Sunday 23 June, 1pm
Fantastic guided walk of Armstrong Park and Jesmond Vale.
£4 per person.
Wednesday 26 June, 7pm
Find out about the fascinating world of honey bees in this beekeeping talk.
£4 per person.
To book either event please call 0191 2812082.
Pets’ Corner has four new pigs. Why not come down this Sunday to meet them? Drop-in animal handling sessions take place on the first Sunday of every month, 1-3pm. Suggested donation £1.
Oh, and there’s not just pigs to handle (we can’t promise they’ll be any cleaner than shown in the pic..) there’s also some newly born rabbits. All say ‘ahhhh’.
NOTE: Pets’ Corner will be closed on Bank holiday Monday.
Saturday 16 March 1 – 3.30pm
Easter treasure hunt
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Come along for an Easter themed treasure hunt. You might even find the Easter bunny. There will be prizes for all participants. No booking needed. Please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk for further information.
Saturday 23 March 1 – 3.30pm
Tree Tales
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Sustrans and park staff have joined up to lead you on a fun filled walk. There will be activities and stories all about the trees in Jesmond Dene. Suitable for children 5+. Booking essential. Free, but donations are welcome. Please phone 0191 281 2082 to book.
Tuesday 26 March 6.30 – 8.30pm
Adult Easter Crafts
£7.50 per adult
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Spend a creative evening with us making Easter decorations. Crafty ideas to try out with us and at home. Refreshments provided. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 for more information and to book.
Tuesday 2 April 1 – 3pm
Little Animals
Pets Corner – Jesmond Dene
Find out about the animals in pets corner and take part in a trail and animal crafts all about baby animals. There will be opportunities to meet some of the smaller animals throughout the afternoon. This is a drop in event. Suggested donation £2.50. For more information phone 0191 281 2082
Wednesday 3 April 10.30 – 11.30am
Tree Tots (for under fives)
£2.50 per child
Ouseburn Parks visitor centre – Jesmond Dene.
Join us for our under 5’s session in Jesmond Dene. This session will be about growing plants and flowers, with a story and variety of fun outdoor activities. Booking essential. May not be suitable for babies. For more information and to book, phone 0191 281 2082.
Thursday 4 April 12 – 3pm
Nature Area Open Day
Jesmond Dene (across the River from Pets Corner – look out for the signs)
Come along and have a look around our Nature Area, take part in pond dipping, minibeast hunts and watch the birds at the feeding station. This is a drop in event and all children must be accompanied. Free, but donations are welcome. Please contact the Visitor Centre for more information 0191 281 2082.
Sunday 7 April 1 – 3pm
(First Sunday of every month)
Meet the animals
Suggested donation £1 per child
Pets Corner, Jesmond Dene
This is a drop-in event where you will be able to handle and meet some of the animals in Pets’ Corner.
Tuesday 9 April 1.00pm-2.30pm (drop in event)
Water Safari
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Explore the ponds at Jesmond Dene with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. £1.00 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information.
Tuesday 9 April 10-11.30am
Adult Beginners Bike ride
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
A gentle 7 to 10 mile bike ride for adults with on-road and off-road sections. Booking essential. Please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk to book this.
Wednesday 10 April 1 – 3pm
Signs of Spring
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
A joint event with park staff, Sustrans and ERIC North East to spot and record spring wildlife in Jesmond Dene. Book on a bike trail to spot signs of spring. Or drop in for seed planting and to pick up a spring trail. Booking for bike trail essential. Please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk to book this.
Thursday 11 April 1.00pm – 2.30pm (Session starts at 1.00pm)
Model Raft Races
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Build your own model raft from natural materials with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £2.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information and to book your place
Saturday 13 April 10 – 12pm
Springwatch at the Iris Brickfield
(Back of Whitefield Terrace in Heaton)
Join the Friends of Iris Brickfield and get down and dirty by helping them plant their new bog garden. You can also have a go at pond dipping on the new Dragonfly Boardwalk and look for signs of spring with a Ranger. Warm clothes and waterproof footwear essential! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 20 April 1 – 3pm
Signs of Spring
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
A joint event with park staff and Sustrans to spot and record spring wildlife in Jesmond Dene. Book on a bike trail to spot signs of spring, or drop in for seed planting and to pick up a spring trail. Booking for bike trail essential. Please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk to book this.
Sunday 28 April 1 – 3pm
Jesmond Dene Guided walk – including Armstrong’s influence and St Mary’s Chapel
Meet at Ouseburn Parks Visitor centre.
£4 per person (concessions, £3)
Explore the history of Jesmond Dene in the company of volunteers who are passionate about the parks. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Wednesday 1 May 10.30 – 11.30am
Tree Tots (for under fives)
(First Wednesday of every month)
£2.50 per child
Ouseburn Parks visitor centre – Jesmond Dene
Join us for a story, a variety of fun outdoor activities and sometimes a trip to Pets’ Corner. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Saturday 4 May 4.30 – 7.30am (yep that’s right, am!)
Dawn Chorus
Ouseburn Parks – Jesmond Dene
To celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day join the Rangers and Volunteer Rangers on this early morning walk through the Dene to listen to the delightful sounds of the birds singing their little hearts out. We’ll come back to the Visitor Centre for a breakfast roll and a cuppa. Charge £5 per person. Suitable for adults and older children (12+). Booking essential. Please contact the Rangers on 0191 2812082 to book your place and for more information.
Sunday 5 May 1 – 3pm
Meet the animals
Pets Corner, Jesmond Dene
(First Sunday of every month)
Suggested donation £1 per child
This is a drop-in event where you will be able to handle and meet some of the animals in Pets’ Corner.
Wednesday 8 May
Bats and Moths
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre- Jesmond Dene
(Evening – time to be confirmed)
Learn about the different species of bats that live in the UK, and then we’ll set out for a walk and see which ones we can find. Suitable for adults and older children (12+). We will also be running a moth trap throughout the evening and we will have a look to see what has been caught on our return to the Visitor Centre. There will be a charge of £4 per person. Booking essential. Please contact the Rangers on 0191 2812082 to book your place and for more information. Disabled access is limited.
Saturday 11 May (Evening – time to be confirmed)
Let’s Go Batty! (And maybe some moths)
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene
Learn about the different species of bats that live in the UK, and then we’ll set out for a walk and see which ones we can find. Don’t forget your torch! We will also be running a moth trap throughout the evening and we will have a look to see what has been caught on our return to the Visitor Centre. There will be a charge of £4 per person. Suggested age 8+, children must be accompanied. Booking essential. Please contact the Rangers on 0191 2812082 to book your place and for access details.
Sunday 12 May 1 – 3.30pm
Pond Dipping
Nature Area – Jesmond Dene
(Across the River from Pets Corner – look out for the signs)
(Part of the Jesmond Community Festival)
Children must be accompanied by an adult; please come prepared for wet conditions underfoot. This is a drop in event, and all equipment will be provided. Please contact the Rangers on 0191 281 2082 for more information and access details. Free event but donations will be collected for the Jesmond Community Festival.
Wednesday 15 May 10 – 12.30pm
Volunteer Taster Session
Ouseburn Parks – Jesmond Dene
(Part of the Jesmond Community Festival)
Are you looking for a new way to keep fit or just spend more time outdoors? Come along to this taster session to find out more. All equipment will be provided but please wear old clothes and sturdy footwear. For meeting place, more information and to book your place contact Sarah or Mike on 0191 281 2082 or email ouseburn.parks@newcastle.gov.uk . If you are interested in volunteering but can’t make this date, please get in touch and we’ll let you know other dates that you can come along too.
Saturday May 18 (3 sessions): 1-2pm, 2.15-3.15pm, 3.30-4.30pm
Ditch those stabilisers!
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene
Would your child like to learn to cycle? Then book onto this hour long session which has fantastic success rates. Please take off stabilisers and pedals beforehand, but bring the pedals with you in a bag. Children (under 16 years) must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk to book this.
Tuesday 21 May 6 – 7.30pm
Heaton Park Guided walk – Mines, a Temple, Bears and much more!
Meet at the Pavilion.
£4 per person (concessions £3)
Explore the history of Heaton Park, on this guided walk in the company of volunteers who are passionate about the parks. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Wednesday 29 May 1 – 3pm
Animal Antics
Pets’ Corner – Jesmond Dene
Find out about the animals in pets’ corner and take part in a trail and animal crafts. There will be opportunities to meet some of the smaller animals throughout the afternoon. This is a drop in event. Suggested donation £2.50. For more information phone 0191 281 2082
Thursday 30 May
Scooter Treasure Hunt Fun 2.30 – 4pm
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Come along on your scooter to find the treasure in the Dene! You will need to look high and low to find your prize and bring your scooter. Just turn up on the day. For further information please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk
Thursday 30 May 1.00pm – 2.30pm (Session starts at 1.00pm)
Model Raft Races
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Build your own model raft from natural materials with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £2.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information and to book your place.
Friday 31 May 1 -3pm
Pond dipping and Minibeast Trail
Nature Area – Jesmond Dene
(Across the river from Pets Corner – look out for the signs)
A joint event with park staff and Sustrans. See what lives in the Nature Area pond and follow our Minibeast trail. This is a drop-in event. Suggested donation – £1 for pond dipping, £1.50 for minibeast trail.
Please contact the Visitor Centre for more information 0191 281 2082.
Sunday 2 June 1 – 3pm
(First Sunday of every month)
Meet the animals
Suggested donation £1 per child
Pets’ Corner, Jesmond Dene
This is a drop-in event where you will be able to handle and meet some of the animals in Pets’ Corner.
Wednesday 5 June 10.30 – 11.30am (First Wednesday of every month)
Tree Tots (for under fives)
£2.50 per child
Ouseburn Parks visitor centre – Jesmond Dene
Join us for a story, a variety of fun outdoor activities and sometimes a trip to Pets’ Corner. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Saturday 8 June 2pm
Wildlife of the Ouseburn Parks
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
A video presentation by Ranger Michael exploring the amazing variety of wildlife to be found in the Ouseburn parks, showing some of the latest footage that has been captured of animals including otters, dippers, fox cubs and kingfishers.
Charge £4 per person. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Sunday 23 June 1 – 3pm
Armstrong Park and Jesmond Vale Guided walk – Including the Windmill and Shoe Tree
£4 per person (concessions £3)
Explore the history of Armstrong Park and Jesmond Vale, in the company of volunteers who are passionate about the parks. Meet on Armstrong Bridge by the notice board and entrance to Jesmond Dene. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Wednesday 26 June 7 – 8.30pm
A-Z of Beginner Beekeeping – The Jesmond Dene Way!
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Come along to listen to how the parks staff and volunteers have faired in their quest to keep bees over the past two years. We are not experts but love our bees and we hope it will inspire you to think about keeping your own bees.
There will be a charge of £4 per person. Refreshments will be available and booking is essential. Please contact the Visitor Centre on 0191 2812082 to book your place.
Wednesday 3 July 10.30 – 11.30am (First Wednesday of every month)
Tree Tots (for under fives)
£2.50 per child
Ouseburn Parks visitor centre – Jesmond Dene.
Join us for a story, a variety of fun outdoor activities and sometimes a trip to Pets’ Corner. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Sunday 7 July 1 – 3pm (First Sunday of every month)
Meet the animals
Suggested donation £1 per child
Pets’ Corner, Jesmond Dene
This is a drop in event where you will be able to handle and meet some of the animals in Pets’ Corner.
Tuesday 9 July 7 – 8.30pm
A-Z of Beginner Beekeeping – The Jesmond Dene Way!
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Come along to listen to how the parks staff and volunteers have faired in their quest to keep bees over the past two years. We are not experts but love our bees and we hope it will inspire you to think about keeping your own bees.
There will be a charge of £4 per person. Refreshments will be available and booking is essential. Please contact the Visitor Centre on 0191 2812082 to book your place.
Wednesday 24 July, 1 – 3pm
(And Monday 5 August & Thursday 29 August)
Animal Antics
Pets’ Corner – Jesmond Dene
Suggested donation £2.50
Find out about the animals in Pets’ Corner and take part in a trail and animal crafts. There will be opportunities to meet some of the animals throughout the afternoon. This is a drop in event. For more information phone 0191 281 2082.
Thursday 25 and Friday 26 July 10 – 3pm
Backpacks and Trails
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
£3 for each backpack
Pick up a family activity bag from the Visitor Centre to help you explore the parks. Availability may be limited for backpacks, but trails will be available all day. A £10 deposit will be required for the backpacks. For more information phone 0191 281 2082.
Tuesday 30July 1.00pm – 2.30pm (Session starts at 1.00pm)
Arts and crafts
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Release your artistic creativity with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £2.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on (0191) 2846884 for more information and to book your place
Tuesday 30 July 1-3pm
Summer Forest School
Heaton Park (meet at the pavillion)
Kids – bring your grown-ups along and have some fun in the park, learning bush craft skills like building dens, playing nature themed games and lighting fires with the Rangers. Activities are aimed at children aged 8-13 years but families are welcome. Cost £5 per person including light refreshments, Booking is essential as places are limited, please wear appropriate clothes for playing in the woods(robust footwear/waterproof etc) , please phone the Visitor Centre on 0191 2812082 for accessibility, further information and to book a place.
Wed 31 July 1-3pm
Summer Forest School
Heaton Park (meet at the pavillion)
Kids – bring your grown-ups along and have some fun in the park, learning bush craft skills like building dens, playing nature themed games and lighting fires with the Rangers. Activities are aimed at children aged 8-13 years but families are welcome. Cost £5 per peson including light refreshments, Booking is essential as places are limited, please wear appropriate clothes for playing in the woods (robust footwear/waterproof etc) , please phone the Visitor Centre on 0191 2812082 for accessibility, further information and to book a place.
12 July – 3 Aug
Show time! Heartbreak productions
Jesmond Dene/Heaton Park
Three brilliant shows from Heartbreak Productions, with something for everyone on offer, from the Gothic horror of Dracula to the tragic romance of Romeo and Juliet, and the extraordinary adventures of Alice in Wonderland! (Did you just see a white rabbit go by looking at his watch?)
For further information and to book tickets, visit the Heartbreak productions website.
Fri 12 July ‘Dracula’ 7.15pm
Sat 13 July ‘Dracula’ 7.15pm
Sun 14 July ‘Dracula’ 6.15pm
Thur 18 July ‘Alice – an extraordinary adventure’ – 6.15pm
Fri 19 July ‘Alice – an extraordinary adventure’ – 6.15pm
Sat 20 July ‘Alice – an extraordinary adventure’ – 2.15pm
Thur 1 Aug ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – 7.15pm
Fri 2 Aug ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – 7.15pm
Sat 3 Aug ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – 2.15pm
Sat 3 Aug ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – 7.15pm
Thursday 1 August 1.00pm – 2.30pm (Drop in session)
Water Safari
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Explore the ponds at Jesmond Dene with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT’s) People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £1.00 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information.
Sunday 4 August 1 – 3pm
Meet the animals
Pets’ Corner, Jesmond Dene
(First Sunday of every month)
Suggested donation £1 per child
This is a drop-in event where you will be able to handle and meet some of the animals in Pets’ Corner.
Monday 5 August, 1 – 3pm
Animal Antics
Pets’ Corner – Jesmond Dene
Suggested donation £2.50
Find out about the animals in Pets’ Corner and take part in a trail and animal crafts. There will be opportunities to meet some of the animals throughout the afternoon. This is a drop in event. For more information phone 0191 281 2082.
Tuesday 6 August 1.00pm – 2.30pm (Session starts at 1.00pm)
Red Squirrels
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Come and learn about our furry friends with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £2.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information and to book your place
Wednesday 7 August 10.30 – 11.30am (First Wednesday of every month)
Tree Tots (for under fives)
Ouseburn Parks visitor centre – Jesmond Dene.
£2.50 per child. Join us for a story, a variety of fun outdoor activities and sometimes a trip to Pets’ Corner. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Wednesday 7 August 12.30 – 3pm
Minibeast Madness
Paddy Freeman’s Park – (next to the café)
Suggested donation £2.50
Come and uncover the weird and wonderful creatures that lurk beneath the trees, under logs and in the grass. Be amazed by some fascinating facts and get up close using magnifying pots. Children must be accompanied by an adult and please come prepared to get a little bit muddy! This is a drop in event. Please phone 0191 2812082 for more information.
Thursday 8 August 1.00pm – 2.30pm (Session starts at 1.00pm)
Animal Tracks and Trails
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Make your own plaster cast print (messy) with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £2.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information and to book your place
Friday 9 August 1 – 3pm
Pond Dipping
Jesmond Dene – Nature Area Pond.
Suggested donation £1 per child
Across the river from Pet’s Corner. Children must be accompanied by an adult and please come prepared for wet conditions underfoot. This is a drop in event and all equipment will be provided. For more information, phone 0191 2812082.
Sun 11 Aug 2pm
Wildlife of the Ouseburn Parks
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
A video presentation by Ranger Michael exploring the amazing variety of wildlife to be found in the Ouseburn parks, showing some of the latest footage that has been captured of animals including otters, dippers, fox cubs and kingfishers.
Charge £4 per person. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Tuesday 13 August 1.00pm – 2.30pm (drop in session)
Water Safari
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Explore the ponds at Jesmond Dene with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £1.00 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information.
Wednesday 14 August 1 – 3pm
Natural Art
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene
£2.50 per child
Look for colours, shapes and patterns in the trees and wildlife of Jesmond Dene. Create a variety of sculptures and pictures using natural objects. Suitable for children 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Thursday 15 August 1.00pm- 2.30pm (session starts at 1.00pm)
Minibeast Safari
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Come and discover more about the creepy crawlies that live beneath your feet with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £2.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information and to book your place
Friday 16 August 12.30 – 3pm
Minibeast Madness
Paddy Freeman’s Park – (next to the café)
Suggested donation £2.50
Come and uncover the weird and wonderful creatures that lurk beneath the trees, under logs and in the grass. Be amazed by some fascinating facts and get up close using magnifying pots. Children must be accompanied by an adult and please come prepared to get a little bit muddy! This is a drop in event. Please phone 0191 2812082 for more information.
Monday 19 August, 1 – 3pm
Natural Art
Heaton Park, Meet at the Pavilion
£2.50 per child. Look for colours, shapes and patterns in the trees and wildlife of Heaton and Armstrong Parks. Create a variety of sculptures and pictures using natural objects. Suitable for children 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Tuesday 20 August 1.00pm – 2.30pm (Session starts at 1.00pm)
Red Squirrels
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Come and learn about our furry friends with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £2.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information and to book your place
Wednesday 21 August 1 – 3pm
Buzzing Bees
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
£2.50 per child. Learn amazing facts about honey bees and beekeeping in Jesmond Dene. Follow clues on a short trail to find out more and take part in a game and craft activity all about bees! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Thursday 22 August 1.00pm – 2.30pm (drop in session)
Water Safari
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
Explore the ponds at Jesmond Dene with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT)’s People and Wildlife team. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Charge £1.00 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact NWT on 0191 2846884 for more information.
Friday 23 August (Evening – time to be confirmed)
Let’s Go Batty! (And maybe some moths)
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre- Jesmond Dene
Learn about the different species of bats that live in the UK, and then we’ll set out for a walk and see which ones we can find. Don’t forget your torch! We will also be running a moth trap throughout the evening and we will have a look to see what has been caught on our return to the Visitor Centre. There will be a charge of £4 per person. Suggested age 8+, children must be accompanied. Booking essential. Please contact the Rangers on 0191 2812082 to book your place and for access details.
Thursday 29 August 1 – 3pm
Animal Antics
Pets’ Corner – Jesmond Dene
Suggested donation £2.50. Find out about the animals in Pets’ Corner and take part in a trail and animal crafts. There will be opportunities to meet some of the animals throughout the afternoon. This is a drop-in event. For more information phone 0191 281 2082.
Thurs 29th August 1-3pm
Summer Forest School
Heaton Park (meet at the pavilion)
Kids – bring your grown-ups along and have some fun in the park, learning bush craft skills like building dens, playing nature themed games and lighting fires with the Rangers. Activities are aimed at children aged 8-13 years but families are welcome. Cost £5 per person including light refreshments, Booking is essential as places are limited, please wear appropriate clothes for playing in the woods(robust footwear/waterproof etc) , please phone the Visitor Centre on 0191 2812082 for accessibility, further information and to book a place.
Friday 30 August 10 – 3pm
Backpacks and Trails
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
£3 for each backpack. Pick up a family activity bag from the Visitor Centre to help you explore the parks. Availability may be limited for backpacks, but trails will be available all day. A £10 deposit will be required for the backpacks. For more information phone 0191 281 2082.
Friday 30th Aug 1-3pm
Summer Forest School
Heaton Park (meet at the pavillion)
Kids – bring your grown-ups along and have some fun in the park, learning bush craft skills like building dens, playing nature themed games and lighting fires with the Rangers. Activities are aimed at children aged 8-13 years but families are welcome. Cost £5 per person including light refreshments, Booking is essential as places are limited, please wear appropriate clothes for playing in the woods(robust footwear/waterproof etc) , please phone the Visitor Centre on 0191 2812082 for accessibility, further information and to book a place.
Sunday 1 September 1 – 3pm (First Sunday of every month)
Meet the animals
Pets’ Corner, Jesmond Dene
Suggested donation £1 per child. This is a drop-in event where you will be able to handle and meet some of the animals in Pets’ Corner.
Wednesday 4 September 10.30 – 11.30am (First Wednesday of every month)
Tree Tots (for under fives)
Ouseburn Parks visitor centre – Jesmond Dene.
£2.50 per child. Join us for a story, a variety of fun outdoor activities and sometimes a trip to Pets’ Corner. Please phone 0191 2812082 to book.
Thursday 5 September (Evening – time to be confirmed)
Bats and Moths
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene
Learn about the different species of bats that live in the UK, then we’ll set out for a walk and see which ones we can find. Suitable for adults and older children (12+). We will also be running a moth trap throughout the evening and we will have a look to see what has been caught on our return to the Visitor Centre. There will be a charge of £4 per person. Booking essential. Please contact the Rangers on 0191 2812082 to book your place and for more information. Disabled access is limited.
Sunday 8th September 10am until Monday 9th September 12 noon
Jesmond Dene Bioblitz
A Natural History Society of Northumbria event run in partnership with ERIC North East, Newcastle University and Rangers. Come and help us to identify as many species of birds, mammals, insects, plants and invertebrates as possible in 24 hours. Please see the Natural History Society of Northumbria website from June onwards, for more information and how to get involved.
Sun 8 Sept
Paws in the Park
Paddy Freeman’s Park
Details for this event will be nearer the day.
Fifteen Jesmond Dene volunteers attended a free film-making course at the end of 2012 and produced two video shorts that were loaded to YouTube in March. The course, held over eight Sundays, was led by Andrew Coats and Michelle Fox of Duffel Films of Heaton. The budding film-makers had to pitch their ideas to each other before a secret ballot whittled down the concepts to the films that would be produced. The volunteers split into two groups to make the films. Dene Dog’s Day is an excursion into the Dene seen through the eyes of an excited dog. This Dene is a more arty production, using interviews with members of the public and featuring specially-commissioned music.
As well as being available on YouTube, the films can also be seen in the Millfield House visitor centre. The volunteers will be producing more films about Jesmond Dene thanks to the purchase of a video camera and a Mac laptop for editing. The equipment was purchased thanks to a contribution from the Friends of Jesmond Dene.
Jesmond Dene is an oasis of calm on a bright winter’s day. Until, that is, the roads running into the Dene start becoming clogged with cars, many of them illegally and inconsiderately parked. Benton Bank and Red Walk become danger areas for pedestrians; and Ouseburn Parks rangers have trouble accessing the Dene in their vans (just imagine if a fire engine had to get through to Fisherman’s Lodge: it couldn’t). Newcastle City Council sometimes send Civil Enforcement Officers into the Dene: motorists who dump their private cars in the public Dene risk being slapped with £70 penalty charges.
Check out the photos above and below, taken on Saturday and Sunday. The official parking bays quickly filled up but that didn’t deter some motorists from parking on pavements, on verges, on junctions, basically anywhere they could fit their cars.
Newcastle City Council’s parking policy is clear: motorists who park on verges or on the pavement (i.e. footways) can be issued with immediate £70 Penalty Charge Notices. And the wall in front of Millfield House has a ‘no parking at any time’ sign, but this is routinely ignored.
Some of the parking down in the Dene could also be considered obstruction of the highway (in law the highway is the whole width of the road and pavement, not just the road) and therefore both a nuisance and dangerous. This ought to then become a matter for Northumbria Police.
Newcastle City Council’s parking policy says:
“We will take consistent enforcement action to deter inconsiderate parking…If you park a vehicle with one or more of its wheels on a pavement or verge and the area is not exempted from the ban or waiting restrictions are in place, you risk receiving a £70 Penalty Charge.”
In another document, Newcastle City Council advises motorists to be considerate when parking:
“Careless parking represents a serious hazard to pedestrians, especially those using wheelchairs for mobility purposes or those suffering from a visual impairment. It is also an inconvenience for people with pushchairs and buggies who cannot squeeze through small gaps, as well as being an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to park vehicles on verges or footpaths without good cause.
“We would ask you to think about how your actions could impact on others before you park.
“Do not drive or park on the pavement. Children are taught that the pavement is a safe place to be. Blocking the pavement, even if only half-on, makes it difficult for pedestrians and especially hazardous for disabled and elderly people, those who are visually impaired and people with pushchairs and double buggies.
“It can force them off the pavement and into the road – creating a possibly dangerous situation. Rule 218 of the Highway Code says: “Do not park partially or wholly on the pavement unless signs permit it”.
“Parking on the pavement also ends up costing money, because pavements aren’t designed to hold the weight of vehicles. Flagstones often break, crack or wear more quickly if motorists park on them.”
Jesmond Dene is a park for all citizens of Newcastle to freely enjoy, year round. When Lord Armstrong gifted his garden to Newcastle in 1883 it was for the people of Newcastle not their private carriages.
If you’re local, please leave your car at home and walk, cycle, roller-blade, pogo-stick to the Dene.
Monday 18 February 12.30 – 3pm
Bird Feeders
Heaton Park – The Pavilion
The colder weather is here and the birds need all the help they can get. Come and make a bird feeder, and get some tips on easy ways to feed the birds. There is a £2.50 charge to cover the cost of materials for some of the bird feeders. Contact the Rangers for more information on 281 2082.
Wednesday 20 February 10 – 2pm
Birds for Beginners
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre – Jesmond Dene
(Walks at 10. – 11.30am and 1pm – 2pm)
Come and join the Rangers and Volunteer Rangers on a walk around the Ouseburn Parks to discover bird life in the trees, on the ground and around the river. Help us to record what we find and join in a bird craft activity. Please bring binoculars if you have them but there will be some available if not. This event is suitable for all ages, but access is via steps and steep slopes, unsuitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Booking for the bird walk is essential. The craft activity will be run from 12 – 2pm and is drop in. Phone 281 2082 for bookings and more information.
Friday 22 February 1 – 3pm
Animal Antics
Pets Corner – Jesmond Dene
Find out about the animals in pets corner and take part in a trail and animal crafts. There will be opportunities to meet some of the smaller animals throughout the afternoon. This is a drop in event. For more information phone 281 2082.
“No wildlife on show here but hopefully the snow will allow me to track the otters and discover more about how they use the Dene,” says Michael Hancock, one of the Jesmond Dene rangers.
Sunday 14 October 1.30 – 3.30pm
Bulb Planting and Autumn Nature Trail
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
Come and plant some bulbs to take home with you and nurture. You can also take part in our Autumn Nature Trail around the Dene and an Autumn Scavenger Hunt. There will be a £1.50 charge for the bulb planting. Contact the Rangers for more information on 2812082.
Sunday 14 October 1.30 – 3.30pm
‘Minor Discoveries’ presents Autumnal Artistry
Led by Hive arts Company
Colemans Field, Jesmond Dene (in front of Pets’ Corner)
Visit our mobile workshop to create your own leaf prints and autumnal designs using some scavenged inspiration. There will be a £1 charge to cover the cost of materials.
(If wet – will be moved inside Visitor Centre)
Saturday 27th October 1pm – 3pm
Halloween Family Treasure Hunt
Free event run by Sustrans
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
Come along for an adventure to find the treasure and dodge the ghouls. Everyone who comes in fancy dress will get a special prize. There will also be pumpkin soup for participants, if you arrive early enough!
Saturday 27 October 5.30 -8pm
Halloween Pumpkins and Walk
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
Come along and carve a pumpkin lanterns. We will then go for an evening walk through the Dene to see what we can find. There may be eyes watching us from all sorts of places!! We’ll return to the Visitor Centre for a hot chocolate and pumpkin soup. There will be a charge of £4 per child and £1 per adult. Minimum age 5 years. Booking essential, please call the Rangers to book your place and for more information 2812082.
Monday 29 October 1 – 3 pm
Bulb Planting and Autumn Nature Trail
Heaton Park – The Pavilion
Come and plant some bulbs to take home with you and nurture. You can also take part in our Autumn Nature Trail around the Dene and an Autumn Scavenger Hunt. There will be a £1.50 charge for the bulb planting. Contact the Rangers for more information on 2812082.
Tuesday 30 October 1 – 3pm
Halloween Crafts
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
Come and join the Northumberland Wildlife Trust to make a scary pumpkin, nature mask, and a tree spirit! Also follow the spooky wildlife trail. Booking essesntial. Free for all members. Suggested donation of £2.50 per child for non-members or free if join membership today. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Phone NWT on (0191) 2846884 for more information and to book your place.
Wednesday 31 October 1 – 3pm
Animals are Afraid!
Pets’ Corner, Jesmond Dene
Pets’ Corner has been invaded by Halloween ghosts, bats and spiders. Come along to hunt for the unwanted guests and make a Halloween hat, but please don’t scare the animals! This is a drop in event. Contact the Visitor Centre for more information on (0191) 2812082
Thursday 1 November 1 – 3pm
Dream Catchers
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
Come and join the Northumberland Wildlife Trust to make a native American Dream Catcher. Free for all members. Suggested donation of £2.50 per child for non-members or free if join membership today. Recommended minimum age 5 years. Phone NWT on (0191) 2846884 for more information and to book your place.
Saturday 10th November 1pm and 2.15pm
Stabiliser free and smoothie bike
Free event
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
Would you child like to learn to cycle? Then book onto this hour long session which has fantastic success rates. Please take off stabilisers and pedals beforehand, but bring the pedals with you in a bag. Children (under 16 years) must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk to book this.
Saturday 24 November 1.30 – 3.30pm
Bird Feeders
Heaton Park – The Pavilion
The colder weather is here and the birds need all the help they can get. Why not come and make a bird feeder, and get some tips on easy ways to feed the birds over the winter. There is a £2 charge to cover the cost of materials. Contact the Rangers for more information on 2812082.
Sunday 25 November 1.30 – 3.30pm
Bird Feeders
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
The colder weather is here and the birds need all the help they can get. Why not come and make a bird feeder, and get some tips on easy ways to feed the birds over the winter. There is a £2 charge to cover the cost of materials. Contact the Rangers for more information on 2812082.
Sunday 25 November 4pm
Be safe be seen cycle ride
Free event
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
Come along to brighten up your bike for the dark winter nights. We will be giving away reflective gear and selling lights just before the short ride and games through the Dene. Children (under 16 years) must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk to book this.
Saturday 8 December 2pm
Jingle Bell ride and storytelling with mince pies
Free event
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
Come along for a Christmas story and family cycle through the Dene. The ride will include an opportunity to decorate a tree, so please bring any old Christmas decoration that you can contribute. Children (under 16 years) must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk to book this.
Saturday 15 December 10am – 12pm
Christmas Wreaths
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
Come and have a go at making your own Christmas Wreath. All materials will be provided but if you have a pair of secateurs, please bring them with you. Places are limited; book early to ensure your place, 2812082 and for more information. There will be a charge of £7.50 (includes refreshments). This is an event for adults, so no under 16s.
Sunday 16 December 1 – 3.30 pm
Family Festive Fun
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
A joint event with the Volunteers, Friends of Jesmond Dene and the Rangers. Come and try your hand at making some simple Christmas decorations from natural and recycled materials. There will be a charge of £2/£1 for the decorations. There will also be Christmas Carols, light refreshments, tombolas and raffles. This is a drop in event. For more information please contact the Rangers on 2812082.
Tuesday 18 December 10 – 12pm
Christmas Wreaths
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre (next to Millfield House Café)
Come and have a go at making your own Christmas Wreath. All materials provided but if you have a pair of secateurs please bring them with you. Places are limited; book early to ensure your place, 2812082 and for more information. There will be a charge of £7.50 (includes refreshments). This is an event for adults, so no under 16s.
Saturday 26 January 1pm
New year, new bike, new you! (including Dr Bike cycle repairs)
Free event
Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene (next to Millfield House Café)
An opportunity for the whole family to learn how to safety check a bike and start the New Year with a short ride through the Dene. Children (under 16 years) must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential Please contact emma.cockburn@sustrans.org.uk to book this.
M Steel Cycles will be servicing bikes for free from 1pm-3pm.
Sunday 27 January 1 – 3.30pm
Past Present and Future Walk
Jesmond Dene
Explore the history of Jesmond Dene, on this guided walk in the company of volunteers who are passionate about the parks. Booking essential. For booking, meeting place and more information phone (0191) 281 2082.
For the first time in living memory, wild otter cubs have been born in Jesmond Dene, a great example of the value of the Ouseburn wildlife corridor to biodiversity within the city
The two cubs were born on one of the few secluded banks of Jesmond Dene at the beginning of the year but news has been kept under wraps until now to avoid disturbing them.
Ouseburn Parks ranger Michael Hancock said: “It’s great to finally be able to let people know about this, it’s been hard to keep quiet about such great news, especially when a few lucky dog walkers were reporting seeing three otters swimming around in broad daylight. The cubs look to be growing really well and although they will stay with the mum for another few months they’re old enough now to avoid human disturbance.”
This breeding success is the culmination of a population revival which has seen increasing otter activity along the Ouseburn river over the last ten years.
Kevin O’Hara, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Wetland officer, who has been helping to analyse the otter activity in Jesmond Dene, said: “This is the third record of otters breeding on the Ouseburn in the last five years. They only returned to the river in around 2000 after many, many decades of absence and you’d have to go back a long way to find such regular breeding occurrences.”
The otter population in Jesmond Dene is monitored by special cameras funded by the Jesmond Dene Volunteer Rangers’ Nature area project. The camera first spotted a male and female together in October last year, followed in February with footage of a female which had apparently recently given birth. The cubs, which remain in the den for the first three months of their lives were first spotted on film in May. Quite a bit of footage of the female otter and her cubs has been captured since then, including glimpses of them swimming in broad daylight.
Yvonne Shannon of the Volunteer Rangers said: “We do a lot of work to try and improve the biodiversity in Jesmond Dene, creating and managing suitable habitats for wildlife, including otters. As well as regularly clearing rubbish and debris from the river and removing invasive plants, such as Japanese knotweed, we have helped in building several otter holts so that they have a safe places to rest. The new ponds, developed as part of the Nature area project will also increase the amount of food available to them as well as benefiting other wildlife.”
Hancock added: “Many people are surprised that this urban stretch of the Ouseburn can support otters, let alone a breeding population but a lot of work has been done in recent years by Rangers and volunteers to improve the habitat for them. Otters also have a very varied diet and analysis of their droppings shows that as well as eating the many small fish found in the river; frogs, rats and young birds have been important food sources for the the young cubs.”