April 20, 2026

Ouse Burn Way and NHSN Partnership Delivers a Thriving Start to 2026

The Ouse Burn Way’s partnership with the Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) has got 2026 off to a fantastic start, with an inspiring programme of wildlife events, community conservation sessions and species surveys bringing people closer to nature across the catchment.

From January to March, the partnership delivered an impressive 67 activities, including public events, practical habitat sessions and wildlife surveys, engaging more than 650 people in just three months. This takes the total number of people involved in the wider project to over 3,200, demonstrating the growing community support behind the Ouse Burn Way vision.

Residents, volunteers and nature enthusiasts of all ages have been rolling up their sleeves to help improve local habitats through activities such as leaky dam building, dead hedge creation, meadow makeovers and pollinator planting, alongside litter picks and environmental work parties with local partners.

At the same time, the programme has opened up unforgettable opportunities for people to experience wildlife first-hand. Popular sessions, including Search for the Murmurations, Ponds by Night, Badger Watches and guided nature walks have showcased the incredible biodiversity found right here on our doorstep.

The wildlife highlights from the quarter have been remarkable.

• Bitterns have been heard booming at Gosforth Nature Reserve for the first time since the 1980s,

Credit Chris Castling

• Spectacular starling murmurations have returned to Great Park in their biggest numbers for years,

Credit Tony Nellis

• Important common toad breeding ponds have been identified across the Ouse Burn catchment.

The partnership is also helping develop the next generation of local naturalists. March marked the launch of the 2026 NHSN Field Skills Programme, with 27 successful applicants taking part in expert-led field trips focused on botany, bees, butterflies and bats. Many of these sessions are taking place at key Ouse Burn Way locations, helping participants build their skills while deepening their connection to the landscape.

Further strengthening this work, support from the Reece Foundation has enabled Emily Anderson to join the NHSN Ouse Burn Way team, expanding the programme of bird, butterfly and community nature events across the valley.

This growing collaboration is helping to restore habitats, uncover important wildlife data and inspire more people to take part in shaping a greener, wilder future for the Ouse Burn Way.