History of Gosforth Nature Reserve
Established in 1924 by one man, William Edward Beck, Gosforth Nature Reserve is now 100 years old. To mark the reserve’s cemetery, North East Nature Archive Volunteer, Maureen Flisher, takes a look back over its history.
Gosforth Park Bird Sanctuary is Formed
William Edward Beck leases the shooting rights to Gosforth Park from landowner, the High Gosforth Park Company. This marks the beginning of the Gosforth Park Bird Sanctuary.
Laying the Foundations
Due to failing health Mr Beck persuades James Alaric Richardson and Mr Charles Edward Robson, friends and fellow members of NHSN, to take over the annual lease.
NHSN Takes the Reigns
NHSN formally takes on the annual lease.
Nature Trails for Children
Tony Tynan, former Curator of the ‘Hancock Museum’, introduces the concept of Nature Trails for children into the reserve – NHSN’s first formal educational partnership with local schools.
Early Wildlife Recording
The first substantial wooden hut is installed to serve as a headquarters for members visiting the sanctuary with a paper recording system introduced for collecting wildlife sightings.
A Change of Name
The reserve changes its name to the “more modern and comprehensive” Gosforth Park Nature Reserve.
First Reserve Open Day Takes Place
The first Gosforth Park Nature Reserve Open day takes place welcoming local people of all ages to enjoy the reserve free of charge.
NHSN Aquires Lake Lodge
NHSN Trustees approve the purchase of Lake Lodge, and the reserve is awarded the prestigious Countryside Award.
Reserve Warden Welcomed
Lake Lodge, now fully renovated, welcomes its first dedicated warden, Mr Howard.
Bird Hide Introduced
To mark the 50th anniversary of Gosforth Park Nature Reserve, NHSN fund work on a suitable base and approach path to support a covered hide in the reed beds.
Special Site of Scientific Interest
More than half the reserve is renotified by the Nature Conservancy Council as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its lake and extensive Phragmites reedbeds which support aquatic grassland and woodland invertebrate wildlife.
Bird Ringing Begins
“The Constant Effort Ringing Programme” part of the British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO) Integrated Population Monitoring Programme commences. By monitoring changes in bird populations and productivity year to year, comparing data from GNR and other Constant Effort ringing sites across the UK, BTO will assess the impact of habitat management on bird populations.
Sluice Gates Installed
Sluice gates are installed allowing the efficient method of controlling water levels in the reserve’s lake.
Lake Enlargement and Otters Arrive
English Nature award a grant of £20,000 to allow work to start on enlarging the lake and the first Otter is sighted on the lake.
De-silting Commences
De-silting work results in a new habitat being created in the centre of the lake – now an oasis for breeding birds.
Brilliant Beetles
Entomologist, Martin Luff, carries out the first comprehensive survey of beetle species at the reserve finding an amazing 221 species. The results are published in NHSN’s Northumbrian Naturalist journal.
Investing in People and Nature
A £100,000 Higher Level Stewardship grant from Natural England is awarded to improve habitat, restore historic features in the reserve and enable school visits.
Woodland Management
A new 10-year Woodland Management Plan supported by funding from DEFRA is put in place aiming to protect and restore the reserve’s wildlife.
A Rare Visitor
Gosforth Nature Reserve recieves its first visit from a rare Little Bittern, delighting crowds of birdwatchers.
A New Name
The reserve changes its name to Gosforth Nature Reserve. NHSN believe this more accurately reflects the true nature of the reserve as a haven for wildlife and not a recreation facility.
Field Studies Room Opens
The new Field Studies Room is opened allowing more school and community groups to attend, thanks to funding from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and NHSN Members.
A Vision for People and Nature
A new 10-year management plan is approved setting out a new vision for people and nature at Gosforth Nature Reserve.
Gosforth's Wild Web
NHSN’s Gosforth’s Wild Web project, a two year project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, launches to highlight the importance of wildlife corridors across the city.
Little Egrets Breed
NHSN Volunteers confirm that Little Egrets have successfully bred at the reserve for the first time.
Centenary of the Gosforth Nature Reserve
Gosforth Nature Reserve marks its 100th birthday with special events bringing together members, volunteers and partners who have helped the reserve over its long history.