Green Team volunteers discover Wild Ouseburn
Our Green Team, working in partnership with Wild Intrigue, delivers a wide range of activities including nature-positive maintenance of pathways and hedgerows, tree planting, installing and monitoring bird boxes, grassland management, invasive species removal, wildflower meadow creation, nature surveys, and litter picking.
Our work is guided by the seasons, so activities vary throughout the year. It's a fantastic way to spend time outdoors, enjoy some light exercise, and meet others who are passionate about making a positive impact on Gateshead's green spaces.
We usually meet on two Saturday mornings each month, gathering from 9.45am for a 10.00 start, and finishing at 12 noon. Each session focuses on a different location, helping us make a difference across a range of sites.
Alongside our regular volunteering sessions, we also organise occasional field trips to see inspiring projects both locally and further afield. For example, we previously visited National Trust Wallington for a Beaver Safari, where Wild Intrigue has been supporting an incredible rewilding project. Seeing first-hand the impact the beavers have had on the landscape was truly inspiring.
A visit to Wild Ouseburn
Last Saturday, we took part in another field trip, this time much closer to home, exploring the fantastic work being delivered by Wild Intrigue through the Wild Ouseburn project.
We met at the Cycle Hub on Newcastle Quayside and began by observing sand martins, which have been nesting in drainage gaps in the nearby retaining wall for several years. A purpose-built nesting structure has also been installed nearby to support a growing colony. Although we only caught glimpses of them overhead, it was wonderful to see this urban habitat in action.
As we made our way along the Ouseburn, Cain from Wild Intrigue shared fascinating insights, including the origin of the name "Ouse", thought to derive from "ewes" that once grazed the area - this may be more urban myth than historical fact but, hey, what's a few myths between friends! While we didn't spot any otters, we did find plenty of evidence of their presence in the form of scattered crab shells along the banks.
We also learned about the resident swans and their territorial disputes and saw, first-hand, the extensive rewilding taking place throughout the valley. This work is especially important given the ongoing development in the area, helping to ensure space for wildlife - from plants and pollinators to birds, bats, and even eels.
A highlight of the visit was the wildflower meadows at City Stadium in Heaton. Once frequently mown grass, the area is now a vibrant mix of flowers, insects, bees, and birds. It was inspiring to see how established these meadows have become, and to imagine how sites the Green Team have been developing, such as those at St Mary's by the Tyne and in Dunston, will flourish in the years ahead.
We rounded off the day with a delicious vegan lunch at The Ship Inn, reflecting on the experience and sharing ideas for the future of the Tyne Derwent Way Green Team. Anyway, enough from me, let's hear from some of our Green Team Volunteers:
"Thank you very much for a lovely morning and lunch. It started with a bag of treats for the team. Cain's tour of Wild Ouseburn was great - I learned so much about an area I visit most days. Cain was an absolute joy. It was all rounded off with a delicious lunch courtesy of the Green Team. Nature, good company, and geeking out... " Gill
"Thank you so much for the trip! As someone adjusting to an urban environment, I found it really inspiring - it reminded me that nature will always find its way, especially if we make space for it. Learning about the management of the stadium meadows was fascinating, and I feel excited to share this knowledge with others. Thank you, Cain and Stewart, for such a great outing." Eddy
"Thanks, Cain, for making everything so interesting - and thank you everyone for your company. See you next time." Mandy
"I started volunteering in 2021 with the Ouseburn Green Team, later moving to Dunston and joining the Tyne Derwent Way group. This experience sparked my interest in rewilding and how local areas can be improved. The tour really highlighted the progress being made in Ouseburn, from thriving meadows to increased biodiversity, as well as the challenges faced. It's inspiring work, and I look forward to seeing these approaches become the norm along the Tyne Derwent Way." Charlie
"The Green Team's Ouseburn field trip on Saturday 27 June was an exceptionally informative and engaging morning. Cain's expertise brought the area to life, offering valuable insight into local biodiversity and conservation efforts, particularly at the City Stadium meadows. Many thanks to Stewart for his contributions, and for organising such a thoughtful experience - from the warm welcome at the start to the enjoyable lunch at the end. A truly memorable day." Mebrat
Get involved
If you'd like to get involved with the Green Team, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're a regular volunteer or trying it for the first time, everyone is welcome, no prior experience needed.
Come along to a session, meet like-minded people, and help us protect and enhance our local green spaces. To find out more or sign up, get in touch with the team on [email protected] or keep an eye on our upcoming session listings.
