February 10, 2026

New Appointment to Champion a Cleaner, Greener Ouse Burn

The Ouse Burn Way Vision partners are delighted to announce the appointment of Basil Dean as the new Development Manager for The Ouse Burn Way project.

Over the coming year, Basil will lead a programme of collaborative work focused on improving the environment, increasing public access and tackling pollution along the Ouse Burn.

Seconded from the Environment Agency and based at Newcastle City Council, Basil will work closely with the Ouse Burn Way project board partners and the community to deliver the Ouse Burn Vision Area Improvement Strategy, which sets out a range of proposals designed to secure wide-ranging benefits for the Ouse Burn.

A key part of Basil’s role will be continuing to build strong partnerships with Newcastle and North Tyneside Councils, alongside the North East Combined Authority, to identify and secure funding from both regional and national sources.

His appointment marks a significant milestone in bringing the shared vision for a revitalised, sustainable corridor in the heart of Newcastle into reality.

Anne Reece, Chair of The Ouse Burn Way project board, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Basil to the Ouse Burn Way project. With his expertise in river restoration, fisheries management and environmental regulation, he brings the knowledge and experience we need to move our vision forward. Basil’s collaborative approach will be vital as we work together to create a cleaner, healthier and more accessible Ouse Burn for the benefit of communities and wildlife alike.”

Basil is a specialist in river restoration, fisheries management and environmental regulation. In his role as a Nature-based Solutions Advisor with the Environment Agency, he supports local authorities across the North East to deliver natural flood management, ecological improvements and biodiversity net gain, and has been supporting the Ouse Burn Vision during 2025.

Basil Dean, Development Manager for The Ouse Burn Way Project, said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining The Ouse Burn Way project and to be working with such committed partners to make a lasting difference in the Ouse Burn is a fantastic opportunity not only to enhance and protect the environment and improve access, but also to create long-term benefits for local communities and future generations. I’m looking forward to progressing both early improvements and longer-term plans that will help bring this vision to life.”

The Ouse Burn Way project is supported by Reece Foundation, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency, and aims to create a cleaner, greener and more accessible Ouse Burn.

The Ouse Burn Way is a seven-mile urban wildlife corridor from the mouth of the Ouseburn to Weetslade Country Park. Its vision goes beyond wildlife, improving water quality, enhancing wellbeing, and creating spaces for communities to connect with nature. The Reece Foundation’s £1 million Ouse Burn Way fund supports local projects that make this vision a reality.