon blossom and other plants.
- Thursday 24 April 8.15 to 9.15pm
- ages: All
- free to join but pre-booking is essential
Breakfast Talk and Walk: Woodland Birds - Tyne Derwent Way at Dunston Staiths
Start at Tyne Derwent Way at Dunston Staiths for a short talk on local woodland birds with a hot drink and pastries, before taking a short walk to see and hear birdlife along woodland path. Find out about the importance of blossom for feeding birds.
- Friday 25 April 8.30 to 10am
- intended for adults, but all ages welcome
- free to join but pre-booking is essential
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