Indoors and out, it has been a busy few weeks with dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to improve the site for people and nature.
Thanks to the donations of NHSN members and the support of local funders, the new Nature Learning Centre is finally beginning to take shape with doors added and new flooring laid throughout the building. Fully-plumbed toilets are a welcome addition too, ensuring future visitors of all ages have the necessary facilities to properly enjoy their visit.
Thanks to the generous support of NHSN member, Conrad Dickinson, and the kind donation of vinyl flooring and labour from local business, Karpet Mills, run by Conrad’s son, Joel, this vital part of the build is now complete and will be a welcome sight for visitors when the building opens this winter.
Outside of the new building, work continues on a new access ramp to ensure the centre is fully accessible to all visitors, with NHSN Conservation Task Lead, Christopher Wren, and other passionate volunteers working to ensure this vital aspect is ready in time for opening.
Finally, new fencing is being erected around the reserve entrance and boundary with Salter’s Lane. This will keep the site secure and wildlife safe, ensuring Gosforth Nature Reserve is protected long into the future.
The recent contributions of NHSN members, volunteers and supporters highlight just how much of a team effort Gosforth Nature Reserve is, with many people generously donating their time, expertise and materials to ensure this important project becomes a reality.
On behalf of all at NHSN, a huge ‘thank you’ to Conrad and Karpet Mills for their support with the build, and to each and every volunteer working on the project. Your contributions are making an incredible difference.
Clare Freeman, NHSN Director
Hard at work laying the new vinyl floor 
NHSN volunteer, Chris Wren, sanding the new floor
Elsewhere at the reserve, work continues to improve the site for nature too. Last Saturday, weekend conservation volunteering sessions resumed with local people giving their time to help with important habitat maintenance on site. Specifically, the removal of birch saplings to create space for the regeneration of native trees such as oak and Scots Pine. Our regular Wednesday volunteers, working with Reserve Ranger, Paul Drummond, and Conservation Task Lead, Chris Wren, have been busy too, further improving the woodland to make a lasting difference for biodiversity.
Volunteering sessions take place on the last Saturday of each month throughout the autumn and winter, with the next session taking place on Saturday 30 October. All are welcome to attend and gain experience in woodland management, reed clearance, tree planting and a range of other important tasks.
