August 14, 2026

New Ouse Burn Naturalist Builds on Strong Foundations

With continued support from the Reece Foundation, the Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN), has appointed James Common as the new Ouse Burn Naturalist, building on nearly two years of wildlife recording, community engagement and nature discovery along the Ouse Burn.

James takes over from Ellie Davison, whose work has helped thousands of people connect with nature while significantly increasing knowledge of wildlife along the corridor. He will work with Emily Anderson, who was appointed the city’s first dedicated Ouse Burn Ecologist earlier this year and is also funded by the Reece Foundation.

Since September 2024, NHSN’s work has engaged more than 3,724 people through 163 events, involving 32 schools and 14 local businesses. More than 100 wildlife surveys have been carried out, with over 15,000 wildlife sightings recorded.

James brings extensive knowledge of the Ouse Burn, having spent years surveying and recording wildlife along the corridor.

James Common, Ouse Burn Naturalist said:

“From Jesmond Dene, north to NHSN’s Gosforth Nature Reserve and onwards to Havannah Nature Reserve and beyond, I love the Ouse Burn. Having spent years recording plants for my Urban Flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, I know the area and its wildlife well.

“It is an incredible place, home to a wealth of fascinating plants and much more besides. I can’t wait to get stuck in and discover what else is out there.

“Having been involved in the Ouse Burn Way since its beginning, now feels like an exciting time to properly join the project. A huge thank you to NHSN volunteers and Urban Naturalist Ellie Davison for the incredible amount of work they have done laying the foundations for something really special.

“I’m excited to build on that work, helping bring the Ouse Burn Way to life while recording its wildlife and encouraging more people to discover the nature on their doorstep.”

James’s appointment marks a new chapter for the project while recognising Ellie’s contribution over almost two years, which has helped establish a strong foundation of community engagement, wildlife recording and nature activities.

Anne Reece, Chair of the Reece Foundation and the Ouse Burn Way Project Board, said:

“The Ouse Burn Way is about creating a lasting connection between communities and nature, and people are at the heart of making that vision a reality.

“We are delighted to welcome James as the new NHSN Ouse Burn Naturalist. He will build on the fantastic work Ellie has undertaken over nearly two years, engaging local communities and helping to bring the Ouse Burn Way vision to life.

“We would like to thank Ellie for the incredible contribution she has made to the project and the strong foundations she has helped create. We are now excited to see James build on that work as the project moves into its next phase.

“The Reece Foundation is proud to continue supporting this important role, alongside funding for the Ouse Burn Way Ecologist and significant investment in projects that will help restore nature, improve access and unlock further funding for the wider Ouse Burn Way.”

The next phase will include new catchment-wide surveys, a stronger citizen science network and greater focus on species and habitats including trees, dragonflies and fungi. Popular bat, badger and botany walks will continue, alongside new opportunities to learn about wildlife recording and get involved in protecting the Ouse Burn Wildlife Corridor.

Find out more about how the NHSN is bringing the Ouse Burn Way to life through wildlife surveys, citizen science, volunteering and events that celebrate this remarkable wildlife corridor.