Ouseburn green spaces to see over 1,400 new trees planted

The project is in partnership with Newcastle City Council, Ouseburn Farm, Ouseburn Trust, and Northumberland Wildlife Trust and will see over 350 metres of hedgerows, in-hedge trees and a wood pasture planted.  

The project has been made possible by funding from North East Community Forest, the Branching Out Fund from the Tree Council, and Trees for Cities - the UK's only charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities.

This first phase of plans for the valley’s green spaces will enable Ouseburn farm to enclose grazing fields for livestock and create habitats which will provide shelter and abundant food sources for wildlife. It will also be an opportunity for the farm to test and learn from agroforestry techniques, integrating shrubs and trees into grazing land to improve productivity, boost livestock welfare and increase wildlife.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust are assisting with the planting along with volunteers from the Ouseburn volunteer group who will continue to care for the trees as they grow. 

Cllr Marion Williams, Cabinet member for a Connected, Clean City, Newcastle City Council said: “We are committed to improving the local environment for our residents and I am very happy to support this great partnership project which will help to develop the green spaces in the Ouseburn Valley. The farm already does an amazing job in offering local people and their families the opportunity to interact with nature and I am really pleased that the North East Community Forest can help them expand this.”

Ross Weddle, Chair of the North East Community Forest said: “We have long-term ambitions to increase woodland across the North East which will bring huge environmental, health and economic benefits to the region. This latest project brings us a step closer to these goals. It has been a real team effort and we would like to thank all our partners and local volunteers for their support in making it happen.”

Hugh Stolliday, Ouseburn Farm manager said: "Ouseburn Farm and the Ouseburn Trust are delighted to receive the support of North East Community Forest to plant new trees and hedges in the Ouseburn Valley. The Ouseburn valley is a green lung running through our city, and planting new trees and hedges will help improve biodiversity, air quality and help to tackle climate change in a very small way."

Anne Marie Graham, Chair of Ouseburn Trust Board of Trustees said:

'We are very proud to be a part of this project, which as well as improving the Farm fields and providing a home for wildlife will enhance the historic setting of the Ouseburn Valley.”

Our amazing volunteers will be involved in the planting of the hedging and trees and will continue to care for them so that they become well established and grow strong.”

We hope to continue to work with North East Community Forest in future years, to enhance and support the biodiversity of Ouseburn's woodlands.”