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	<title>News Archives - Natural History Society of Northumbria</title>
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		<title>North East Nature Journal: A Smelly World</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/north-east-nature-journal-a-smelly-world/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=north-east-nature-journal-a-smelly-world</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Anderson]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:50:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Gosforth Nature Reserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mammals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Invertebrates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Otter]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=83037</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In this month’s North East Nature Journal, Christopher Wren, NHSN Naturalist, shares insights into the smelly world of mustelids....</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/north-east-nature-journal-a-smelly-world/">North East Nature Journal: A Smelly World</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="has-text-align-center">In this month’s North East Nature Journal, Christopher Wren, NHSN Naturalist, shares insights into the smelly world of mustelids.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">It’s a Smelly Old World</h3>



<p>We humans have a poorly developed sense of smell so it is difficult for us to appreciate how important it is for most other mammals.&nbsp; Mustelids, in particular, use scent to communicate with others of their kind, marking their territories and advertising their presence and breeding condition.&nbsp; With the exception of badgers, female and male mustelids lead separate lives, usually meeting only for courtship and mating.&nbsp; As they have large territories, are thinly spread across the landscape and are mainly active at night, scent-marking is a vital way for them to tell who is about and who is available.</p>



<p>Otter cubs are already leaving their own scent marks and sniffing others&#8217; by the time they first appear on the cameras at three or four months of age.  The first video, from late 2024, shows two young otter cubs exploring their world, much more interested in the scents than the sights or sounds.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Otter-twins.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Otters use spraint (otter poo), urine and anal jelly to leave scent marks, choosing prominent features such as rocks and grass tussocks.&nbsp; This video shows a popular sprainting spot which is very regularly visited by the dog otter and (separately) by the mother and cubs &#8211; there is fresh spraint every time I look.&nbsp; It was interesting to see it marked by a badger as well on this occasion &#8211; a behaviour known as &#8220;musking&#8221;.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Scent-marking.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Badgers&#8217; family dynamics are rather different from otters&#8217; but they use latrines to mark their territories and they scent-mark each other to reinforce the clan smell and maintain family bonds. Here&#8217;s an example with a mother repeatedly making sure her cub smells like the rest of the family, using sub caudal glands under her tail &#8211; a process called &#8220;allomarking&#8221;.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Badger-scent-marking-her-cub.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Polecats are notoriously smelly to our sensibilities (another name is foulmart) but it obviously works for them.&nbsp; The next video shows a polecat using urine, scat and body rubbing to advertise its presence and sniffing to see who else has been around.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Polecat-scent-marking-and-sniffing.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>The smaller mustelids are the more elusive they become.&nbsp; Tracking weasels and stoats is very difficult so less is known about their territorial behaviour.&nbsp; Field signs are usually very few but this weasel left a message inside my camera box.&nbsp; It was also scent marking by rubbing its body along the entrance pipe as it went in and out, something that happens nearly every time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Weasel-leaves-a-message.mp4"></video></figure>



<p></p>



<p>You can get more updates on local wildlife from Christopher Wren on his own <a href="https://trogtrogblog.blogspot.com/">TrogTrogBlog</a>. You can discover the wildlife of Gosforth Nature Reserve <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wildlife-at-gnr/">here</a>.</p>


<div id="author-block_1eb07a289317a66050eaea2ae6231748" class="author-block-block  align blocks">
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            <div class="col-12 col-md-10">
        <h5 class="font-weight-normal text-black mt-0">Christopher Wren<br><small>Local Naturalist and Volunteer</small></h5>
        <p><p>Christopher Wren is a volunteer in Gosforth Nature Reserve and a local naturalist, interested in most areas of natural history, especially mammals and using trail cameras to study their behaviour.</p>
<p>Visit Chris&#8217; blog for more updates on North East&#8217;s wildlife and to enjoy some behind titbits from Winterwatch &#8211; <a href="https://trogtrogblog.blogspot.com/">TrogTrogBlog</a></p>
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<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/north-east-nature-journal-a-smelly-world/">North East Nature Journal: A Smelly World</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Migratory Birds to Discover This Spring</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/migratory-birds-to-discover-this-spring/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=migratory-birds-to-discover-this-spring</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Hollie Muir]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:23:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Birds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nature in the North East]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North East Nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ornithology]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=82932</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Spring in the North East sees the arrival of many songbird and flycatcher species, returning to the UK to settle in for their breeding season....</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/migratory-birds-to-discover-this-spring/">Migratory Birds to Discover This Spring</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="has-text-align-center">Spring in the&nbsp;North East&nbsp;sees the arrival of many&nbsp;songbird&nbsp;and flycatcher species, returning to the UK to settle in for their breeding season. From the fiery colours of Redstarts to the iconic call of the Cuckoo, spring is the perfect time to get&nbsp;out and about&nbsp;and search for these seasonal visitors.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center">Did you know, Whinchat have one of the&nbsp;longest migrations&nbsp;of any UK&nbsp;bird, with many travelling from as far as South Africa?&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1500" height="998" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Whinchat-©-Edward-Appleby-1-1500x998.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82947" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Whinchat-©-Edward-Appleby-1-1500x998.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Whinchat-©-Edward-Appleby-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Whinchat-©-Edward-Appleby-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Whinchat-©-Edward-Appleby-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Whinchat-©-Edward-Appleby-1-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Whinchat-©-Edward-Appleby-1.jpg 1623w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Redstart © Edward Appleby</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Visitors From Across the Globe</h2>



<p><strong>As spring approaches and temperatures start to rise, birds from as far as Russia migrate to the UK to breed.</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>The incredible woodlands and grasslands of the&nbsp;North East&nbsp;offer great spots for shelter, foraging, and socialising, making this the ideal area for these birds to call home as they nest over spring and summer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Make sure to look out for Wheatear and Whinchat as they&nbsp;flit&nbsp;across grasslands, Pied&nbsp;Flycatchers foraging through woodlands and hedgerows, and Tree Pipits parachuting themselves to the ground from forest edges. One of the most noticeable migratory birds to look out for this spring are Redstarts, which are easily&nbsp;identified&nbsp;by their bright orange and red feathers. Of course,&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;forget to listen out for the calls of Cuckoos as they&nbsp;perch in the treetops.&nbsp;Did you know,&nbsp;their recognisable “cuck-oo” call is only made by the males, the females make a bubbling sound?&nbsp;</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cuckoo-©-Andy-Jackson-2-1500x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82948" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cuckoo-©-Andy-Jackson-2-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cuckoo-©-Andy-Jackson-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cuckoo-©-Andy-Jackson-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cuckoo-©-Andy-Jackson-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cuckoo-©-Andy-Jackson-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cuckoo-©-Andy-Jackson-2-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cuckoo © Andy Jackson</figcaption></figure>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Places to discover migrant birds across the North East this spring</h2>



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Hareshaw&nbsp;Linn</strong>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<p>Located in Northumberland National Park, this&nbsp;site&nbsp;is full of dynamic woodland, rocky outcrops, and staggering waterfalls, and many Redstarts are known to make this their home during spring.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="2" class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Tunstall&nbsp;Reservoir</strong>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<p>Supporting a wide variety of wetland and woodland birds, the eastern woodland&nbsp;is&nbsp;a great place&nbsp;to spot Pied Flycatcher and Redstart.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="3" class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Jesmond Dene</strong>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<p>An urban gem in the heart of Newcastle, Jesmond Dene is a haven for wildlife all year round with&nbsp;Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff returning for spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="4" class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Cleadon&nbsp;Hills Local Nature Reserve</strong>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<p>Cleadon&nbsp;Hills’ unique location makes this&nbsp;a great place&nbsp;to spot coastal, woodland, and grassland birds. The expansive Windmill Field is&nbsp;a great place&nbsp;to spot Wheatear and Whinchat this spring.&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="5" class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve</strong>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<p>Opened in 1996, Rainton Meadows is a&nbsp;relatively new&nbsp;nature&nbsp;reserve,&nbsp;now&nbsp;a significant area for wildlife in the&nbsp;North East,&nbsp;with over 200 bird species recorded.&nbsp;Look out for Redstart, Meadow Pipit&nbsp;and&nbsp;Willow Warbler&nbsp;amongst the meadow and woodland.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<ol start="6" class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Castle Eden Dene National&nbsp;Nature&nbsp;Reserve</strong>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<p>One of the UK’s few remaining “wildwoods”,&nbsp;this&nbsp;10,000 year old&nbsp;woodland of tangled trees and rocky outcrops is&nbsp;a great place&nbsp;to spot Cuckoo as the migrate to the&nbsp;North East.&nbsp;</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="998" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wheatear-©-Edward-Appleby-1-1500x998.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82949" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wheatear-©-Edward-Appleby-1-1500x998.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wheatear-©-Edward-Appleby-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wheatear-©-Edward-Appleby-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wheatear-©-Edward-Appleby-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wheatear-©-Edward-Appleby-1-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Wheatear-©-Edward-Appleby-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wheatear © Edward Appleby</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Woodland Birds to Look out for This Spring</h2>



<p><strong>Restart&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Known for their quivering red-orange tails,&nbsp;Redstarts&nbsp;can be seen from April to&nbsp;October&nbsp;in woodland,&nbsp;upland&nbsp;and urban areas.&nbsp;They are true tree-dwellers and spend little time on the ground.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Pied Flycatcher</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>With their black body, white underparts and white patch on the wing, Pied&nbsp;Flycatchers&nbsp;can be seen from April to October, feeding on insects,&nbsp;fruits&nbsp;and seeds in woodlands.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Spotted Flycatcher</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>A grey-brown bird with pale underparts, Spotted Flycatchers can be seen from May to October,&nbsp;mainly in&nbsp;woodlands. They are expert&nbsp;fly-catchers,&nbsp;flying from perches to grab and insect in flight.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1260" height="1500" data-id="82936" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Redstart.Durham-©-Brian-Rutter-1-1260x1500.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82936" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Redstart.Durham-©-Brian-Rutter-1-1260x1500.jpg 1260w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Redstart.Durham-©-Brian-Rutter-1-645x768.jpg 645w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Redstart.Durham-©-Brian-Rutter-1-768x914.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Redstart.Durham-©-Brian-Rutter-1-1290x1536.jpg 1290w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Redstart.Durham-©-Brian-Rutter-1-1720x2048.jpg 1720w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Redstart.Durham-©-Brian-Rutter-1-300x357.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Redstart.Durham-©-Brian-Rutter-1-600x714.jpg 600w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Redstart.Durham-©-Brian-Rutter-1.jpg 2010w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Redstart © Brian Rutter</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="533" data-id="82939" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pied-Flycatcher-©Michael-Eccles-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82939" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pied-Flycatcher-©Michael-Eccles-1.jpg 800w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pied-Flycatcher-©Michael-Eccles-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pied-Flycatcher-©Michael-Eccles-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pied-Flycatcher-©Michael-Eccles-1-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pied Flycatcher © Micheal Eccles</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1000" data-id="82938" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spotted-Flycatcher-©-Edward-Appleby-1500x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82938" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spotted-Flycatcher-©-Edward-Appleby-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spotted-Flycatcher-©-Edward-Appleby-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spotted-Flycatcher-©-Edward-Appleby-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spotted-Flycatcher-©-Edward-Appleby-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spotted-Flycatcher-©-Edward-Appleby-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spotted-Flycatcher-©-Edward-Appleby-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spotted Flycatcher © Edward Appleby</figcaption></figure>
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        <h5 class="font-weight-normal text-black mt-0">James Matlock<br><small>NHSN Volunteer</small></h5>
        <p><p><span class="TextRun SCXW184177824 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW184177824 BCX0">James Matlock </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW184177824 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW184177824 BCX0">is an NHSN volunteer and aspiring ecologist who loves exploring the amazing nature and wildlife of the </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW184177824 BCX0">North East</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW184177824 BCX0">, connecting people with nature, birdwatching, and practicing wildlife photography.</span></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW184177824 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/migratory-birds-to-discover-this-spring/">Migratory Birds to Discover This Spring</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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		<title>Launching the Urban Flora of Newcastle &#038; North Tyneside</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/launching-the-urban-flora-of-newcastle-north-tyneside/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=launching-the-urban-flora-of-newcastle-north-tyneside</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[James Common]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:48:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Botany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Citizen Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Newcastle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Urban Flora]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildflowers]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=82458</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Proudly supported by NHSN, the Urban Flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, by NHSN Senior Naturalist, James Common, is available now via Amazon....</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/launching-the-urban-flora-of-newcastle-north-tyneside/">Launching the Urban Flora of Newcastle &amp; North Tyneside</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Proudly supported by NHSN, the <em>Urban Flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside</em>, by NHSN Senior Naturalist James Common, is available now</strong></p>


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<p>The Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN) is delighted to announce the publication of <em><a href="https://commonbynature.com/urban-flora-of-newcastle/#:~:text=The%20Urban%20Flora%20of%20Newcastle%20and%20North%20Tyneside&amp;text=From%20pavement%20cracks%20and%20industrial,and%20familiar%20urban%20species%20coexist.">Urban Flora of Newcastle &amp; North Tyneside</a></em> by our Senior Naturalist, James Common. Produced with support from NHSN and the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI), the book is now available to purchase on Amazon and via the NHSN shop.</p>



<p>Many of the exciting discoveries featured in this book were made possible thanks to the enthusiasm of local people attending NHSN events and courses, who have shown that, while it can be easy to assume that nature is scarce in our cities, this could not be further from the truth. Across streets, parks, walls and waterways, a remarkable diversity of plant life continues to thrive.</p>



<p>This book provides the first comprehensive survey of all wild and naturalised plants recorded across Newcastle and North Tyneside &#8211; now the eighth-largest conurbation in England. Drawing together six years of dedicated fieldwork and botanical recording, it provides an in-depth account of the area’s diverse and often overlooked urban plants.</p>



<p> Your records, and those featured in this book, help restore nature in the urban landscape. Thank you.</p>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="844" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1771695961456-1500x844.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82459" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1771695961456-1500x844.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1771695961456-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1771695961456-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1771695961456-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1771695961456-600x338.jpg 600w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1771695961456.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



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<p>Have you ever paused to admire wild plants spilling from a neighbour’s crumbling wall, or noticed the sheer diversity of life thriving in a roadside gutter? If not, perhaps you could. Urban spaces, complete with their alleys, car parks, building sites and all the other trappings of modern life, are home to more botanical treasures than we often realise.</p>



<p>For the past six years, I have been working on <em>The Urban Flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside</em>: the first comprehensive survey of all wild and naturalised plants growing across Newcastle and North Tyneside. Drawing together my own records and those of dozens of keen-eyed botanists across Tyneside, including many NHSN members, the results make for surprising reading.</p>



<p>In that relatively short period, 1,123 plant species were recorded within the city limits &#8211; around one third of the entire British flora. It is a striking figure, and one that challenges assumptions that our urban areas are so often devoid of nature.</p>



<p>What makes our urban landscape so special is the close juxtaposition of built-up habitats with relic semi-natural ones: nature reserves, denes, burns and roadside verges that many of us know and enjoy. This patchwork creates conditions for extraordinary diversity. In Newcastle, ancient woodland indicators such as Wood Anemone and Wood Melick persist. Heathland specialists survive in pockets, while rare aquatic species such as Lesser Water-parsnip can be found in suitable wetlands. Hidden within the city’s denes are scarce ferns, and tucked into overlooked corners grow some of the area’s most special plants &#8211; Autumn Gentian, Dittander and Wild Celery, to name just a few.</p>



<p>These sit alongside familiar companions of city streets and a host of hardy colonists from around the globe; each perfectly adapted to life in the urban environment.</p>



<p>The purpose of <em>Urban Flora</em> was simple: to shine a light on this hidden diversity, to encourage people to look more closely and record what they see, and to highlight species that, without action, we may quietly lose from the conurbation altogether. I hope the book succeeds in doing just that.</p>



<p>Copies are now available. Whether you are a nature enthusiast curious about the plants sharing your street or a botanist seeking detailed records, I hope there is something within its pages to interest you.</p>



<p>My heartfelt thanks go to the many NHSN members, local botanists and community groups who shared their records over the past few years. Together, you have helped paint a far richer picture of the region’s urban flora than I could ever have achieved alone.</p>



<p>And of course, there are doubtless many more exciting discoveries waiting in streets and alleyways across the city. You can share your own records with NHSN as part of <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforths-wild-web/">Gosforth’s Wild Web</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>The <em>Urban Flora</em> reveals that there is far more to Newcastle’s pavements, alleyways and car parks than first meets the eye. We are incredibly grateful to the many local naturalists who have shared their sightings over the past few years.<br><br>By contributing your records, you have helped create a comprehensive account of our city’s flora, demonstrated the importance of everyday observations, and highlighted the extraordinary diversity of life found within our urban environment.<br><br>Thank you for helping us shine a light on the nature in Newcastle and North Tyneside. Please do share your wildlife sightings as part of Gosforth&#8217;s Wild Web.</p><cite>Clare Freeman, NHSN Director</cite></blockquote></figure>



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="82460" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ophrys-apifera-var.-chlorantha-c-Chris-Barlow.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82460" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ophrys-apifera-var.-chlorantha-c-Chris-Barlow.jpg 1024w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ophrys-apifera-var.-chlorantha-c-Chris-Barlow-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ophrys-apifera-var.-chlorantha-c-Chris-Barlow-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ophrys-apifera-var.-chlorantha-c-Chris-Barlow-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bee Orchid <em>Ophrys apifera</em> var. chlorantha © Chris Barlow</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="82462" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Galanthus-nivalis-Sandersii-c-Chris-Barlow.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82462" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Galanthus-nivalis-Sandersii-c-Chris-Barlow.jpg 1024w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Galanthus-nivalis-Sandersii-c-Chris-Barlow-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Galanthus-nivalis-Sandersii-c-Chris-Barlow-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Galanthus-nivalis-Sandersii-c-Chris-Barlow-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Common Snowdrop <em>Galanthus nivalis</em> &#8216;Sandersii&#8217; © Chris Barlow</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1129" data-id="82461" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20250612_110507607.PORTRAIT-1500x1129.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82461" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20250612_110507607.PORTRAIT-1500x1129.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20250612_110507607.PORTRAIT-768x578.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20250612_110507607.PORTRAIT-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20250612_110507607.PORTRAIT-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20250612_110507607.PORTRAIT-300x226.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PXL_20250612_110507607.PORTRAIT-600x452.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peach-leaved Bellflower <em>Campanula persicifolia</em> © James Common</figcaption></figure>
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<div id="author-block_d8f9b6a3cf59a20299dbb9f00f20bcbb" class="author-block-block  align blocks">
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            <div class="col-12 col-md-10">
        <h5 class="font-weight-normal text-black mt-0">James Common<br><small>NHSN Senior Naturalist</small></h5>
        <p><p>James is NHSN&#8217;s Senior Naturalist and a local naturalist passionate about plants and insects. Away from work, he is a botanical Vice-County Recorder for North Northumberland and verifier for the UK Ladybird Survey. He blogs at <a href="https://commonbynature.com/">Common by Nature</a>.</p>
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</div><p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/launching-the-urban-flora-of-newcastle-north-tyneside/">Launching the Urban Flora of Newcastle &amp; North Tyneside</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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		<title>Boosting Wildlife Along the Ouse Burn Way with New Ecologist</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/boosting-wildlife-along-the-ouse-burn-way-with-new-ecologist/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=boosting-wildlife-along-the-ouse-burn-way-with-new-ecologist</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Anderson]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:09:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Gosforth Nature Reserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ellie Davison]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ouse Burn Way]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=82253</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Exciting news for nature in Newcastle! We welcome Emily Anderson to the Ouse Burn Way team as the city’s first dedicated Ouse Burn Ecologist, a role aimed at improving wildlife habitats and connecting local communities with the Ouse Burn Way....</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/boosting-wildlife-along-the-ouse-burn-way-with-new-ecologist/">Boosting Wildlife Along the Ouse Burn Way with New Ecologist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Exciting news for nature in Newcastle! We welcome Emily Anderson to the Ouse Burn Way team as the city’s first dedicated Ouse Burn Ecologist, a role aimed at improving wildlife habitats and connecting local communities with the <a href="https://www.theouseburnway.co.uk">Ouse Burn Way</a>.</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="922" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-2-scaled-e1772210857985-1500x922.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82410" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-2-scaled-e1772210857985-1500x922.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-2-scaled-e1772210857985-768x472.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-2-scaled-e1772210857985-1536x945.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-2-scaled-e1772210857985-2048x1259.jpg 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-2-scaled-e1772210857985-300x184.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-2-scaled-e1772210857985-600x369.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Funded by the <a href="https://www.reece-foundation.org/">Reece Foundation</a>, Emily’s role marks a major expansion of <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/announcing-wildlife-ways/">Wildlife Ways</a>, a three-year, community-led project working to boost wildlife, enhance green spaces, and empower residents to take action for nature along this seven-mile urban corridor.</p>



<p>In the months ahead, Emily will be meeting local groups, listening to stories about the Ouse Burn, and helping turn ideas into practical action. With Wildlife Ways, those small steps add up, helping both people and nature thrive together.</p>



<p>Emily will lead a programme of:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Wildlife monitoring and recording</li>



<li>Habitat improvement projects</li>



<li>Working closely with local communities to enhance nature on their doorstep</li>
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<p>Her work will strengthen biodiversity across one of Newcastle’s busiest green spaces, helping wildlife thrive while giving people the chance to engage with nature.</p>



<p><strong><em>Anne Reece, Chair of the Reece Foundation and Ouse Burn Way project board, said:</em></strong></p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p><em>“The Ouse Burn Way is a truly special part of our local landscape, and we’re proud to be supporting its future through funding a dedicated Ouse Burn Ecologist. This vital role will help engage local communities, safeguard wildlife and ensure nature can flourish along this important corridor.”</em></p>
</blockquote>



<p>The Ouse Burn has faced growing pressures in recent years, from increased recreational use to habitat loss. Emily&#8217;s role in this new project brings new expertise and capacity at a time when nature recovery is a national priority.</p>



<p>Over the coming months, she will meet community groups, volunteers, and local residents to identify priority sites, develop wildlife initiatives, and support people eager to care for the Burn.</p>



<p>Over the past year and a half, Emily has been part of the NHSN team, exploring everything from Gosforth’s Wild Web to the hidden corners of Gosforth Nature Reserve. She never tires of this special place, where bright Scarlet Elfcups pop against winter leaf litter and Otter cubs appear at the water’s edge, reminding her that nature always has a surprise in store. She said:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p><em>“Connecting people with nature is what I love most. I can’t wait to bring that energy to the Ouse Burn Way and spark curiosity and confidence in local communities. Whether it’s searching for minibeasts with children, dissecting owl pellets with adults, planting wildflowers and trees, or simply watching and recording wildlife, I really believe that getting stuck in is the best way for people to fall in love with nature and want to look after it.”</em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1129" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-3-1500x1129.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82411" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-3-1500x1129.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-3-768x578.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-3-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-3-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-3-300x226.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Anne-Reece-3-600x452.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">We Want to Hear From You!</h3>



<p>Do you live along the Ouse Burn or nearby? Are you part of a community group, school or local business with an interest in nature? If you have a space that could be better for wildlife, even a small verge, yard or shared green area, we would love to help you bring it to life.</p>



<p>NHSN’s dedicated Ouse Burn Ecologist, Emily Anderson, can support you with practical ideas and hands on action, from wildflower planting and bat boxes to wildlife surveys and nature based events. You do not need anything already in place, just an interest in making a difference. Get in touch to start the conversation and see what we could achieve together.</p>


<div id="author-block_a7a484eaaa28c84980e33e551a33f178" class="author-block-block  align blocks">
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        <h5 class="font-weight-normal text-black mt-0">Emily Anderson<br><small>Ouse Burn Ecologist</small></h5>
        <p><p>Emily Anderson has a passion for connecting people with nature through hands-on activities, practical conservation, and wildlife recording. Emily loves exploring North East habitats, from Gosforth Nature Reserve to the Ouse Burn, and is excited to bring her energy and curiosity to the Wildlife Ways project as Ouse Burn Ecologist.</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/boosting-wildlife-along-the-ouse-burn-way-with-new-ecologist/">Boosting Wildlife Along the Ouse Burn Way with New Ecologist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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		<title>North East Nature Journal: Weasels and Stoats</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-weasels-and-stoats/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-weasels-and-stoats</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Anderson]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:28:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Gosforth Nature Reserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mammals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Invertebrates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Otter]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=82395</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In this month’s Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal, Christopher Wren, NHSN Naturalist, shares insights into Weasels and Stoats...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-weasels-and-stoats/">North East Nature Journal: Weasels and Stoats</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="has-text-align-center">In this month’s North East Nature Journal, Christopher Wren, NHSN Naturalist, shares insights into Weasels and Stoats</p>


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                          <figcaption>Weasel
Wallington Hall
Christopher Wren</figcaption>
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<p>Stoats and weasels are closely related small mustelids and have a lot of similarities but they are of different size, have different diets and occupy different ecological niches.  Both are widespread but thinly distributed and are shy, fast-moving and elusive, so to see them is difficult (and lucky) and studying them is even harder.</p>



<p>Discussions of the differences in their appearance usually concentrate on the stoat’s longer, black-tipped tail and the dividing line between the brown and white fur (stoat &#8211; straight, weasel &#8211; wiggly), but perhaps most striking is the difference in size.  A female weasel is tiny, weighing only 60g, about twice as much as a wood mouse.  A male weasel is bigger, chunkier and weighs in at 120g.  A female stoat is bigger again at around 250g, and a male stoat is 350g, so weighing about six times as much as a female weasel.  The photo below shows the four animals emerging from a camera box in roughly the same position.  The photo is a bit blurry as it is a composite of heavily cropped screen grabs from trail camera videos, but it shows the relative size of (from left to right) a male stoat, female stoat (unfortunately not paying attention), male weasel and female weasel.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="663" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-1-1500x663.png" alt="" class="wp-image-82396" style="aspect-ratio:16/9;object-fit:contain" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-1-1500x663.png 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-1-768x340.png 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-1-1536x679.png 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-1-2048x906.png 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-1-300x133.png 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-1-600x265.png 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Videos from inside the camera box gave the opportunity of making higher quality composite pictures (see below) to show the relative size of a female stoat (Left) and a female weasel (Right).&nbsp; The photos are from different days with different lighting conditions.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="843" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-2-1500x843.png" alt="" class="wp-image-82397" style="aspect-ratio:4/3;object-fit:contain" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-2-1500x843.png 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-2-768x432.png 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-2-1536x863.png 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-2-2048x1151.png 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-2-300x169.png 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-2-600x337.png 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Here’s another example with the female stoat and a male weasel.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="912" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-3-1500x912.png" alt="" class="wp-image-82398" style="aspect-ratio:4/3;object-fit:contain" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-3-1500x912.png 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-3-768x467.png 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-3-1536x934.png 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-3-2048x1245.png 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-3-300x182.png 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-3-600x365.png 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The first video shows a male and then a female stoat visiting (but unfortunately not entering) the camera box.&nbsp; I think the male must have left a scent mark in the entrance pipe as the female seemed distracted by it.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Male-Female-Stoats.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Both stoats and weasels will stand up to get a better look at their surroundings, as in this video of a stoat.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Stoat-on-alert.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>This wall was built specifically to attract small mustelids and is monitored by a trail camera.&nbsp; The female stoat was obviously very aware of the camera and disapproved of the invasion of her privacy.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Stoat-under-surveillance.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Stoats rarely enter the camera box but weasels are much happier to go in and look around.&nbsp; The next video compares a male and a female weasel.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Male-Female-Weasels.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>My last video shows a very persistent weasel hoping to find a dead mouse under the slate (there wasn’t one on this occasion).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Exploring-weasel.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Both stoats and weasels are very difficult for ecologists to survey as they have large territories with multiple nest sites and leave few if any field signs.&nbsp; Unlike mice, voles and shrews they are not amenable to live trapping but trail cameras are beginning to show some promise in seeing where they are and what they get up to.</p>



<p></p>



<p>You can get more updates on the local wildlife from Christopher Wren on his own <a href="https://trogtrogblog.blogspot.com/">TrogTrogBlog</a>.</p>


<div id="author-block_f118147a9780588e80aa76726c325f22" class="author-block-block  align blocks">
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            <div class="col-12 col-md-10">
        <h5 class="font-weight-normal text-black mt-0">Christopher Wren<br><small>Local Naturalist and Volunteer</small></h5>
        <p><p>Christopher Wren is a volunteer in Gosforth Nature Reserve and a local naturalist, interested in most areas of natural history, especially mammals and using trail cameras to study their behaviour.</p>
<p>Visit Chris&#8217; blog for more updates on North East&#8217;s wildlife and to enjoy some behind titbits from Winterwatch &#8211; <a href="https://trogtrogblog.blogspot.com/">TrogTrogBlog</a></p>
</p>
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<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-weasels-and-stoats/">North East Nature Journal: Weasels and Stoats</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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		<title>Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal: Otter Lessons</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-otter-lessons/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-otter-lessons</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Anderson]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:13:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Gosforth Nature Reserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mammals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Otter]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=81716</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In this month’s Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal, NHSN Naturalist Christopher Wren shares new footage of the otter cubs as they pass the six month mark and begin to learn how to fend for themselves....</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-otter-lessons/">Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal: Otter Lessons</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="has-text-align-center">In this month’s Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal, NHSN Naturalist Christopher Wren shares new footage of the otter cubs as they pass the six month mark and begin to learn how to fend for themselves.</p>


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<p>The cubs are over six months old now and are growing fast but they still rely on their mother to catch their food.&nbsp; As they become more independent they are less often all three close by their mother&#8217;s side so when she catches a fish there is usually no competition for it.&nbsp; Here one of the cubs shows how to eat a raw fish in 40 seconds, mostly without using its paws.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Fish-for-breakfast.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Otters mainly eat fish of course, but being carnivores they also will be happy with amphibians, crustaceans, small mammals and birds.&nbsp; Ducklings and other young birds are a delicacy in springtime but occasionally there is the opportunity of something bigger.&nbsp; One night last week the mother went quickly past one of the cameras with two cubs in very close attendance and something in her mouth.&nbsp; The view is brief but on slow motion I could see she had caught a drake mallard.&nbsp; By the time they reached the next camera she still had the duck and wasn&#8217;t letting go.&nbsp; Unfortunately she then took it away as I would have loved to see how she dealt with it.&nbsp; All three cubs followed, hoping for a share of the spoils.&nbsp; (The moaning sound is from the mother otter, not the duck!)</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Mother-otter-bags-a-duck.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Here are a couple of videos from about a year ago which haven’t been shared here before.&nbsp; The mother otter then had two male cubs at about the same stage as the present three.&nbsp; She caught a fish and gave it, still alive, to one of the cubs but unfortunately he dropped the fish down a gap between the boards.&nbsp; He went in frantic pursuit and amazingly managed to squeeze through a gap which is only about three inches wide.&nbsp; I think the fish must have got away because seconds later the cub was back for another look on top.&nbsp; Eventually it had to give up, lesson learned and still hungry.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Flexible-otter-cub.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Next time the mother was more careful and handed over the fish away from the water.&nbsp; If you listen carefully after she whistles she makes a low-pitched cat-like mewing sound that I hadn&#8217;t then heard before.&nbsp; It must be to encourage the cub to come and take the fish and is similar to the sound she made holding the duck in the second video above.&nbsp; Two minutes later the cub appeared on an adjacent camera with the (now dead) fish and played with it in the water for a few moments before bringing it out to eat.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Otter-cub-gets-dinner.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>The present cubs will have to develop their fishing skills before they become independent in a few months’ time.</p>



<p></p>



<p>Find out more about Gosforth Nature Reserve and the wildlife that calls it home <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/visit-gosforth-nature-reserve/">here</a>. You can get more updates on the local wildlife from Christopher Wren on his own <a href="https://trogtrogblog.blogspot.com/">TrogTrogBlog</a>.</p>


<div id="author-block_ba57bd1e77a3d73a1078e3162b0b07cc" class="author-block-block  align blocks">
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            <div class="col-12 col-md-10">
        <h5 class="font-weight-normal text-black mt-0">Christopher Wren<br><small>Local Naturalist and Volunteer</small></h5>
        <p><p>Christopher Wren is a volunteer in Gosforth Nature Reserve and a local naturalist, interested in most areas of natural history, especially mammals and using trail cameras to study their behaviour.</p>
<p>Visit Chris&#8217; blog for more updates on North East&#8217;s wildlife and to enjoy some behind the scene titbits from Winterwatch &#8211; <a href="https://trogtrogblog.blogspot.com/">TrogTrogBlog</a></p>
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<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-otter-lessons/">Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal: Otter Lessons</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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		<title>Stung by Surprise: Mediterranean Nettle Arrives in Newcastle</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/mediterranean-nettle/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=mediterranean-nettle</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ellie Davison]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 18:00:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Botany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Citizen Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nature in the North East]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ouse Burn Way]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BSBI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Ouse Burn Way]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildlife Ways]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=81323</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A chance find during a New Year Plant Hunt reveals a Mediterranean Nettle thriving on a residential street. A vice county first!...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/mediterranean-nettle/">Stung by Surprise: Mediterranean Nettle Arrives in Newcastle</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>A chance find during a New Year Plant Hunt reveals a Mediterranean Nettle thriving in an urban crack, and highlights the power of citizen science in recording our ever changing flora.</p>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Introduction</h2>



<p>New Year’s Day is not traditionally associated with nettles. Yet there I was, on a crisp New Year&#8217;s morning in Jesmond, peering into a crack between wall and pavement during the <a href="https://bsbi.org/take-part/activities/new-year-plant-hunt">New Year Plant Hunt</a>, wondering why a very nettle-like plant looked just a little wrong.</p>



<p>The annual &#8216;hunt&#8217;, a national scheme run by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and supported locally by NHSN, encourages participants to seek out plants still in flower at the turn of the year, helping to track how our flora responds to a changing climate. For me, as a member of both societies and a would-be botanist, it was an ideal way to start the year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The spikey discovery</h2>



<p>Towards the end of the enjoyable and relaxed New Year&#8217;s amble, I straggled behind the group getting caught up admiring a particularly lovely patch of Pellitory-of-the-Wall. Then I spotted, growing out of the crack between a wall and the pavement, rising above the pellitory, something that looked to me a cross between garlic mustard and a regular nettle. I ran some photos through Obsidentify and the results suggested Mediterranean Nettle (<em>Urtica Membranacea</em>). This was a new plant for me and excited, l hurried to show Ellie the photo and ID of my find. After noting the find, the walk continued through Sandyford and concluded upon arrival into Heaton Park where the group dispersed and we went on our ways.</p>



<p>But that wasn’t the end of it.</p>



<p>Later that afternoon I was checking the BSBI plant atlas which showed that this may be the first record for the county.  After flurry of communication and a heroic rush by Ellie to save the frost sensitive specimen from the snow, identification was confirmed by BSBI County Recorder and NHSN Senior Naturalist, James Common, and expert botanists on social media. I confess, I did a little dance.</p>



<p>Upon celebrating our find as the county first, we were informed, via social media, of an older record from Berwick-upon-Tweed. This was submitted to the iNaturalist app in 2019. Plaudits go to Sarah Sells for the first whole county record. So now we know there are two visible records, one each in the North and South Northumberland vice counties. It will be interesting in the coming years to see how the distribution map develops.<br></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1928" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260102_085818012-1-scaled.jpg" alt="Mediterranean Nettle" class="wp-image-81468" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260102_085818012-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260102_085818012-1-768x578.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260102_085818012-1-1500x1129.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260102_085818012-1-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260102_085818012-1-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260102_085818012-1-300x226.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260102_085818012-1-600x452.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Note the rows of stinging glandular hairs or trichomes on the surface of the cordate shaped leaves. The light green shade may be due to its young age and the reduced sunlight of recent weeks.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What to look for</h2>



<p>That odd nettle, growing confidently from urban stonework, would turn out to be <em>Urtica membranacea</em>, the Mediterranean nettle, a species first recorded in the UK in 2006 in a yard behind some shops in Warwick. That original population was already well established, suggesting it had arrived some years earlier, with its continued survival and spread perhaps linked to milder winters.</p>



<p>Native to the Mediterranean basin, records now show distributions from Turkey to Portugal in southern Europe, Libya to Morocco in North Africa and populations extending into northern European countries France, Germany and the Netherlands. Its appearance on a Sandyford pavement was surprising, but perhaps no longer unexpected.</p>



<p>Enjoying urban environments, this annual upright herb reaches up, often from cracks in walls and pavements, to 40cm in height.  Similar to native nettles in appearance; square stem, opposite leaf arrangement, cordate (heart-shaped) to ovate leaves with dentate (toothed) margins, and stinging hairs (trichomes). <em>U. membranacea</em> can be discerned from both Stinging Nettle <em>(U. dioica)</em> and Small Nettle <em>(U. urens) </em>by the fused stipules at the nodes.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="912" height="1212" data-id="81470" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260103_105957807.jpg" alt="Mediterranean Nettle (U. membranacea) - stipules are wide and fused together to form a two stipuled appearance" class="wp-image-81470" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260103_105957807.jpg 912w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260103_105957807-578x768.jpg 578w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260103_105957807-768x1021.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260103_105957807-300x399.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PXL_20260103_105957807-600x797.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 912px) 100vw, 912px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mediterranean Nettle (U. membranacea) &#8211; stipules are wide and fused together to form a two stipuled appearance</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="716" height="778" data-id="81325" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture5.jpg" alt="Small Nettle (U. urens) - four stipules" class="wp-image-81325" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture5.jpg 716w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture5-707x768.jpg 707w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture5-300x326.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture5-600x652.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Small Nettle (U. urens) &#8211; four stipules</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Citizen science and recording</h2>



<p>Citizen science projects such as The New Year Plant Hunt are great ways for regular people with an enthusiasm for the environment to contribute to nature conservation by adding to the wider ecological record.</p>



<p>By engaging in science as regular citizens, we form an army of data collectors spanning vast areas, creating a web of records from where professionals rarely tread. By uploading our findings to the relevant databases our records can be utilised to inform academic studies, and, in turn, policy decisions. From a group of engaged individuals going out and recording what they find, through Universites and NGOs and into the House of Lords, our data can go a long way.</p>



<p>So get out there and discover what you can find, you never know, the next blog post about a newly arrived species could be written by you. Find out more about botanical recording in the North East <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/botany-in-the-north-east/">here</a>.</p>


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        <h5 class="font-weight-normal text-black mt-0">Jon Devlin<br><small>NHSN member and volunteer</small></h5>
        <p><p>Jon: The biophilia is strong with this one. Growing up to 5ft 7 inches this hardy and persistent perennial can be found in most habitats all year round. Often present around the northern England uplands being lashed by wind and rain this hardy little fellow is as resilient as he is silly. Favourite phrase: &#8220;it&#8217;s probably a pipistrelle.&#8221;</p>
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</div><p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/mediterranean-nettle/">Stung by Surprise: Mediterranean Nettle Arrives in Newcastle</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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		<title>Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal: Otter Family Life</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-otter-family-life/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-otter-family-life</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Anderson]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:58:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Gosforth Nature Reserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mammals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Invertebrates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Otter]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=81085</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The otter cub triplets at Gosforth Nature Reserve continue to delight, as new videos capture their rapid growth, playful behaviour and early fishing practice. From breakfast tussles to grooming and family play fights, this blog offers a rare glimpse into the cubs’ lives as they grow towards independence next spring....</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-otter-family-life/">Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal: Otter Family Life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="has-text-align-center">In this month’s Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal, Christopher Wren, NHSN Naturalist, shares his latest footage of the otters, including what the new 2025 cubs are up to!</p>


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                          <figcaption>Otter cub with fish © Chris Wren</figcaption>
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                          <figcaption>Otter with fish © Chris Wren</figcaption>
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                          <figcaption>Two Otters © Chris Wren</figcaption>
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<p>The otter cub triplets are continuing to delight visitors to Gosforth Nature Reserve.  They were born in mid July but we didn’t get to see them until they started to follow their mother around at about four months of age.  They grow quickly and will be over five months old by the time you read this.  At this age they are still dependent on their mother to catch all their food.  The first video starts with mother on the bank with a fish as the cubs all raced to get it.  After a tussle one succeeded and the other two followed mother back into the water.  When she returned with a second fish only one cub was around to take it.  That left one hungry cub waiting by the water&#8217;s edge.  It was probably worth the wait because the third fish was the biggest.  All this action took only three minutes.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mother-fetches-breakfast.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Eventually the cubs were full so they used the next fish to practice catching them.&nbsp; This cub repeatedly took its fish back into the water to &#8220;catch&#8221; it over a period of eight minutes before taking it out of view.&nbsp; I presume it was eventually eaten.&nbsp; This is very interesting behaviour in a cub only about 18 weeks old and seemed to be spontaneous.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cub-practises-fishing.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>The cubs also spend a lot of time playing &#8211; which usually involves fighting.&nbsp; In the best episode I have seen the fight went on for 12 minutes and the mother joined in enthusiastically.&nbsp; These are edited highlights.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-big-fight.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>At other times they are much more relaxed.&nbsp; Otters spend a lot of time out of the water looking after their fur but they also seem to get a lot of pleasure from grooming each other, an activity which probably strengthens the family bonds.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Otters-grooming.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>The cubs will be with their mother until late spring next year.&nbsp; By then they will be fully grown and able to catch their own food as they prepare for independence.</p>



<p></p>



<p>Find out more about Gosforth Nature Reserve and the wildlife that calls it home <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/visit-gosforth-nature-reserve/">here</a>. You can get more updates on the local wildlife from Christopher Wren on his own <a href="https://trogtrogblog.blogspot.com/">TrogTrogBlog</a>.</p>


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            <div class="col-12 col-md-10">
        <h5 class="font-weight-normal text-black mt-0">Christopher Wren<br><small>Local Naturalist and Volunteer</small></h5>
        <p><p>Christopher Wren is a volunteer in Gosforth Nature Reserve and a local naturalist, interested in most areas of natural history, especially mammals and using trail cameras to study their behaviour.</p>
<p>Visit Chris&#8217; blog for more updates on North East&#8217;s wildlife and to enjoy some behind titbits from Winterwatch &#8211; <a href="https://trogtrogblog.blogspot.com/">TrogTrogBlog</a></p>
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<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/gosforth-nature-reserve-journal-otter-family-life/">Gosforth Nature Reserve Journal: Otter Family Life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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		<title>Vacancy for an Ouse Burn Ecologist</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/vacancy-for-an-ouse-burn-ecologist/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=vacancy-for-an-ouse-burn-ecologist</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[James Common]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:04:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Gosforth Nature Reserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ecologist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Job Advert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ouse Burn]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=80990</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Would you love a job where every day is focused on expanding your wildlife knowledge and inspiring a wider range of people to notice, enjoy and care for wildlife along the Ouse Burn in Newcastle?...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/vacancy-for-an-ouse-burn-ecologist/">Vacancy for an Ouse Burn Ecologist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Would you love a job where every day is focused on expanding your wildlife knowledge and inspiring people to notice, enjoy and care for wildlife along the Ouse Burn in Newcastle?</strong></p>


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<p>Do you have naturalist field skills in either plants, birds, insects or mammals?</p>



<p>Would a job based on a SSSI nature reserve on Tyneside excite you?</p>



<p>Do you seek a busy schedule engaging people to inspire wonder in urban wildlife?</p>



<p>If your answers to all three questions are ‘<strong>yes</strong>’, then please read on….</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ouse Burn Ecologist</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Salary:</strong>&nbsp; £26.5k -£28.5k<br><strong>Contract:</strong>&nbsp;3 years (Jan 2026–Dec 2028)<br><strong>Employer:</strong>&nbsp;Natural History Society of Northumbria<br><strong>Location:</strong>&nbsp;Ouse Burn, Newcastle (field-based majority of time)</p>



<p>Do you love nature, people and practical environmental action? We’re looking for an enthusiastic ecologist to help communities improve wildlife habitats, green spaces and recreation areas along the Ouse Burn.</p>



<p>As our Ouse Burn Ecologist, you’ll support community groups to survey habitats and species, collect and visualise ecological data, and deliver small-scale habitat improvements. You’ll spend most of your time out and about in the valley, working alongside communities, local partners and volunteers to make real environmental change on the ground.</p>



<p>This role is ideal for someone with ecological knowledge, practical conservation experience and a passion for connecting people with nature. You should be confident working outdoors, enjoy working with others, and be excited by the idea of helping local residents and volunteers take action for nature.</p>



<p><strong>To apply:</strong> Please download the recruitment pack below &#8211; instructions are given within<br><strong>Closing date:</strong> Email to Ellie at UrbanNaturalist@newcastle.ac.uk by midnight, Sunday 18 January</p>



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<div class="wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--6"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-dark-green-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background no-border-radius wp-element-button" href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/NHSN-Ouse-Burn-Ecologist-Recruitment-Pack-.pdf">Download the Recruitment Pack</a></div>
</div>



<div style="height:47px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p><strong>What’s a day in the life like for NHSN’s Ouse Burn Ecologist?</strong></p>



<p>Based at NHSN’s beautiful Gosforth Nature Reserve, you will be the welcoming public face of the organisation – our ‘shop door’ for people with wide-ranging interests and abilities in natural history. You will shape and deliver a lively programme of community engagement, supported by a friendly, skilled, and enthusiastic team of volunteers.</p>



<p>You will inspire people to notice, value, and record nature within the surrounding urban wildlife corridors. Your work will engage individuals, families, schools, university students, community groups, and businesses. Alongside engagement activities, you will help manage the nature reserve and will use social media daily to interpret and share stories of local urban wildlife.</p>



<p>No two days will be the same &#8211; from leading walks and events, to supporting citizen science, to sharing discoveries online.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1129" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20250508_201815865-3-1500x1129.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81025" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20250508_201815865-3-1500x1129.jpg 1500w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20250508_201815865-3-768x578.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20250508_201815865-3-1536x1156.jpg 1536w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20250508_201815865-3-300x226.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20250508_201815865-3-600x452.jpg 600w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PXL_20250508_201815865-3.jpg 1610w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Why choose NHSN?</strong></p>



<p>For almost 200 years, NHSN has inspired wonder in nature across Tyneside. Founded in 1829, we are a local, independent charity with a proud history. Until 1959, we welcomed visitors to the Great North Museum Hancock (now leased to Newcastle University and managed by NEM), which remains home to the NHSN office.</p>



<p>Today, NHSN connects people with nature through field trips, talks, citizen science, publications, social media, Gosforth Nature Reserve, and support for young naturalists. More recently, we have brought all of this together to inspire and support action in response to the climate and ecological crises.</p>



<p><strong>Will you inspire wonder in the natural world?</strong></p>



<p>You will be a passionate naturalist with strong field skills in plants, insects, birds or mammals, combined with excellent interpersonal skills. You will enjoy engaging people with a wide range of interests, backgrounds, and levels of experience in natural history.</p>



<p>Your personal and professional approach will align with NHSN’s values: you will be welcoming, enthusiastic, flexible, agile, and locally focused. With a busy and varied schedule, you will be organised and calm under pressure, will show initiative and persistence, and will be motivated to inspire others.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/vacancy-for-an-ouse-burn-ecologist/">Vacancy for an Ouse Burn Ecologist</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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		<title>Wildlife Ways: New Funding To Help Communities and Nature Thrive Together Along the Ouse Burn</title>
		<link>https://www.nhsn.org.uk/announcing-wildlife-ways/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=announcing-wildlife-ways</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[James Common]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 07:55:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Gosforth Nature Reserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ouse Burn Way]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildlife Ways]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.nhsn.org.uk/?p=80981</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Communities, wildlife and wellbeing will thrive along the Ouse Burn thanks to support from the Reece Foundation. The Natural History...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/announcing-wildlife-ways/">Wildlife Ways: New Funding To Help Communities and Nature Thrive Together Along the Ouse Burn</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Communities, wildlife and wellbeing will thrive along the Ouse Burn thanks to support from the Reece Foundation.</strong></p>


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<p>The Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN), with support from the Reece Foundation, is launching <em>Wildlife Ways</em>, a three-year community-led project to protect and enhance wildlife along the Ouse Burn in Newcastle, which will transform how communities connect with, care for, and enjoy this important urban green corridor.</p>



<p>This new community-led environmental project will boost wildlife, improve local green spaces, and empower communities to take action for nature along the Ouse Burn.</p>



<p>Thanks to the support of the Reece Foundation, who have awarded NHSN a total of £157,000 of a total project cost of £187,000, Wildlife Ways will take its next steps with the appointment of a new Ouse Burn Ecologist to assist in connecting people and nature along the Ouse Burn.</p>



<p>The Ouse Burn Ecologist will be a highly visible, “out and about” role supporting residents, community groups, and businesses to take practical action on the ground.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p><em>The Ouse Burn Way is such a special part of our local environment, and I’m very pleased we can support its future by funding an Ouse Burn Ecologist. This is an important role that will engage communities, protect wildlife and help nature thrive along this vital corridor</em>.</p><cite>Anne Reece, Chair of the Ouse Burn Way Project Board and the Reece Foundation</cite></blockquote></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="603" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/o_1j2q2hpe27ff1f8410e4idj1r7tb.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80987" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/o_1j2q2hpe27ff1f8410e4idj1r7tb.jpg 1024w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/o_1j2q2hpe27ff1f8410e4idj1r7tb-768x452.jpg 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/o_1j2q2hpe27ff1f8410e4idj1r7tb-300x177.jpg 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/o_1j2q2hpe27ff1f8410e4idj1r7tb-600x353.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kingfisher © Brian Rutter</figcaption></figure>



<p>Working alongside NHSN’s Urban Naturalist, Ellie Davison (also supported by the Reece Foundation), the Ecologist will nurture local enthusiasm for nature by providing ecological advice, coordinate surveys, and support improvements to valued community spaces.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p><em>This exciting project puts communities at the heart of caring for the Ouse Burn. It’s about shared action, local pride, and creating lasting benefits for people and wildlife for years to come</em>.</p><cite>Ellie Davison, Urban Naturalist</cite></blockquote></figure>



<p>Over the course of the three-year project, communities will establish a network of Wildlife Ways branching off the Ouse Burn Way, making routes and spaces better for people and for wildlife. These areas will benefit from community-led practical enhancements such as tree and bulb planting, meadows, wildlife gardens, pollinator habitats, hedgehog and bat boxes, and litter picking.</p>



<p>A strong emphasis on community-led ecological surveying will enable local people to record wildlife, habitats, litter, and invasive species using accessible digital tools. The resulting data will be visualised and shared, helping inform land management decisions and contributing valuable records to regional and national environmental databases. This work will strengthen understanding of key species and habitats, while highlighting both successes and areas for further action.</p>



<p>The project will also broaden engagement through a vibrant programme of events and storytelling. Activities such as guided walks and discovery days will bring together residents, volunteers, and businesses, encouraging more people to notice nature close to home and take practical action to help wildlife.</p>



<p>In total, the project will engage dozens of community groups and local businesses, will support hundreds of volunteers, and will improve around 30 places and spaces on the Ouse Burn Way. Beyond visible environmental gains, Wildlife Ways will improve wellbeing, increase physical activity, and build stronger connections between people and nature.</p>



<p>Importantly, the project will leave a powerful legacy. Communities will be better equipped and more confident to continue caring for their local environments, environmental data will continue to inform future decision-making, and momentum will be built to influence planning, access, and long-term protection of the Ouse Burn Way.</p>



<p>To find out more about Wildlife Ways, please email Ellie Davison at UrbanNaturalist@newcastle.ac.uk</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Could you be our new Ouse Burn Ecologist?</h2>



<p>Would you love a job where every day is focused on expanding your wildlife knowledge and inspiring people to notice, enjoy and care for wildlife along the Ouse Burn in Newcastle? If the answer is &#8216;yes&#8217;, we would love to hear from you.</p>



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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled-Design.png" alt="" class="wp-image-73007" srcset="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled-Design.png 1280w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled-Design-768x432.png 768w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled-Design-300x169.png 300w, https://www.nhsn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled-Design-600x338.png 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk/announcing-wildlife-ways/">Wildlife Ways: New Funding To Help Communities and Nature Thrive Together Along the Ouse Burn</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.nhsn.org.uk">Natural History Society of Northumbria</a>.</p>
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