Green shoots for Ouseburn garden plan

An urban nature project in Newcastle could soon bring fresh greenery and community benefits to the heart of the city’s Ouseburn Valley.

Plans have been submitted to Newcastle City Council by sustainable developer igloo for a wildlife garden on brownfield land near the mouth of the Ouseburn, aiming to boost biodiversity and create a peaceful haven for local wildlife. 

The proposals follow public consultation that saw strong support to develop a pocket of land which igloo hopes to turn into a limited-access space to complement and enhance the Ouseburn Wildlife Corridor.

Native species planting, habitat-focused maintenance and potential educational uses such as bird watching and volunteering are all part of the vision, with the garden maintained by a community land trust.

Alec Hamlin, development director at igloo, the B Corp organisation behind The Malings and Lower Steenbergs Yard schemes in the city, as well as proposals for riverside developments at Malmo and Spillers Quay, said: “It was wonderful to hear from the local community in Ouseburn and to see their shared passion for the ecology of this place, something we are very mindful of as responsible developers who make decisions with people, place and the planet in mind.

“This is a wonderful part of the city – an urban, vibrant place that can be enjoyed by everyone, and we want to make sure that – as it continues to evolve, there is a natural home for wildlife.”

Fred Plater, owner of Tyne Bar, added: “I'm massively in support of the plans for a Wildlife Garden; it will be a wonderful addition to the scarce green areas in Ouseburn, and it's vitally important that wildlife is nurtured in the diverse profile of Ouseburn.”

To find out more about the plans for the Wildlife Garden, visit www.ouseburnwildlifegarden.com.

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