Jesmond Dene, Heaton Park & The Ouseburn
Whichever the season Jesmond Dene is always a beautiful place to visit. The site consists of a narrow-wooded valley with a freshwater river which is both rich in wildlife and local history. A variety of nature trails are available which stretch from South Gosforth to the neighbouring Heaton and Armstrong Parks through to the Ouseburn which then meets up with the River Tyne.
Key species to watch out for include Kingfisher, Dipper, Treecreeper, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch and Grey Wagtail. Sightings have also included Goosander and Mediterranean Gull. Jesmond Dene is also home to Pets Corner which is a very popular visitor attraction. Here you can view for free Pot-bellied Pigs, Sheep, Goats and a variety of caged birds. A popular café and toilets are available in the heart of Jesmond Dene.
There is also a small lake at Paddy Freemans which is used by model boat enthusiasts and is home to Mallards, Tufted Ducks and on the very rare occasion a Coot. Another of the main features of Jesmond Dene is the presence of a waterfall and the remnants of a Watermill, which is often a highlight for many.
If you have not been to Jesmond Dene yet, it is highly recommended as not only will you see a good selection of woodland birds, but the surrounding well-established woodland and parkland beckons to be enjoyed by all.
Dippers by
Mark Bidwell
from 2016
There are a number of ways visitors can enter Jesmond Dene. From the south, there are entrances close to the Coast Road (A1058), and from the north, there are entrances opposite the Freeman Hospital, via Paddy Freemans.
Ouseburn
Stretching from the City Stadium to the Newcastle quayside and the River Tyne; the Ouseburn remains a haven for Urban Wildlife. Relative newcomers, such as Jay noisily announce their presence; whilst Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be more difficult to find. Dippers are infrequent in present times; while Kingfishers have been visiting some autumn/winters. Cormorants and Seals make their way from the river into the Ouseburn if you are very lucky.
Chiffchaff and Blackcaps are common during the Spring and Summer months; whilst Willow and Garden Warblers can be noted passing through. Locally within Newcastle Bullfinches are much more common in present times and these are regulars with Gold and Greenfinches throughout the Ouseburn. Up to three pairs of Grey Wagtails are present with at least two recent breeding successes.
A Grey Wagtail
In the centre of the Ouseburn you will find » Ouseburn Farm which is a popular visitor attraction and home to a wide variety of farm animals. It also houses a great cafe and there are some toilets for visitors.
A highlight since 2023 has been the arrival of a new colony of Sand Martins close to the cycle hub and car park.
» Wild Intrigue are currently raising money to create an artificial structure for them to use to nest during the 2025 season.
Wild Intrigue also professionally launched » Wild Ouseburn a social enterprise project to record and potentially re wild areas of the Ouseburn. As developments have unfolded, this has evolved into live in-person talks which have been free for all/anyone to attend.
Help Ouseburn’s Urban Sand Martins
As you spend time amongst the grassland and surrounding woodland adjacent to the City Stadium, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws and a variety of gulls join you, which can include Common Gulls. Waxwings can be noted in the autumn. Nearby in Shieldfield a colony of House Sparrows is thriving alongside a local park and some very good local businesses which include the Big River Bakery, just on the outskirts of the city centre.
County
Tyne & Wear, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Map Reference
NZ 262 661
Habitats
- Woodland
- Freshwater River
- Grassland
Access
There is free access. Some of the paths are unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Facilities
There are toilets at the Millfield House Cafe, close to the waterfall and Picnic Site in Jesmond Dene and a variety of cafes as the Ouseburn opens up and meets the River tyne.
Parking
There is free and paid parking available throughout the route.
Additional Information
There is also a local community group. The aim of the group is to work for the protection of the Dene by working in close cooperation with the council. » Friends of Jesmond Dene
For further information related to Wild Ouseburn please visit » Wild Intrigue